Maryse Carmichael was born in Québec City in 1971. The youngest of four children, she couldn’t help but look up to her older siblings.

“… I thought, if he can do it, I’m pretty sure I can.”

Her three older brothers were all air cadets. One of them even went on to serve in the Royal Canadian Air Force. She followed in their footsteps and spent seven years as part of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets where she practiced flying gliders. From there, a pilot was born, and she received her private pilot’s license at 17. “It wasn’t as daunting,” she says “I thought, if he can do it, I’m pretty sure I can.”

In 1990, she joined the Canadian Armed Forces and finished her flight training in 1994. She spent time serving at CFB Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan and later CFB Greenwood in Nova Scotia, as part of 434 Combat Support Squadron.

“It was a dream come true.”

In 2000, Carmichael became the first woman to join the Snowbirds as a pilot. After a few weeks of testing, both flying solo and in formation, she was told she had made the team.

That little girl who dared to dream big was beaming.

“It was a dream come true,” she says “I first saw them when I was six or seven, at the Bagotville Air Show, which must have planted a seed.”

As a Snowbird, she spent half the year on the road, touring and participating in events like air shows, and the other half training near Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. She fondly remembers flying over Parliament Hill to celebrate Canada Day.

“It was an honour for me to represent Canada at these events, both at home and overseas,” she says, “Some of my best memories are from my time as a Canadian military pilot and representing Canada.”

After finishing her time as a pilot with the Snowbirds she served at CFB Bagotville in Québec, before moving to 436 (Transport) Squadron, where she flew the C-130 Hercules from 2007 to 2009. In 2010, Carmichael was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.

This was followed by another first.

Carmichael became the first woman Commanding Officer of 431 (Air Demonstration) Squadron—the Snowbirds.

She was responsible for 20 jets and roughly 90 personnel. After two years as a pilot and three years as commanding officer, she spent a remarkable five years with Canada’s demonstration team.

“If I had to summarize my time as a snowbird, it’s teamwork and trust: this is what it’s really all about, it was a proud moment for me to return to the squadron operationally.”

“I’m so proud of what we’ve done as the RCAF. From the early days, through World War II, we’ve continued to push the envelope.”

She retired from the Canadian Armed Forces after 22 years of service, having logged more than 3,500 hours of flying time.

The year 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. A time to look back on a history filled with many firsts and many trailblazers. Maryse Carmichael is one of them.

“I’m so proud of what we’ve done as the RCAF. From the early days, through World War II, we’ve continued to push the envelope,” says Carmichael. “I think of the road we have all evolved on.”

Following her time in the Canadian Armed Forces, she was named Honourary President of the Air Cadet League of Canada. She is also passionate about commemoration. During Veterans’ Week 2024, she has been involved in activities to educate and engage youth. She attended an event organized by Veterans Affairs Canada to talk to Canadian students about her experiences as a trailblazer serving in the military.

“It’s an important time of the year, where we reflect on our past, the people we served with,” she says. “I’m happy to participate in these events with other Veterans, and have [youth] see our experiences through our eyes, it’s all about learning and understanding.”

“My main message is about serving our community, our city and our country, and defending what we believe in.” This November, and on Remembrance Day, she will be thinking about all the pilots who have lost their lives serving, including members of the Snowbirds.

Maryse Carmichael was inducted in the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame in 2022.

With courage, integrity and loyalty, Maryse Carmichael has left her mark. She is one of our Canadian Veterans. Discover more stories.