FAcT CT-102B Astra II has successful first test flight

The CT-102B Astra II (Grob G 120TP)—Canada’s next-generation basic training aircraft—completed its first test flight at Grob Aircraft’s facility in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany. The 30-minute flight marked a major milestone for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as it prepares to modernize its pilot training under the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program

“The CT-102B is a very impressive aircraft to operate, and its capabilities greatly exceed the current piston-powered CT-102As that are in service in Canada,” SkyAlyne’s Chief Pilot, Michel “Savvy” Savard stated in a press release. “The CT-102B will be an impressive upgrade that introduces new capabilities into the Basic Flying Training element of the new Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.”

The test flight included functional testing of the engine, aircraft systems and flight controls that is a routine part of Grob Aircraft’s manufacturing and delivery process.

Lyle Fair, Head of Aircraft Acquisition for SkyAlyne, confirmed the first two CT-102Bs are expected to arrive in Canada in September.

“The excitement is building to have these aircraft on Canadian soil,” Fair stated in a press release. “The whole team is eager for their delivery to the RCAF.”

The aircraft will be delivered to the RCAF to support the ongoing development of the FAcT program – which is expected to span over the next two-to-three years. The FAcT program represents a renewal of the entire ab-initio training ecosystem for the RCAF. This includes new aircraft, new simulation systems, new lesson plans and courseware, new infrastructure, new IM/IT systems, and more.

Canada’s CT-102Bs will be DND-registered aircraft, loaned to SkyAlyne as the operator and based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw. Pilot training will be conducted on the aircraft in partnership between SkyAlyne and the RCAF.



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