Market Intelligence: North America

CAE Defense and Security to Receive Grob G120TP and Pilatus PC-21 for Future Aircrew Training Program Fleet

Canada – CAE is preparing to welcome two new aircraft types into the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program fleet, featuring distinctive new names and liveries.

  • The CT-102B Astra II (Grob G 120TP) and CT-157 Siskin II (Pilatus PC-21) will enhance aircrew training capabilities

  • These aircraft are set to arrive in Moose Jaw, a key hub for CAE’s military aircrew training operations

  • CAE has delivered 25 years of aircrew training in Moose Jaw, with nearly 500,000 accumulated flight hours

  • The aircraft are part of CAE’s ongoing support for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s evolving training need

Source: CAE Defense & Security
Photo Credit: CAE Defense & Security

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USA’s Epic Flight Academy Welcomes New Class of Pilots in Florida in June 2025

New Smyrna Beach, USA – headquartered flight and aircraft maintenance training group Epic Flight Academy has welcomed its newest class of flight students, over 13, to its June 2025 intake at its Florida New Smyrna headquarter location.

Epic Flight Academy, a Florida headquartered flight and aircraft maintenance training group, has expanded to nine campuses across the United States. Becoming the largest FAA Part 141 flight school network footprint in the country, the expansion includes three newly approved locations in Colorado, Utah, and Alabama.

  • New Campus in Centennial Airport (KAPA), Englewood, Colorado

  • New Campus in St. George Regional Airport (KSGU), Utah

  • New Campus in Tuscaloosa National Airport (KTCL), Alabama

  • Grand openings for the new locations are scheduled for June and July 2025.

  • Epic’s existing flight training locations are in: New Smyrna Beach (Florida), Jacksonville (Florida), Ocala (Florida), Tallahassee (Florida). Tucson (Arizona) and Addison (Texas).

  • Epic employs 245 staff nationally, including 118 flight instructors, and prioritizes the recruitment of Epic-trained instructors to maintain instructional quality and consistency.

In addition to the growing flight training base network Epic Flight Academy has submitted a letter of intent for self-examining authority.

The company was founded in 1999 and provides FAA-approved flight training and aircraft mechanic training.

Source: Epic Flight Academy
Photo Credit: Epic Flight Academy

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Offering Flight Training in Nebraska for Aspiring Pilots Around the Globe – Ignite Flight Academy

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Bill Heckathorn – President at Ignite Flight Academy – a premier flight school in Lincoln, Nebraska, which is seeking to train pilots from around the world including India.

The conversation covers:

  • Vision: Ignite Flight Academy was founded to offer a more personal, structured, and student-focused approach to flight training. Bill emphasizes that their core mission is to deliver quality over quantity, targeting students who are passionate about aviation and committed to a professional flying career. The academy prides itself on smaller class sizes, individualized attention, and a clear pathway from training to airline employment.
  • Student Support and Culture: A strong emphasis is placed on mentorship, student welfare, and building a supportive training environment. Bill notes that students receive guidance from experienced instructors throughout their journey, both academically and emotionally. Ignite aims to foster a “family-like” culture, where open communication and continuous feedback are key components of success.
  • Future Plans and Innovation: Looking ahead, Bill shares that Ignite plans to expand its training fleet and aim to grow their international student base including explore new training partnerships globally.

For more information:

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