ICAS - International Council of Air Shows

08/19/2026

Keep the Snowbirds Flying and Inspiring!

Dear Friends of the Snowbirds:

The Snowbirds Alumni Association would like to sincerely thank the thousands of you who have written to the Prime Minister, Minister of National Defence or your local politicians in support of our campaign to keep the Snowbirds flying beyond the 2026 airshow season. We are receiving support from right across Canada as well as internationally, as the Snowbirds continue to thrill hundreds of thousands of Canadians with their world-class demonstration of precision formation aerobatics. Many shows are enjoying record attendance.

While we believe that upwards of 30,000 emails and postcards have been delivered, we have no way of quantifying with any certainty what the actual numbers are. To that end, we are starting a petition using a platform which will allow us to quantify to our government leaders the strong support we have across the nation.

As experts on the inner workings of the Snowbirds, we continue to solicit your support for three important reasons:

1. As Canada's aerial ambassadors, the Snowbirds inspire millions of Canadians every year, motivating the youth of our nation to pursue their dreams, whatever they may be. In an era of political upheaval and discontent, the Snowbirds are more important than ever as symbols of Canadian pride and patriotism for the world to see. No one flies the Canadian Flag more proudly or to more locations in Canada than the Snowbirds.

2. Given the core expertise required to train new Snowbird pilots, any extended pause to Snowbird operations makes the challenge of starting a new team from scratch very daunting. Hence, our "No Pause, Keep the Snowbirds Flying and Inspiring" campaign logo.

3. The Snowbird fleet of Tutors with their new cockpits are being meticulously monitored and maintained and are perfectly capable of continuing as the mount of the Snowbirds through the end of the 2030 season as originally planned. We are recommending a reduced seven-plane show starting in 2027 to ensure the longevity of the fleet and allow for a seamless transition to a new aircraft circa 2031.

Thank you for your ongoing support. Please sign this petition to help us convince the Government to keep the Snowbirds flying. We need strength in numbers - please forward this link to friends, family and work colleagues across Canada.

Link to petition:
https://www.change.org/Snowbirds_Alumni_Association

07/11/2026

TOWN HALL AND AVIATION PROGRESS

ICAS and the air show industry were well represented this morning at the 2026 General Aviation Town Hall hosted by Congressman Sam Graves, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, prior to the Wingnuts Flying Circus Air Show in Tarkio, Missouri.

The discussion focused on the future of general aviation and the importance of policies that support the continued growth of aviation across the country. ICAS appreciates the opportunity to participate in these important conversations and to help ensure the interests of the air show community are represented.

07/04/2026

Happy 4th of July!

Today we celebrate the freedoms that make America extraordinary. Have a safe holiday, and we’ll see you at an air show this season! 🇺🇸✈️

07/02/2026

Happy Canada Day!

OTTAWA, ARE YOU READY?

Today we transit from Summerside to our nation’s capital, and we’re carrying a piece of the Maritimes with us: the hospitality, the warmth, the spirit that makes the East Coast feel like home.

This Canada Day, as our nation marks 159 years of Confederation, we’re taking to the skies to honour the True North, strong and free. Join us July 1st as we roar over the Canada Day noon show at LeBreton Flats around 1:03 PM then look up again at 4 PM as we sweep above Parliament Hill in a proud, non-aerobatic display.

For us, this is more than a flight. As members of the Canadian Armed Forces, there’s no greater honour than celebrating this country alongside the Canadians we proudly serve.

See you in the skies on July 1st! 🇨🇦

Photo Credit: Patrick Cardinal

Royal Canadian Air Force Canadian Heritage National Capital Commission Canadian Armed Forces Ottawa Tourism

06/30/2026

The Air Force Thunderbirds are already in the celebration spirit!

But kinda sorta maybe also getting ready for the 2026 ICAS Convention... 😉

06/19/2026

NO PAUSE - KEEP THE SNOWBIRDS FLYING AND INSPIRING

For generations, the Snowbirds have inspired Canadians from coast to coast.

A planned pause after 2026 could silence one of Canada's most recognizable national symbols for years.

Contact your Member of Parliament and tell them: No Pause. Keep the Snowbirds Flying and Inspiring.

06/09/2026

POSITIVE VIBES

We love it when air shows become a family tradition!

National Warplane Museum - Geneseo Airshow

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we remember and honor all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country.

"Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it."
– Unknown

🎥: The United States Air Force Band

05/08/2026

SUPPORTING RANDY BALL

We’re keeping RANDY W. BALL in our thoughts following his surgery yesterday and wish him a smooth and steady recovery.

Randy has been a dedicated ICAS member for decades, and the strength of the air show community is on full display as we rally around him and his family.

We wish him all the best in his recovery and look forward to seeing him back where he belongs.

Randy Ball Temporarily Steps Back Following Successful Surgery

The airshow community’s own Randy W. Ball—widely recognized as North America’s premier jet demonstration pilot—has recently undergone successful surgery for the removal of a benign brain tumor, discovered after he returned from his 4th 2026 airshow this spring at Holloman AFB NM.

The procedure was completed without complication, and Randy is now focused on recovery. With a excellent prognosis, he will be working on the FIGHTERJETS INC team including new additions, including the Collins Foundation, Vietnam War Flight Museum, and the Lonestar jet team, and of course complaining about the time it takes him to heal.

For more than 36 years, Randy has been a defining figure in the airshow industry. With close to 1,900 performances to date and experience flying more than 45 aircraft types from nine different countries, his career has been marked by precision, professionalism, and a relentless commitment to safety and excellence. From high-energy MiG-17 demonstrations to historic warbird storytelling, Randy has dedicated his life to bringing aviation history to life for audiences across North America.

Even though Randy has performed more demonstrations in a jet fighter than any pilot in North America history, he insist that he’s not through and can’t wait to “strap on a jet”, light the Afterburner and pull G’s at a airshow!!
During Randy’s recovery, the FIGHTERJETS INC team he founded—pilots, crew, and support staff—will continue to deliver the same high standard of performance the industry has come to expect at the shows we are supporting. The organization remains fully operational and committed to supporting airshow partners, military events, and communities nationwide.

“Like any great airshow team, we take care of our own,” the team shared. “Randy remains actively involved behind the scenes, and his leadership continues to guide everything we do.”

From Tina Ball: “Randy has given his life to aviation and to this community for more than three decades. Watching him now, I see that same strength, discipline, and faith carrying him through recovery. We are incredibly grateful the tumor was benign and that his path forward is so positive. The outpouring of support from the airshow community and fan around the world has meant more than words can express—this truly is a family. We have complete faith he’ll be back, and until then, we’ll continue to carry the mission forward together.”

Beyond the flight line, Randy’s greatest priority is his family. As he focuses on healing, the support from the airshow community has been both overwhelming and deeply appreciated.
The ICAS community has long been more than a professional network—it is a family. That spirit is especially evident now, as friends, fellow performers, organizers, and fans rally around Randy and his loved ones.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the continued prayers, encouragement, and support during this time. Randy’s strength, resilience, and faith remain unwavering, and we look forward to the day he returns to the skies.

Until then, the mission continues.

Special thanks to the team at UT Athens ER and at UT Tyler, Dr. Mark Renfro and the Neuro ICU team!