The Royal Canadian Air Force has received its first two Siskin II planes, marking the start of a transition to the turboprop aircraft that will replace the Tutor jets flown by the Snowbirds aerobatics team.
The RCAF officially accepted the two CT-157 Siskin II (Pilatus PC-21) aircraft on Sept. 17, after their trans-Atlantic flight from the Pilatus factory in Switzerland, the air force announced. The aircraft are the first of a 19-aircraft fleet that will operate as part of the $11.2 billion Future Aircrew Training program (FAcT) and will be based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Sask.
“A proven trainer used worldwide by partner and allied air forces, the Siskin II will provide future pilots with a sophisticated, high-performance training platform to prepare them for the advanced aircraft they will fly throughout their careers,” the RCAF wrote on social media….