Page 35 - World Airshow News Autumn 2024

Major Handy leads the
Snowbirds through the
Big Diamond Roll during
the 2024 EAA AirVenture
in Oshkosh (photo by Jim
Froneberger).

WAN: If you could not do what you do now, what would you do? It’s a very “hands and feet” flying job which connects with my
BH: Despite getting a year older every October, I still identify personal passions for flying.
very much with my 22-year-old self. I have a long list of things The other best part is connecting with Canadians as an
I want to do when I grow up, but anything that involves travel ambassador of the Canadian Forces. Seeing what we do spark a
and exploring other parts of the world is always intriguing. I do love of flying in our fans means a lot to me and my fellow team
love the Canadian Rockies and dream of getting to know those members.
mountains with a home base in Revelstoke.
I was lucky to take a bit of a sabbatical after leaving the RCAF
at the 20-year mark in 2019, and my family and I lived aboard
and traveled on a small sailboat throughout the Bahamas, Cuba,
and Mexico. That was a real privilege and we’d like to revisit this
lifestyle. It’s just so rewarding and we met such good friends in
that environment.

WAN: What words of advice would you give to a youth if they
asked about becoming part of the RCAF/ARC?
BH: Decide on your goal and strive for it. If you want to be
a pilot or other officer occupation in the RCAF, there are many
paths to achieve this goal. Military colleges are an option, as is
direct entry for those with degrees from civilian universities.
There are also college entry plans for aviators that open from time
to time, not to mention various commissioning from the ranks
plans which are open to members of the military.
We are also always looking for technicians and support
personnel. If your passion or goal is fixing airplanes, then perhaps
the RCAF would be a good fit for you. Without our team of
technicians and support personnel, the flying would not happen.
Talk with current and former members of the RCAF, and the
recruiting staff, to get an understanding of the jobs and to help
find where you could fit in the RCAF. The recruiting website
(www.forces.ca) is a good starting point.
WAN: One final question, what is the best part about being a
Snowbird?
BH: For me, being a Snowbird pilot is the best, because our Major Brent Handy (photo courtesy of the Snowbirds).
job is to fly as well as we possibly can, and we all share that focus.

World Airshow News 35 Quarter 4, 2024