Dear editor,The elementary question to be asked is: Ought Canada possess an air force?All the rest are pure incidentals — the cost of flying the Snowbirds, their noise, old Tudor bodies, their acrobatic performances, the after-burners of F-16s and F-18s, et al.Since the question has long since received a resounding “yes,” it flows that we must ensure our pilots are supremely skilled, not only the better to defend Canada but in order for themselves to survive.To be any good, an air force pilot must fly. Ought be self-evident. The pilot must train until skills become instinct, especially under combat conditions. The Canadian Air Force maintains itself as a primarily protective shield. But since Canada is a member of NATO, offensive missions may be requested. And have been. These have been well-executed.Nazi fliers wiped out the air forces of France, Russia, Poland, Greece — and nearly the RAF as well — due to their superior skills and tactics.Formation flying teaches instant response, familiarity with the wingman position, gives self-confidence, engenders unit cohesion. But nothing is free. Flying jets is expensive.The alternative is to vote the Canadian Air Force out of existence.Why waste money on an inferior product?Finn Schultz-Lorentzen,Courtenay