During aerobatic routines such as cross-overs, the Snowbirds often pass within 10 meters of each other. Mott and the other pilots make the routine easy. But these eight men and one woman are the cream of the Canadian Air Force. Every Snowbird pilot is a volunteer, with a minimum of 1,300 hours military jet experience. Applicants come from every flying job in the Canadian Air Force, but only six are selected to compete each year for three open slots.
Pilots usually serve a maximum of three years.
Snowbirds are selected based on their flying skills and their personality. A big part of the job, after all, is dealing with the public. But most importantly, they must be team players. That same motivation is true for Capt. Maryse Carmichael, the first female pilot in the Snowbirds' 31-year history.