Windsor airshow cancelled after Snowbirds pull out

The Windsor airshow, scheduled for later this month, has been cancelled after the popular Canadian Forces Snowbirds pulled out of the event.

Snowbird performers lost out on a significant amount of training time because of weather and felt more flying time was needed before doing any more performances, explained Michle Tremblay, public affairs officer for the Snowbirds.

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"While we had several well-executed shows early in the season, our team leadMaj. Patrick Gobeilhas determined that additional training is required at this time," she said. "Weather hampered our training time and resulted in numerous cancellation of practices."

Windsor airshow officials were disappointed by the change in plan, but safety is far more important, explained PaulMcCann,AirshowYQG director.

"We understand the decision," he said. "Safety is paramount. When these things happen although they'redisappointingwe understand and we support the decision and believe it's the right one to make."

Aside from the Windsor airshow, which was set for May 27-28 at the Windsor International Airport, the Snowbirds have withdrawn from other airshows as well.

Because the Snowbirds are such a popular feature of the show, organizers realized it would be best to cancel the show and start looking at plans for next year.

"Military performers, and particularly the demonstration teams like the Snowbirds,are the main draws of a show," McCann said. "When they're not able to participate the financial impact is significant."