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| Wednesday, February 13, 2008 |
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Snowbirds Announce New Team Coordinator
By FlyingNews @ 9:29 PM :: 653 Views ::
0 Comments :: Aerobatics
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Captain Eric Willrich, 32, from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, was appointed as Snowbird 11, Team Coordinator, for the 2009, 2010 and 2011 show seasons, Monday, February 4 at 15 Wing, Moose Jaw after a thorough selection process.
"Captain Willrich has proven that he has the interpersonal, organizational and flying skills required to excel in this important position on our team," said Major Robert Mitchell, Commanding Officer, Canadian Forces Snowbirds. "His wealth of operational experience and exceptional organizational skills will be an asset to our team."
Upon graduation from Campbell Collegiate, Regina, Sask., Captain Willrich joined the Canadian Forces in 1994, serving with HMCS Queen as a Ship's Diver and Engineer in the Naval Reserves, while taking Environmental Systems Engineering at the University of Regina.
"I am ecstatic to be a part of such a great team - this is truly a childhood dream come true," said Captain Willrich, who vividly recalls watching the Snowbirds as a youngster perform at the Moose Jaw and Saskatoon air shows. "I am looking forward to the exciting flying and, most importantly, to working with air show organizers to facilitate our team's visits."
Captain Willrich's career highlights include sailing with HMCS Kootenay on a 6-month deployment, deploying to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Haiti as a helicopter pilot with 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, and, most recently, working as an instructor pilot as part of the NATO Flying Training in Canada Program.
Captain Willrich earned his pilot's wings in 2001 and since then has garnered more than 2,100 flying hours on five different aircraft types. Captain Willrich, who has 100 hours flying hours on the CT-114 Tutor, will begin a training program for the Snowbird 11 position this June and expects to officially join the team on the road this July.
During the 2008 Season, the Snowbirds are scheduled to perform in about 65 air shows in 40 locations across North America, as proud ambassadors of the Canadian Forces and Canada.
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