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New Advanced Trainers Arrive at 15 Wing Moose Jaw
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New Advanced Trainers Arrive at Moose Jaw
Four CT-157 Siskin II turboprop advanced-training aircraft have been delivered to 15 Wing in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. The aircraft will be used for advanced flying training and as a stepping-stone toward jet training. Additional Siskin IIs are already stationed at CFB Gatineau, Quebec.
Background: Transition from CT-114 Tutor to CT-157 Siskin II
The Royal Canadian Air Force’s Snowbirds aerobatic team has operated the CT-114 Tutor jet since the performance fleet was founded in 1971. With the Tutor fleet aging, the RCAF plans to replace it with the modern CT-157 Siskin II, a trainer that shares the same model slated for future Snowbirds use after the team’s final show at the Grey Cup in Calgary.
Data & Statistics
- Total fleet planned for Moose Jaw: 19 Siskin II aircraft.
- Aircraft delivered in the latest arrival: 4.
- Maximum speed of the Siskin II: 685 km/h.
- Maximum speed of the retiring Tutor jets: 763 km/h (per RCAF data).
Official Statements & Responses
Acting commander of 15 Wing, Lt-Col Craig Cloete, said the new aircraft “reinvigorate our training streams” and give trainees exposure to “new technologies.”
Maj. Zacharie Charbonneau highlighted the fully digital cockpit, noting it prepares students for “the future of aviation” and described the aircraft as “the F-1 of trainers.” He added that students will begin flying the Siskin IIs once instructors complete their own training.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re very happy and excited to start flying them,” — Maj. Zacharie Charbonneau