The Snowbirds adopt the CT-114 Tutor

In 1971, at Canadian Forces Base Moose Jaw (Saskatchewan), its commander O. B. Philp assembled an unofficial formation of seven white-painted CT-114 Tutor jets, flown by experienced instructors who volunteered from two Canadian Forces flying schools. It was the origin of the Snowbirds.

Philp was convinced that Canadians wanted a permanent military aerobatic team. The formation debuted on 11 July 1971 at the Homecoming air festival in Moose Jaw, and its name came from a contest among local elementary school students. At first, the seven aircraft only performed non-aerobatic maneuvers; the following year two solo pilots were added for head-on passes.

In September 1977 the team was officially designated the Canadian Forces Air Demonstration Team, and on 1 April 1978 it was granted squadron status as 431 Air Demonstration Squadron. The Snowbirds still fly the Canadair CT-114 Tutor, although the air force retired it as a basic jet trainer in late 1999, after 35 years.