The Snowbirds have landed at Southport airport.

The pilots and crew of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 431 Squadron flew in Thursday afternoon in preparation for a brief show on Friday.

The public will get a chance to see the Snowbirds conduct a practice starting at 1:30 p.m. sharp. People wanting to see the show are advised to arrive early. There is no admission and free parking for this event.

Part of the squadron’s purpose in stopping at Southport at the start of its first leg of flight shows and events this summer is to visit 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School, said Snowbirds public affairs officer Capt. Thomas Edelson Thursday. Some of the pilots who fly with the Snowbirds now were once trained at 3CFFTS. The entire squadron is currently based at CFB Moose Jaw.

Five students from the introductory flight training program will be given the chance to sit in the student seat of the Snowbirds’ Tutor CT-114 aircraft during the air show. Lt.-Col. Peter Fedak of 3CFFTS said his staff have chosen five promising future pilots to have that honour.

This free admission and free-parking event will run from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

The Snowbirds Demonstration Team (431 Squadron) is comprised of serving members of the Canadian Forces. Their pilots and technicians work as a team to bring thrilling performances to flight enthusiasts across North America.

The squadron’s theme for 2013 is ‘The Pursuit of Excellence’ to mark not only the 70th anniversary of its founding as a bomber squadron during World War II but also the 50th anniversary of flying the Canadian made CT-114 Tutor aircraft.

The public is asked not to bring coolers or pets and is advised that security will be on site and bags may be subject to search.

For more information please visit www.southport.ca or www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/snowbirds.

Twitter@TheDailyGraphic