New RCAF Trainer Aircraft Heads to Canada

The first two Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CT-157 Siskin II aircraft (Pilatus PC-21) will be on display at AERO Gatineau-Ottawa 2026, taking place September 18-20 at the Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport.

Having recently completed production test flights and factory acceptance in Stans, Switzerland, the aircraft will travel to Canada for delivery to the RCAF. They will serve in the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program's Advanced Flying Training courses, helping prepare the next generation of Canadian military pilots for operational service.

The two-seat CT-157 Siskin II features a 1,600-horsepower Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop engine and can reach speeds of up to 685 km/h. It can sustain g-forces from positive 8G to negative 4G, and its avionics include several made-in-Canada components.

SkyAlyne has ordered 19 CT-157 Siskin IIs for the RCAF FAcT program, with the fleet based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Upon arrival, the aircraft will undergo final delivery to the RCAF and begin developing and testing new elements of the FAcT program, taking on a 'train the trainer' role as the team stands up a new ab-initio training ecosystem for the RCAF.

"This is an exciting opportunity to give people a first look at the CT-157 Siskin II and the capabilities it will bring to RCAF aircrew training," said Harrison Ruess, SkyAlyne's Head of Communications, Collaboration and Stakeholder Relations. "We're proud to engage communities and help encourage young people to pursue STEM education and careers in aviation, aerospace, and defence."