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RCAF receives the first of its new Siskin II trainer planes
The turboprop trainers will replace Tutor jets and eventually form a fleet of 19 aircraft for new pilot training, officials said.
On Thursday, the Royal Canadian Air Force welcomed its first two Pilatus CT-157 Siskin trainer aircraft during an event in Gatineau, Que., marking the arrival of advanced turboprop planes.
Acquiring the Siskin is part of the RCAF's plan to modernize its fleets and training capabilities, replacing aging Tutor jets currently flown by the Snowbirds aerial demonstration team.
Jamie Speiser-Blanchet said the new planes feature advanced cockpits and modern technology that will better prepare pilots for more advanced aircraft the air force is bringing online.
With more pilots training on the Siskin, the air force expects a significantly larger pool of potential candidates for the Snowbirds team, Speiser-Blanchet noted.
The air force will eventually station a fleet of 19 aircraft at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, while the government is still sorting out procuring additional Siskins for the Snowbirds team.