Last night, a group of B.C. pilots took to Metro Vancouver skies to pay tribute to the victim of a deadly Snowbird plane crash in Kamloops, and locals captured the aerial display in photos and videos.
Dubbed "Operation Backup Inspiration," a nod to the Snowbirds event which was called Operation Inspiration, 35 pilots departed from Abbotsford Airport, flying over Metro Vancouver.
The event had strict rules, such as no formation flying, to ensure safety during the memorial.
The B.C. General Aviation Association, which was running the event, said the memorial aimed to "pick up where the Snowbirds left off."
Captain Jenn Casey, a public affairs officer with the Canadian Forces, died in the incident in Kamloops on Sunday.
Have a look at some of the best photos and videos that Metro Vancouverites have shared on social media.
A small portion of the #OperationBackupInspiration flyover by the BC General Aviation Association across Maple Ridge, B.C in honour of CF Snowbird Capt. Jenn Casey pic.twitter.com/L2XWSQiD0O
— Melissa Wing (@Melissa_Wing) May 19, 2020
In memory of Jennifer Casey who died tragically yesterday in a plane crash during the Canadian Snowbirds OP Inspiration. The low flyover around Metro Vancouver on May 18th, 2020. 🇨🇦 #ShareYourWeather @weathernetwork @spann pic.twitter.com/3ZfPfTqhF6
— Brad Atchison (@Brad604) May 19, 2020
Flyover in Vancouver. #snowbirds #JennCasey pic.twitter.com/K91zKwKmlx
— Andréa Coutu (@andrea_coutu) May 19, 2020
Flyover has reached downtown Vancouver - in memory of Snowbirds captain Jenn Casey pic.twitter.com/RbcrzrqnvD
— Jen St. Denis (@JenStDen) May 19, 2020
The #flyover honouring fallen Snowbird happening right now over Kits pic.twitter.com/3Zh6re0h9e
— Ken Biffi (@KenVWFC) May 19, 2020
Happening Now: Pitt Meadows skies are roaring! #Snowbird #pittmeadows #flyover pic.twitter.com/r0pLiaS3re
— PerfectDayToPlay BLOG (@PerfectDay2Play) May 19, 2020
Some photos of "Operation Backup Inspiration" honouring Capt. Casey and the Snowbirds taken from Burnaby. Part 2.
— Creativescans (@ztravica) May 19, 2020
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.#OperationBackupInspiration @CFSnowbirds #RIPCaptCasey #avgeek #yvr #yxx #burnaby365 #photos604 pic.twitter.com/01JtxrgLpb
Really nice tribute to the #snowbirds last night. This was over our home in #NorthVancouver. Approximately 35 planes flew over Metro Vancouver in a single line. #OperationBackupInspiration #vancouver #vancity pic.twitter.com/bTltWatOnH
— Cam & Nicole (@travelcanucks) May 19, 2020
Tribute to the Snowbird pilot 💔🛩 #OperationBackupInspiration #northvancouver pic.twitter.com/NNyN1c61Mi
— Anna Boltenko (@annaboltenko) May 19, 2020




- With files from the Canadian Press.