News
Snowbird tutor jet headed to auction
Feb. 24, 2011, Toronto - For over 40 years the Canadian Snowbirds Demonstration Team have entertained millions of spectators as international ambassadors for Canada. Their aircraft of choice is the Canadian-built CT-114 Tutor Jet manufactured in the mid-sixties by Montreal-based Canadair as the CL-41.
February 24, 2011 By Carey Fredericks
These nimble twin-seat jet aircraft were designated the CT-114 Tutor by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and later unified Canadian Forces, and employed as their primary jet trainers. Adopted in 1971 by the Canadian Forces legendary Snowbirds Demonstration Team (431 Squadron) these aircraft continue to bring thrilling aerobatic performances to air shows across North America. With its high maneuverability and lightweight design, the classic CT-114 Tutor is ideally suited to the formation and aerobatic roles of the world famous Snowbirds team.
One of these aircraft (#CT-114-100) will be offered at public auction for the first time along with hundreds of quality collector cars and vehicles at the annual Classic Car Auction of Toronto, April 8-10 held at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada adjacent to Pearson International Airport.
Badged originally as Snowbird #10, this fully documented aircraft was flown by the team in the 1990s and retains its original cockpit instruments, controls and ejection seats. Total airframe time is 8,847 hours. It was originally powered by a GE J85-CAN-40 axial flow jet engine which has since been removed after being retired from service. An extensive collection of documentation including Snowbirds log books, flight times, complete maintenance and service records will accompany this sale.
Arrangements can be made upon request for telephone bidding and to pre-inspect the aircraft (presently located near Toronto, Ontario) prior to the auction. Following the sale, the aircraft can be disassembled and prepared for shipping worldwide, at additional cost.
We hope to interest you in sharing this news with your readers and can supply photography and information from the seller as required. This particular jet is one of only four known CT-114s under private ownership and represents a rare opportunity to acquire an important milestone of Canadian aviation history. Additional photography, video and audio of the Snowbirds team in action is available on the official Canadian Forces website at: http://www.snowbirds.forces.gc.ca/v2/index-eng.asp
