Corporal Michael Miskie

Snowbird 6A, Aircraft Structures Technician

Corporal (Cpl) Michael Miskie was born in Barrie, Ontario, at the Royal Victoria Hospital. Raised with a strong emphasis on family, he remained in Barrie until 2012, when he relocated to pursue post-secondary education at the University of the Fraser Valley in preparation for his future trade within the Canadian Armed Forces. Prior to his enrolment, he gained valuable civilian work experience with a local lawn maintenance company and a printing press in Barrie.

Cpl Miskie applied to the Canadian Armed Forces with three trades of interest: Vehicle Technician, Aircraft Structures Technician, and Aviation Systems Technician. He was sworn in during July 2016 and subsequently attended Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec.

While completing his trade training, Cpl Miskie was temporarily tasked to 8 Wing Trenton on two occasions. His first temporary duty assignment was with 429 Squadron and his second was in the Hercules Propeller Shop. His meticulous attention to detail, particularly during propeller hub cleaning, contributed to improved maintenance turnaround times. He was later temporarily posted to 417 Squadron in Cold Lake, where he gained experience on the CH‑146 Griffon helicopter, including de-icing operations, ramp safety, and supporting the squadron’s secondary duty of transient aircraft servicing.

Cpl Miskie completed his trade training in July 2018 and was posted to 431 Air Demonstration Squadron. There, he completed his remaining qualifications and earned his Level A authority in early 2019. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal in March 2020.

Since that time, Cpl Miskie has continued to advance his professional development by obtaining all trade-specific qualifications and expanding his expertise in Aircrew Life Support Equipment and aircraft safety systems. He has leveraged this knowledge to train colleagues, demonstrating a clear understanding that work in safety systems demands exceptional attention to detail and accountability.

This marks Cpl Miskie’s second year to deploy with the Snowbirds.