The federal government has asked aerospace companies for input on its Future Pilot Training project will eventually see all military pilot training brought under a single umbrella.
Canada’s military pilots currently do their basic flight training at CFB Moose Jaw before heading for multi-engine or helicopter training in Southport, near Portage LaPrairie or staying behind in Moose Jaw for jet fighter training.
The Moose Jaw operation, also known as the NATO Flying Training in Canada Program, is now run by CAE after 10 years being run by Bombardier. The Portage operation is run by Allied Wings, which is owned by KF Aerospace.
The aerospace companies, including the current operators, will have until Feb. 2 to indicate interest in bidding for the Future Pilot Training program. By 2027 that contract will be worth about $4 billion.
Meanwhile, the RCAF wants to buy more simulators to consolidate its own training in Canada. Pilots training on C-177 Globemasters have to go to the U.S. while CC-150 pilots have to train in Germany. Cormorant helicopter pilots go to England.
The simulators will cost $544 million but will save the government about $2 billion over 20 years.