North America Archives - Page 33 of 434

Shaping the Future of Military Flight Training: KF Aerospace’s Role in Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program

Canada – 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 our expertise in aircraft acquisition, training, and airworthiness. Here’s a breakdown of what we’ll be doing as part of this important program:

Southport Base Operations and Multi-Engine Training Program

KF Aerospace will continue managing the Southport Base and we will take responsibility for Advanced Flying Training – Multi-Engine (AFT-ME) using the new Textron/Beechcraft King Air 260 (left) aircraft (a newer, larger and more advanced version of the King Air C-90Bs we currently operate).

While they previously handled Grob aircraft training, this will now be managed by CAE in Moose Jaw as part of the Basic Flying Training. The 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.

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

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/Textron 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 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.

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 Acceptable Technical Organization (ATO), and ensuring that our fleet meets the stringent safety and operational standards required for military use.

Source: KF Aerospace
Photo Credit: KF Aerospace

Grob Aircraft Contracted by SkyAlyne to Deliver 23 New Grob G 120TP Aircraft for RCAF Pilot Training

Ottawa, Canada — On November 19, 2024, SkyAlyne is pleased to announce the successful signing of a contract with Grob Aircraft SE to acquire 23 Grob G 120TP aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.

The Grob G 120TP is an upgraded version of the Grob G 120A, which is currently in use by the Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) program, operated by KF Aerospace and the RCAF for RCAF Pilot training. The TP variant features updated avionics, higher performance, and a more powerful turboprop engine.

“The new Grob G 120TP will serve as the Basic Flying Training aircraft for the FAcT program, which means every RCAF Pilot who gets their wings will begin their flying training on this aircraft. Selecting the right aircraft for this role is tremendously significant to ensure that RCAF pilots have the best foundation to build upon,” explained SkyAlyne’s senior executive, Kevin Lemke. “Together with our partners across Team SkyAlyne, we are dedicated to building a world-leading pilot and aircrew solution for the RCAF. We are honoured each and every day to be entrusted to partner with the RCAF to deliver the FAcT program.”

The signing of the purchase agreement between SkyAlyne and Grob Aircraft confirms production slots and manufacturing schedule. Factory acceptance of aircraft is expected to begin in August 2025.

The Grob G 120TP is currently in use by numerous other militaries, including Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In total, over 200 Grob G 120TPs have been delivered worldwide to-date.

The 25-year FAcT program, awarded to SkyAlyne in spring 2024, is currently in a five-year transition period to become the sole Pilot and Aircrew training program for the RCAF, as the three current RCAF training programs conclude, and their responsibilities are merged into FAcT. The FAcT program is overseen from a Joint Management Office at SkyAlyne’s Ottawa headquarters, with three operational bases: Moose Jaw, SK, Southport, MB, and Winnipeg, MB.

When operational, SkyAlyne will manage and maintain the fleet while providing instructors to serve alongside RCAF instructional personnel. The Grob fleet will be based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

SkyAlyne: The Future of Aircrew Training
SkyAlyne is the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program provider for the Royal Canadian Air Force. SkyAlyne is a team of defence, training, simulation, and aviation industry experts assembled from across Canada, working to prepare the next generation of RCAF pilots and aircrew. SkyAlyne was formed in 2018 as a partnership between CAE and KF Aerospace, two Canadian aviation, training, and defence leaders. The partnership was built to jointly answer the call for the Government of Canada’s FAcT program. In 2023 SkyAlyne was named the preferred bidder, and in 2024, was officially contracted to partner with the RCAF and deliver the FAcT program.

Source: SkyAlyne
Photo Credit: SkyAlyne

VoltAero Announces Training Partnership Including Flight Simulator at Air Expo Abu Dhabi 2024

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – VoltAero has signed a strategic partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AltiSky for the Cassio electric-hybrid airplane family’s local assembly and distribution across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, selecting a partner that brings proven capabilities in aircraft marketing, distribution, maintenance, training and support.

Under terms of the new agreement, AltiSky will become a VoltAero partner, and is to build a 30,000-square-foot Cassio assembly facility with an adjoining delivery center in the U.S. along with a state-of-the-art training complex that includes a flight simulator. AltiSky also is to establish a network of regional maintenance support facilities in its area of responsibility.

This strategic partnership was announced today at the Air Expo Abu Dhabi, where VoltAero is present as part of the company’s strategy to expand its global industrial and support network while readying the production, certification and service entry of its Cassio aircraft product line. The agreement follows VoltAero’s inauguration earlier this month of its primary Cassio final assembly facility and new headquarters at France’s Rochefort Airport.

Bill Minkoff, the President and Co-founder of AltiSky, has significant expertise in aircraft sales, distribution, flight operations and advanced air mobility. Under his management, AltiSky became the first U.S. stocking dealer and service center for Tecnam Aircraft.

Minkoff is an experienced aviator, having logged 20,000 hours in various types of general aviation, commercial and military aircraft – including serving as a U.S. Navy fighter pilot and instructor, and as a line check captain with Delta Airlines. Minkoff also co-founded the Advanced Air Mobility consultancy company and served as Vice President of the Advanced Air Mobility Association.

“After looking at many of the all-electric airplanes currently under development – including eVTOLs – I’m convinced that VoltAero’s approach is truly realistic, bringing Cassio’s configuration as a conventional takeoff and landing aircraft together with the company’s proprietary electric-hybrid propulsion system,” Minkoff said. “Cassio uses battery technology and power output levels available today, backed by the safety of VoltAero’s dual-source electric-hybrid powertrain. Additionally, its operation from airports reduces risks that eVTOLs face in terms of urban acceptance and the need for significant infrastructure development.”

Jean Botti, VoltAero’s CEO & Chief Technology Officer, added that the AltiSky partnership opens the all-important North American market for Cassio aircraft. “Bill Minkoff’s aviation knowledge, along with his extensive business network and proven track record in aircraft sales, provide a partner that will position Cassio as a benchmark in North American regional air mobility.”

VoltAero’s Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft family consists of three versions that seat from five to 12 persons, and which are tailored for regional commercial operators, air taxi/charter companies, private and business owners/operators, as well as in utility-category service for cargo, postal delivery and medical evacuation (Medevac) applications.

VoltAero’s first production aircraft version will be the Cassio 330, configured with a five-seat interior and operating on a combined electric-hybrid propulsion power of 330 kilowatts. It is to be followed by the six-seat Cassio 480 with a combined electric-hybrid propulsion power of 480 kilowatts; and the Cassio 600, to be sized for a 10/12-seat capacity with electric-hybrid propulsion power of 600 kilowatts.

The VoltAero propulsion concept is unique: the Cassio aircraft will utilize the Safran ENGINeUS electric motor for all-electric power during taxi, takeoff, primary flight (if the distance traveled is less than 150km.), and landing. The hybrid feature – with the internal combustion engine from Kawasaki Motors – comes into play as a range extender, recharging the batteries while in flight. Additionally, this hybrid element serves as a backup in the event of a problem with the electric propulsion, ensuring true fail-safe functionality.

By integrating VoltAero’s patented electric-hybrid propulsion system into the company’s purpose-designed airframe, the Cassio aircraft will deliver an order of magnitude higher performance as compared to the current competition and provide significantly lower operational costs.

VoltAero is exhibiting its Cassio 330 aircraft at this week’s Air Expo Abu Dhabi in the ADNEC Centre (Exhibit stand #540). Additionally, CEO & Chief Technology Officer Jean Botti will participate in the Air Expo Abu Dhabi’s Conference program on November 20 at 15h40 with a presentation entitled: “Revolutionizing Regional Air Mobility.” Botti will be joined by Christophe Lapierre, the CEO of Sigma Air Mobility, which is collaborating with VoltAero on advanced air mobility solutions for the Cassio aircraft.

About VoltAero
VoltAero is taking electric aircraft to an entirely new level. Benefitting from 80-plus years of combined pioneering expertise, VoltAero is developing a truly unique general aviation airplane family, Cassio, for safe, quiet, efficient and eco-friendly flight in electric and electric-hybrid modes.

Source: VoltAero
Photo Credit: VoltAero