Airshow YQG has been grounded, two weeks before it was set to take flight.
The revived airshow was supposed to take place on the grounds of Windsor International Airport May 27-28, 2017.
Race director Paul McCann delivered the news today after the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Snowbirds notified organizers they were pulling out.
"Everyone associated with the airshow is devastated, we're very disappointed," said McCann.
The Snowbirds got a late start on training -- and lost some practice time due to poor weather.
"We have decided to undertake additional practices and training in Moosejaw, Sasketchewan," said Lt. Michele Tremblay, the public information officer for the Snowbirds.
Tremblay says the team's lead determined additional training was required to address deviations from position in formation during recent shows.
"Before it starts to become dangerous and catastrophic, our team lead... has decided you know what, we're going to go back and continue our practice so we are professional and always safe," said Tremblay on the phone as the team traveled back to its base.
The snowbirds also cancelled other commitments in May and plan to resume airshows in June.
All events associated with the airshow have been canceled. McCann says the decision was not taken lightly -- noting organizers looked at a number of factors.
“Although we had a lot to see and do both on the ground and in the air, we felt that to lose a world-class demonstration team like the snowbirds was going to be too much of a financial impact for us to continue," he said.
Though disappointed -- organizers understand safety of both the pilots and the public is priority number one.
"We understand the decision they've made, and we do support that, safety is paramount.”
McCann says once the dust settles, the committee will look at planning a future show, either in 2018 or 2019.
Advance ticket holders will receive a full refund and officials say they look forward to bringing future airshows and aviation events to the community.
