Canada Receives First CT-102B Astra II Training Aircraft

Canada has received the first two CT-102B Astra II basic flight training aircraft, which will form part of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s new Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.

The planes, built in Germany, were welcomed on September 11 at the Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport before continuing to their future home at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. They are the first of 23 aircraft that will be used to provide initial pilot training under the joint RCAF–SkyAlyne initiative. Once fully operational, every Canadian military pilot will begin training on the Astra II.

“Last year, Canada signed an $11 billion dollar contract to build Canada’s Future Aircrew Training Program with CAE and KF Aerospace,” Defence Minister David McGuinty said. “Today, Canada received the first two CT-102B Astra II aircrafts, which will train military aviators.”

The Astra II replaces the CT-102A Astra currently in use at 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School in Southport, Manitoba.

The CT-102Bs feature a yellow and blue paint scheme designed for visibility and historical symbolism. The aircraft are owned by the RCAF and loaned to industry partner SkyAlyne under a contracted training and support arrangement. Alongside the aircraft, the FAcT program includes advanced simulators and new training infrastructure at 15 Wing Moose Jaw.