Corporal Francis Hamel

Corporal Franis Hamel

Aviation Technician, Canadian Forces Snowbirds

Corporal Francis Hamel is from Quebec City, Quebec. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2018 as an Aviation Systems Technician. Upon completion of his Basic Military Qualification, Cpl Hamel received the Canadian Legion of Honor Comradeship award. He next attended the Canadian Armed Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering at Canadian Forces Base Borden, Ontario, to complete his trade training. After graduating, Cpl Hamel was chosen to be part of 431 Snowbirds Air Demonstration Squadron at 15 Wing Moose Jaw. Cpl Hamel and his family embarked on this adventure with no hesitation, even though they could not speak English at the time. Prior to joining the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Cpl Hamel acquired a great deal of expertise in several fields. Cpl Hamel was the owner-operator of a seasonal business for 11 years, spending the winter months working at a civilian aviation company where he learned the trade of engine technician on Rolls Royce type Avon 207 Turbines of the Hawker Hunter aircraft. This is what triggered his joining the CAF at age 38 to fulfill his dream of working in aeronautics. Cpl Hamel takes great pride in his work and was granted the 15 Wing non-commissioned member of the year award in 2022.

Cpl Hamel first joined the Snowbirds team during the 2022 show season as Force Generator. This season, Cpl Hamel will be accompanying the team in the capacity of Aviation Technician Technician and paired with the 4 Jet.

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