Snowbird #1 Brent Handy Leads With Mom and Dad Flying Close By
By Snowbird #1 parents Brian and Carolyn Handy, Sep 8, 2025
At the CIAS (Canadian International Air Show)in Toronto, on Friday August 29th, before the Snowbirds started their practice, they were joined by the Northern Stars Aeroteam for a unique photo flight with surprise guest passengers on board.
The Northern Stars Aeroteam invited Brian and Carolyn Handy to fly with them as a surprise for their son, Major Brent Handy who is the Team Lead (Snowbird #1) for RCAF Snowbirds.
Although Brent’s parents have flown with him in the past, it was their first time in formation with multiple planes. And it was an honour and privilege to fly with the iconic Snowbirds.
Major Handy had pursued solo performance aerobatic flying in his Pitts Special biplane at numerous Airshows across Canada and U.S., prior to forming the Northern Stars Aeroteam when he was joined by Todd Farrell in 2018 and later Greg Hume-Powell.
During his tenure with the Snowbirds (2024 and 2025) a friend and experienced aerobatic pilot, Mario Hamel replaced Brent on the team, and is now a permanent member of that team.
Although the arrangement to have the Snowbirds and the Northern Stars fly together over Toronto waterfront was approved by Canadian Forces, Brent was initially unaware his parents would be joining them.
At a flight briefing prior to their departure, it became apparent to Brent that something was happening. The Northern Stars Aeroteam were in a briefing room at Billy Bishop Toronto Island Airport, and Major Handy was in a briefing room at Pearson Airport in order to conduct the audio/video exercise.
During the discussions, Brent noticed his parents sitting in the room with the pilots and photographers. He interrupted their technical discussions and asked “Is that my dad at the end of the table?” Everyone had a good laugh. The cat was out of the bag.
Both Brian and Carolyn enjoyed the flight as they watched their son lead the Snowbirds across their flight path, sometimes under, sometimes overhead or beside them as they banked over Toronto waterfront and skyline.
It was a thrill of a lifetime and they would like to thank the pilots who made this happen (thanks Mario) and the photographers who captured this event.