BIOGRAPHY - 2001 CF-18 Hornet Demonstration Pilot
Captain Gary "Fingers" Schwindt

Captain Gary Schwindt was born in 1970 in Montreal (Quebec). After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Western Ontario in London (Ontario) in 1993, he was selected for pilot training and enrolled in the Canadian Forces under the Direct Entry Officer plan. He received his pilot " wings " in February 1997 at 15 Wing Moose Jaw (Saskatchewan) where he was flying the CT-114 Tutor.

Captain Schwindt completed the Fighter Lead-in Training Course at Moose Jaw in December 1997 and was posted to 4 Wing Cold Lake (Alberta) in January 1998, where he completed the CF-18 Tactical Fighter Course. One year later, he moved to his current position at 433 Tactical Fighter Squadron at 3 Wing Bagotville (Quebec) where he now holds the position of squadron tactical plans officer.

Since joining the Canadian Forces, Captain Schwindt has accumulated nearly 1100 hours in military jet aircraft, 600 of which are on the CF-18 Hornet.

Captain Schwindt lives in Laterriere (Quebec) with his wife Jennifer