National Defence
Symbol of the Government of Canada

Common menu bar

Aircraft: CT-114 Tutor

The Snowbirds are a Canadian national icon, a symbol of pride and unity for all Canadians.

The Snowbirds have flown the CT-114 Tutor jet since 1971. The aircraft was designed and built in Canada and was used by the Canadian Forces as its basic pilot training aircraft until 2000.

The jets are painted in a distinctive red and white paint scheme symbolic of Canada's national flag. As members of the nation's military, the Snowbirds are proud to fly Canada's colours across North America.

The Snowbirds are very confident flying the Tutor. It is safe and performs extremely well as a demonstration aircraft.

There is a team, based in Ottawa at air force headquarters, looking at options to best support the Snowbirds in the future. At this time however, the Snowbirds can expect to fly the Tutor for the next several years.

CT-114 Tutor Information

High resolution image: CT-114 Tutor Bottom view
Enlarge Bottom View
High resolution image: CT-114 Tutor
Enlarge Top View

The Snowbirds fly the Canadair CT-114 Tutor, a Canadian built jet used by the Canadian Forces as its basic pilot training aircraft until 2000. The Tutor weighs approximately 7170 lbs (3260 kgs) and is powered by a J-85 engine producing 2,700 pounds of thrust. Top speed of the aircraft, with smoke tanks attached, is 412 knots (470 mph or 750 km/h).

The basic Tutor is only slightly modified for use by the Snowbirds. Modifications include: a smoke generating system, a unique paint scheme for added crowd appeal, and a highly tuned engine to enhance engine response in low level flying.

With its high manoeuverability and relatively slow speed, the Tutor is ideally suited to the formation and aerobatic roles of the Snowbirds.

High resolution image: CT-114 cockpit
Enlarge Cockpit
High resolution image: CT-114 front view
Enlarge Front View
High resolution image: CT-114 side view
Enlarge Side View

FACTS AND FIGURES: CT-114 TUTOR
Length 9.75 m
Wingspan 11.12 m
Height 2.82 m
Basic Weight 2209 kg
A.U.W. 3380 kg
Fuel Tank 1173 Litres (2,012 lb)
310 U.S. gals
Engine General Electric J85-CAN-40 Axial Flow Turbo Jet
2,700 lbs static thrust at sea level.