Advancing Canada’s Military Flight Training

KF Aerospace is playing a significant role in the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program, a 25-year initiative that will modernize and enhance Canada’s military flight training capabilities. Beyond its partnership with CAE under SkyAlyne, KF Aerospace has been subcontracted to SkyAlyne for key tasks that leverage its expertise in aircraft acquisition, training, and airworthiness. Some of the initiatives KF Aerospace will do as part of this are mentioned below.

KF Aerospace will continue managing the Southport Base and will take responsibility for Advanced Flying Training – Multi-Engine (AFT-ME) using the new Textron/Beechcraft King Air 260 aircraft.

While the company has previously handled Grob aircraft training, this will now be managed by CAE in Moose Jaw as part of the Basic Flying Training. KF Aerospace’s continued work at Southport will include scheduling of simulator and classroom training; flight operations and Dispatch; training administration and continuous improvement; and office-related functions and management of subcontractors.

Although SkyAlyne will operate as the overarching brand, KF Aerospace will remain integral to day-to-day training operations at Southport, ensuring support for Canada’s future aircrew.

There will also be a significant ramp-up period at Southport over the next few years, during which KF Aerospace will oversee the construction of new facilities and the delivery of new training equipment and aircraft.

KF Aerospace is responsible for acquiring five training fleets to be used across three training sites (Southport, Moose Jaw and Winnipeg). These aircraft were selected to meet the training needs of future aircrew:

Grob G120TP for Basic Flying Training (BFT); Pilatus PC-21 for Advanced Flying Training (AFT) and Advanced Flying Training – Jet (AFT-J); Beechcraft/Textron King Air 260 for Advanced Flying Training – Multi-Engine (AFT-ME); and Airbus H135 Helicopter for all Rotary-Wing Flying Training (AFT-RW); and De Havilland Dash 8-400 for training Air Combat Systems Officers and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators in Winnipeg (ACSO/AESOp).

Each aircraft was chosen based on its performance, safety features, and suitability for military training. They will be critical for ensuring that future RCAF aircrew receive high-quality, mission-focused training that prepares them for real-world operations.

In addition to Southport management and aircraft acquisition, KF Aerospace will ensure the airworthiness of all training aircraft. This includes overseeing the Acceptable Technical Organization (ATO), and ensuring that its fleet meets the safety and operational standards required for military use.