Future Aircrew Training program

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is rapidly modernizing to meet the future aerospace requirements of the Canadian Armed Forces.  The Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program will provide an entirely new, relevant, flexible, responsive and holistic ab initio aircrew training program for Pilots, Air Combat Systems Officers (ACSO) and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators (AES Op).

In 2024, a 25-year contract was awarded to SkyAlyne  to equip the RCAF with state-of-the-art platforms for aircrew training. Through this contract, 71 training aircraft are being acquired (split into 5 fleets) as well as comprehensive ground-based simulators, instructors for live-flying and simulation, supporting infrastructure, and aircraft and facility maintenance.

In line with the RCAF Training Modernization Strategy,  FAcT will harness innovative training technologies, instructional tools and methodologies. The program will also implement updates and new technologies throughout its duration, ensuring students are always receiving relevant and timely training to excel in our rapidly changing world.

The RCAF is working with SkyAlyne on a multi-year transition and ramp-up process, which will see the FAcT program become the sole ab initio RCAF aircrew training program.

The FAcT program is an entirely new training program, being built from the ground-up. When operational, it will replace and combine the responsibilities of training services currently being provided through two separate contracted programs, as well as one RCAF-managed training program:

• North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) is provided by CAE Military Aviation Training in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, through a contract that expires in 2027, with an option year for 2028.
• Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) is provided by KF Aerospace through Allied Wings in Southport, Manitoba, through a contract that expires in 2027.
• Air Combat Systems Officer (ACSO) and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator (AES Op) training at 402 Squadron located at 17 Wing Winnipeg, managed by the RCAF.

The FAcT program will use the current geographic locations for training, having large and well-established flying areas ideal for military flight training as well as space for construction of new infrastructure. New infrastructure requirements vary across the locations and include hangars, school facilities, simulator bays, accommodations, and more.

Basic Flying Training (BFT) and Advanced Flying Training (AFT) Fixed-Wing and AFT-Jet programs will be delivered at  2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School, 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Meanwhile, AFT-Rotary Wing and AFT-Multi-Engine training will be undertaken at 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School at Southport (near Portage la Prairie), Manitoba. Ab initio training for Air Combat Systems Officers and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators will be delivered in Winnipeg, Manitoba at 402 Squadron.

Training will be delivered by a combination of military and civilian instructors, with RCAF leadership to ensure military standards, ethos and protocols are followed throughout.

Future Aircrew Training Aircraft

• CT-102B Astra II
• CT-142Q Citadel
• CT-145E Expeditor II
• CT-153 Juno
• CT-157 Siskin II