The aircraft used for FAcT include the CT-102B Astra II. (SkyAlyne photo
By Tim Ryan
Pilot training for the Canadian Forces is being upgraded with improvements and a user-friendly system.
To accomplish this, the Canadian Armed Forces put into place the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. 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 five fleets) as well as comprehensive ground-based simulators, instructors for live-flying and simulation, supporting infrastructure, and aircraft and facility maintenance, according to the RCAF.
SkyAlyne is a joint venture between CAE and KF Aerospace, that will provide pilot training for the Royal Canadian Air Force over the next two decades.
The latest news on this venture is that over a two-week period in late March and early April 2026, members of SkyAlyne, CAE, KF Aerospace, and Royal Canadian Air Force teams had the opportunity to see the assets for the Future Aircrew Training program. They made visits to several aircraft production facilities in Germany and Switzerland, along with attending the Military Flight Training Conference in Switzerland, according to SkyAlyne.
The itinerary included meetings and tours with Airbus, Grob, and Pilatus, where three of the aircraft fleets for the FAcT program are currently in production.
At Airbus, in Donauwörth, Germany, the delegation toured production facilities and met with program representatives to review the CT-153 Juno (Airbus H135) aircraft being delivered as part of FAcT. The visit enabled direct engagement with the supplier while observing progress on the production line, including a test flight of a Juno recently out-of-manufacturing.
In line with the RCAF Training Modernization Strategy, FAcT will use innovative training technologies, instructional tools and methodologies. The program will also implement updates and new technologies throughout its duration, according to the RCAF.
The RCAF says it 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.
Here are more details from the RCAF and SkyAlyne:
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. Those include the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Flying Training in Canada (NFTC), which is provided by CAE Military Aviation Training in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. That contract expires in 2027, with an option year for 2028. Then there is the Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) which is provided by KF Aerospace through Allied Wings in Southport, Manitoba. That contract expires in 2027.
In addition, there is Air Combat Systems Officer (ACSO) and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator (AES Op) training at 402 Squadron located at 17 Wing Winnipeg. That is managed by the RCAF.
New infrastructure requirements for the upcoming training 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. The aircraft used for FAcT include the CT-102B Astra II, the CT-142Q Citadel, the CT-145E Expeditor II, CT-153 Juno and the CT-157 Siskin II.
In September 2025, RCAF members and SkyAlyne officials welcomed the first two CT-102B Astra II (Grob G120 TP) Basic Flight Training aircraft at the Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport. The two planes were being ferried from Germany, where they were manufactured, to their home at 15 Wing Moose Jaw. They will ultimately form part of a 23-aircraft fleet used to teach ab initio pilot training.
The CT-102Bs will operate from 15 Wing Moose Jaw, SK once the FAcT program is fully operational, shifting initial ab initio training from 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School in Southport, MB (Portage la Prairie). Training will continue at Southport with 3 CFFTS remaining home to rotary wing and multi-engine training under FAcT.
The CT-102Bs wear a livery of yellow and blue that will be common to all Future Aircrew Training Fleets. The yellow harkens to the Commonwealth Air Training Plan of the Second World War which saw over 130,000 Allied aircrew train in Canada, while the blue reflects the RCAF’s current training aircraft. The two-tone paint scheme is also designed to improve visibility in the air during all seasons to enhance safety.
The CT-102B fleet is owned by the RCAF and loaned to industry partner SkyAlyne under a contracted training and support arrangement.
The first two aircraft are being used to train instructors and further develop training and lesson plans as part of the FAcT program implementation process. The CT-102B procurement also includes advanced simulators that will eventually be installed in new training infrastructure at 15 Wing Moose Jaw.
CAE will deliver a comprehensive range of training services, including live flight training, simulation, and classroom-based ground school instruction.
As part of this agreement, CAE will develop and deliver a range of advanced simulators and training devices, to be installed at bases in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and Southport, Manitoba.
