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Capt. Hindle recently joined the CF Snowbirds, having been a
member of the Canadian Armed Forces since 2005. His stop at
Southport was part of his “first trip around the country in the Tutor.”
While airports are normally used only for aircraft, the
runways at the Southport Airport will soon be filled with The CT-114 Tutor is the distinctive
aviation fans and families alike. The cause? aircraft flown by the CF Snowbirds.
The aircraft was historically used
in the mid-1960’s as a primary
THE 2018 MANITOBA AIRSHOW training aircraft for the RCAF,
including at CFB Portage la
Prairie (presently Southport.)
The eagerly awaited two-day event takes place on July The Tutor was also the aircraft
7-8 and is expected to draw in a crowd in the tens of of choice for Canada’s Golden Captain Robbie Hindle
thousands. Centennaires, the aerobatic flying team that was
created in 1967 to celebrate Canada’s centennial.
Southport and KF Aerospace are partnering to host
the event. Both Southport and KF Aerospace have The Golden Centennaires, (who called CFB Portage
experience hosting large events and plan to make the la Prairie home) were the ancestors of today’s CF
2018 Manitoba Airshow a success! Snowbirds. The planes flown by the CF Snowbirds
have a few differences from the training Tutor,
The aerial schedule is the same for both days and including the addition of show features and an
features a full line up of exciting performances. Guests engine that can handle aerobatic flying.
won’t be able to pick a favourite from the high-powered
and aerobatics acts. The Canadian Forces (CF) The 2018 theme for the CF Snowbirds is “a tradition
Snowbirds, a perpetual crowd favourite and Canadian of military aviation excellence.” Capt. Hindle explains
icon, are ready to thrill the crowds with their incredible that this is their 48th year of performing for the Click here to view a full list
performance. The rest of the schedule is jam-packed Canadian public at air shows and other events of acts at mbairshow.ca
with military and civilian performers. all across North America. “[We’re] bringing HOMETOWN:
Midland, Ontario
JOINED THE CF SNOWBIRDS:
In addition to the awesome routine you’re going to get FLYING EXPERIENCE:
2018
to see, with the looping nine-plane manoeuvres and the 1,700 Hours
solo crosses, we actually have five new team members. POSITION:
Snowbird 11 - Advance and Safety Pilot

Static displays, live music, a kids zone with an excitement and happiness to everyone through a very
opportunity for autographs and a chance to set the safe and exciting performance,” Capt. Hindle explains.
record for the most fries eaten in one day rounds out the Southport has a proud history in aviation and is currently
family-friendly experience. On-site services, including The theme of excellence can be easily seen in the home to military flight training with 3 Canadian Forces Flight Training
guest services, people mover shuttles and food preparation required for the CF Snowbirds’ show School (3CFFTS). Last year, Southport commemorated its 25th anniversary
vendors, ensure the experience will be enjoyable and season. In the 6 months of intensive training, and celebrated the legacy of military flight training.
unforgettable. For guests looking to take it to the next the pilots must learn over fifty different formations
level, VIP passes offer a luxury viewing experience. and manoeuvres that make up their repertoire. In addition to being part of the tradition, Capt. Hindle also mentions that his favourite part of being

Ahead of the upcoming event, two members of the The theme of military aviation excellence involved with the CF Snowbirds is the community aspect and being able to interact with people. “Big communities, small
communities ... getting to meet people coast to coast is really neat,” he explains.
CF Snowbirds visited Southport to perform a pre-event can also be seen at the host location
inspection ahead of the Manitoba Airshow. Captain for the Manitoba For the organizers of the Manitoba Airshow, community is also a big focus. “We’re excited to bring this special event to Southport
Black McNaughton and Captain Robbie Hindle Airshow. and inspire the community,” says Southport CEO Peggy May, Co-Chair of the Manitoba Airshow. “The Manitoba Airshow will
received a tour of the site and confirmed details with shine a spotlight on our local community and showcase everything we have to offer.” The economic impact of the event is also
the event committee. expected to be sizeable. In addition, the net profit from the event will be allocated to military charities and local community groups.

While on site, Capt. Hindle also gave a sneak peak For Capt. Hindle, seeing the CF Snowbirds perform was what inspired him to get involved. “Living in Moosejaw, I was a flight
of the routine for 2018 and highlighted some changes. instructor before. Seeing [the CF Snowbirds] perform day after day ... it ignites that little bit of a fire inside,” he recalls. As an Ontario
“In addition to the awesome routine you’re going to native, Capt. Hindle also remembers attending the Toronto International Airshow when he was young.
get to see, with the looping nine-plane manoeuvres
and the solo crosses, we actually have five new team His message to prospective attendees? “[It’s] very exciting, but it’s not just about the Snowbirds. There’s going to be ground static
members,” he explains. events, lots to do for kids, just to get exposed to aviation a little bit. It’s a really exciting event.”