Canada has selected the Pilatus PC-21 as the future replacement for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CT-114 Tutor aircraft used by the Snowbirds demonstration team, according to the information provided. The decision points to the end of an era for the Tutor, which has served as Canada’s jet trainer for decades and remains the aircraft flown by the Snowbirds at public events across North America.
The CT-114 Tutor entered RCAF service in the 1960s and was the primary jet trainer until 2000. The Snowbirds use modified Tutors for low-level aerobatic flying, with changes made for show features and performance. Canada’s current Tutor fleet is based at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and the aircraft has long been associated with pilot training and air demonstration duties.
Sources indicate the Snowbirds fleet will be retired after the 2026 season. The move to the PC-21 would replace an aircraft that has been part of Canadian military aviation for more than half a century, while preserving the training and demonstration role that has defined the squadron.