The Pilot Project Podcast

Retired Lieutenant-Colonel Maryse Carmichael returns to discuss the Snowbirds, the retirement of the CT-114 Tutor, and the future of one of Canada’s most recognizable aviation teams.
In Part 2 of this conversation, Maryse explains what Canadians do not see behind a Snowbirds performance, from months of training and preparation to the trust, discipline, teamwork, and safety culture required to fly nine aircraft in close formation. She also shares powerful stories about the team’s impact, including how one airshow inspired a future Snowbirds pilot.
Drawing on her experience as both a Snowbirds pilot and former Commanding Officer, she reflects on what the team means to Canada and what she hopes the next generation of Snowbirds pilots will inherit.
CONTINUE THE FLIGHT
Snowbirds: The Pause Part 1: Flying the CT-114 Tutor and Becoming the First Female Jet Demonstration Pilot - Maryse Carmichael
https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes/snowbirds-the-pause-part-1-maryse-carmichael
Maryse also references our discussion with Jamie Speiser-Blanchet. Check out Command: The Future Force: Building a Fifth Generation Air Force - Jamie Speiser-Blanchet for a broader look at RCAF modernization, recruiting, readiness, and the future of Canadian military aviation.
https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes/command-the-future-force-jamie-speiser-blanchet
She also references the importance of preserving specialized aviation expertise, a theme we explored in Long Range Patrol: The P-8 SEEDCORN Part 1 and Long Range Patrol: The P-8 SEEDCORN Part 2.
https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes/long-range-patrol-the-poseidon-seedcorn-part-1-dylan-gilje-allan-and-matt-chretien
https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes/long-range-patrol-the-poseidon-seedcorn-part-2-dylan-gilje-allan-and-matt-chretien
MORE SNOWBIRDS EPISODES
https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/search?query=snowbirds
EXPLORE THE LOGBOOK
More stories from RCAF and mission aviation pilots
podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes

Before she commanded the Snowbirds, Maryse Carmichael was a young Air Cadet from Quebec City with a dream of becoming a military pilot. That dream would eventually make her the first woman to fly with the Snowbirds - and the first woman to fly with any jet aerobatic demonstration team in the world.
In Part 1, Maryse shares her journey through Air Cadets, flight training in Moose Jaw, instructional flying on the CT-114 Tutor, operational flying with 434 Squadron, VIP operations with 412 Squadron, and serving in Bagotville during the post-9/11 years. Along the way she discusses Exercise RV92, flying with her brother, supporting the Prime Minister, and the experiences that shaped her leadership philosophy.

Maryse also reflects on earning a position with the Snowbirds, learning precision formation aerobatics, flying formation inverted, and eventually returning to command 431 Air Demonstration Squadron. It is a story of perseverance, trust, leadership, and one of the most remarkable careers in Canadian military aviation.
CONTINUE THE FLIGHT
Maryse mentioned our interview with Jamie Speiser-Blanchet. Check it out:
https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes/command-the-future-force-jamie-speiser-blanchet
If you're interested in another Snowbirds perspective, check out our interview with Blake McNaughton:
https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes/snowbirds-the-unexpected-path-blake-mcnaughton
HEAR MORE SNOWBIRDS EPISODES
https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/search?query=snowbirds
EXPLORE THE LOGBOOK
More stories from RCAF and mission aviation pilots
https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes

In Part 3, Captain Troy Clarke discusses flight instruction, standards flying, STARS Air Ambulance operations, and his decision to return to the RCAF after leaving military service.

Captain Troy Clarke shares incredible stories from his time flying the CH-149 Cormorant with 103 Search and Rescue Squadron, including North Atlantic rescues, fatigue lessons, operational pressure, and the realities of SAR flying.

Captain Troy Clarke shares his unconventional path into aviation, from growing up in rural Newfoundland to navigating early flight training struggles, 9/11’s impact on the industry, and joining the RCAF.

After earning his wings on fast jets, a serious in-flight decompression incident forced him to rethink his career and ultimately transition to helicopters.
This episode is all about persistence, setbacks, and finding your path in aviation.