SkyHawks Parachute Team

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The SkyHawks are the Canadian Forces Parachute Demonstration Team based at CFB Trenton. They are a sub-unit of the Canadian Forces Land Advanced Warfare Centre. The team consists of 10 permanent members and 9 temporary members from the Regular and Reserve Forces. They act as ambassadors for the Canadian Forces at special events, airshows and schools. They are easily recognizable because of their parachutes resembling the Canadian flag.

1 History
2 Team Members
3 See Also
4 Other Teams Worldwide
5 External links

[edit] History

The team was established in 1971, and has performed in more than 4,200 shows, performing for over 68 million spectators. Other than Canada and the United States, they've also made appearances around the world including Japan, France and Australia. The SkyHawks have demonstrated parachuting at a Rolling Stones concert in 2003, at the Juno Beach Opening Celebrations in Normandy, and at the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Holland. The team has conducted over 3,400 parachute descents in order to prepare for their 2006 season, which runs from March until October.

As the only Primary Reserve unit in the Canadian Forces with a parachute tasking, The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada has provided several of its members the oppportunity to join the team. Over the years augmentee demonstration parachutists have been drawn from all Commands of the Canadian Forces, representing a myriad of trades and officer classifications.

The SkyHawks team spends 5 weeks training in the clear, sunny skies of California. Members of the SkyHawks also provide instructor assistance for parachute training to members of the Canadian Forces at the CFLAWC. The team uses the CC-115 Buffalo aircraft as their primary jump platform.