Capt. Miles Selby, a member of the Canadian Forces’ famed Snowbirds team, died on Dec. 10 in a mid-air collision with another jet. He was 31.
Selby was a two-year veteran of the Snowbirds, a precision flying unit that performs at approximately 70 air shows a year. A resident of Tsawwassen, British Columbia, Selby first saw the Snowbirds’ aerial acrobatic display when he was 8 years old. At 16, he earned his pilot’s license and began considering a career as a fighter pilot. Selby joined the Canadian Forces in 1991 and graduated from Royal Roads Military College in 1995.
After receiving his wings, Selby trained as a fighter pilot. He served with the 416 Tactical Fighter Squadron in Cold Lake, Alberta, then flew CF-18 fighter jets on combat missions in Kosovo. He had over 2,650 hours of military flying experience.
Selby and Capt. Chuck Mallett, 35, of Edmonton, Alberta, were conducting a routine training flight in clear skies over southern Saskatchewan on Friday when their Tutor jets collided. Mallett managed to eject from his plane and suffered minor injuries. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
December 10, 2004 by
Miles Selby
Categories: Military
May he have accomplished what he wanted to in the life that he had. I look at it that at least he died doing something he loved, flying.
He was a great pilot, a great soldier, and a dear friend. He will never be forgotten.
Mile was a fantastic person and an inspiration to all. We met in basic and again in portage. He always made me laugh andI know he died doing what he loved. I will miss him.
I feel so bad for Miles’ friends and family..
This brings up all the memories of losing my friend (from our mutual air cadet pilot training days) Capt. Mike Vandenbos – snowbird #2 in 1998 who lost his life in a similiar accident 6 years to the day of this crash….
As a pilot myself I totally understand why these guys do what they do – its what they LOVE – but these accidents are never easy to deal with for ANYONE who’s left behind.
miles loved flying he was a family person and he always had two thing on his mind flying and his family
Millhouse was a great guy. RIP man.
Miles thank you for everything you`ve done for the freedom of my country KOSOVO. God bless your soul. You`ll never be forgotten here.
I want to express my condolences to Miles Selby
Thank you for your kind words about Miles.
From his family
i just nned to see these comments for a school project but I love how you care for him and even love him so much i bet he’s happy for what you say about him and may he rest in peace
I knew Miles but for a brief time from Glideing School. I remember Miles had a professionalism about flying that few of us Cadets mustered. Even then he was training to be the best. And he was. He is missed.
I have just watched, on CBC TV, the interview with Mr. Selby (father), his wife and friends. I fell very sad and yet proud even though I do not know them. They all agree that the snowbirds should go on. I certainly do to for all the reasons mentionned in the interview. Furthermore, Mr. Selby (son)had a passion – He loved what he was doing. How many of us can say the same? I am sure that now that he is up there… he would want the snowbirds to continue.
Thank you.
I studied with ‘Mr. Selby’, my senior, at Royal Roads. He was a great leader, and a perfect gentleman.
Um he wasw really nice
FYI notes:
The Snowbirds are an aerobatic, not acrobatic team
Capt Selby also flew 2yrs with 441 TFS (and logged over 1,000hrs on the F18 Hornet).
Capt Mallett did not eject, he was blown out of his aircraft from the explosion on impact.
Aviation is a strange calling. Those of us called to it understand the commitment and the dangers, and are drawn to it anyways. I never met Capt. Selby, but yet feel connected to him. Those who knew and loved him may find solace in the fact that it takes a very special individual to take on this kind of endeavour. The community mourns his loss. He will be missed and may he rest in peace.
Miles was my cousin, a great role model, and a wonderful person. I miss him very much, he was like a brother to me. I know he is with God now; find peace in the sky, Miles.
Love you.
Miles was my cousin. and i will miss him so much there is not a day that goes by that i dont miss him < if i could talk to him one last time i would tell him how much i loved him becuase i never really said it to him
but i know that he is up in heaven flying
iloveyoumiles
We still miss him here on the base. He will never be forgotten.
I new Miles while he was in Aviano, Italy flying missions over Kosvo. He brought so much happiness to me in such a short time. I will always have wonderful memories of him.