Snowbird 8A – Aviation Lead Technician, Canadian Forces Snowbirds
Master Corporal Justin Shantidatt was born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario. He had his first taste of flight at only 3 weeks old, when his parents took him on a helicopter tour over Niagara Falls.
At age 12, MCpl Shantidatt joined the Royal Canadian Air Cadets as a member of 845 Avro Arrow Squadron. He solidified his interest in aviation after completing an aircraft maintenance summer course in North Bay, Ontario.
In 2013, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force as an Aviation Systems Technician. After finishing his trade training, MCpl Shantidatt was posted to 431 Air Demonstration Squadron in March 2015 where he completed his apprenticeship in May 2016. He has since been employed as an instructor to the apprentices newly posted to 431 Sqn. Aside from his duties with the Snowbirds team, he has also been part of the periodic maintenance line at 8 Wing Trenton.
MCpl Shantidatt has deployed with the show team in 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2023, and will hold the position of Deputy Crew Chief for the 2024 season.
