Shaping the Future of Military Flight Training: KF Aerospace’s Role in FAcT
November 4, 2024
KF is poised to lead military aircrew training and support in Canada for many years to come.
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 our partnership with CAE under SkyAlyne, KF Aerospace has been subcontracted to SkyAlyne for key tasks that leverage our expertise in aircraft acquisition, training, and airworthiness. Here’s a breakdown of what we’ll be doing as part of this important program:
While we are a 50/50 managing partner of SkyAlyne, KF is also technically 'subcontracted' to operate three primary areas for SkyAlyne and the FAcT Program.
KF Aerospace will continue managing the Southport Base and will take responsibility for Advanced Flying Training – Multi-Engine (AFT-ME) using the new King Air 260 aircraft (a newer, larger and more advanced version of the King Air C-90Bs we currently operate).
While we’ve previously handled Grob aircraft training, this will now be managed by CAE in Moose Jaw as part of the Basic Flying Training. Our continued work at Southport will include:
- Scheduling of simulator and classroom training
- Flight Operations and Dispatch
- Training administration and continuous improvement
- 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 seamless support for Canada’s future aircrew.
As well, there will be a significant ramp-up period at Southport over the next few years in which we will oversee the construction of new facilities and the delivery of new training equipment and aircraft.
The King Air 260
2. Aircraft Acquisition
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 diverse 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 King Air 260 for Advanced Flying Training – Multi-Engine (AFT-ME)
- Airbus H135 Helicopter for all Rotary-Wing Flying Training (AFT-RW)
- De Havilland Dash 8-400 for training Air Combat Systems Officers and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators in Winnipeg (ACSO/AESOp)
Each of these 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.
A breakdown of the training streams for FAcT and the corresponding aircraft used for live-flying training. Graduating students who receive their 'wings' move on to their Operational Training Units (OTUs) at bases across Canada.
3. Airworthiness and Engineering (ATO)
In addition to Southport management and aircraft acquisition, KF Aerospace will ensure the airworthiness of all training aircraft. This includes overseeing the Approved Technical Organization (ATO), ensuring that our fleet meets the stringent safety and operational standards required for military use.
If you’re interested in joining our aerospace engineering team, learn more at kfaero.ca/factcareers.
KF will apply our aerospace engineering expertise to manage the ATO for FAcT from Ottawa - with oversight form our Engineering leadership in Kelowna.
