Captain Maryse Carmichael, a Challenger pilot with 412 Squadron in Ottawa has been selected as one of the Snowbirds newest pilots and the first woman ever to perform on Canada's National Aerobatic Team. We didn't select her because she is a female, we selected her because she is the best pilot for the job. Carmichael, was one of three pilots to try out for two positions on the team. Prerequisites for trying out included a minimum of 1000 hours jet time as well as being a volunteer.
Snowbird tryouts are extremely demanding.
Close formation and low level solo aerobatics. According to Cook the training is both physically and emotionally challenging. The emotional challenge is in the form of self-imposed pressure to fulfill ones dream of being a Snowbird. Carmichael has been assigned the position of number 3 Pilot, Inner Left Wing. She has already commenced training for the 2001 show season and will continue to fly three times a day five days a week until the season commences next April.