Royal Canadian Air Force - RCAF Pilot

Undergraduate Pilot Training System

The Royal Canadian Air Force’s Undergraduate Pilot Training System (UPTS) trains pilot candidates for employment in the three general flying categories: jet, helicopter and multi-engine fixed-wing operations. RCAF pilots serve as commissioned Air Force officers; consequently, pilot candidates generally possess an undergraduate degree on enrollment.

Individuals who meet the basic prerequisites and medical fitness requirements attend the Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Centre (CFASC). The candidates write an Aircrew Test Series and fly four missions in the Canadian Automated Pilot Selection System (CAPSS). Successful candidates then travel to Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) in Toronto where they undergo medical testing to confirm their fitness for air operations.

After enrolment in the Canadian Forces, the individuals who have passed the written, practical and medical tests of CFASC, receive Basic Officer Training and language training prior to commencing flying training. Pilot trainees are awarded their RCAF pilot wings after the following selection and training phases are successfully completed:

1 week Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Centre.
3 months Basic Officer Training Course.
5 months Second Language Training.
3 months Phase I Primary Flying Training at 3 CF Flying Training School, 15 Wing, Portage la Prairie, MB.
7 months Phase II Basic Flying Training at 2 CF Flying Training School, 15 Wing, Moose Jaw, SK
5 months Phase III Jet; 2 CF Flying Training School, 15 Wing, Moose Jaw, SK.
   OR
4 months Phase III Helicopter or Phase III Multi-engine at 3 CF Flying Training School, 15 Wing, Portage la Prairie, MB.

Phase I Primary Flying Training is conducted with approximately 30 hours on the Grob 120A aircraft.

The Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) program provides for the necessary resources and support to conduct the training operations for Phase I Primary Flying Training.

Phase II with 90 hours on the Raytheon CT156 Harvard II

Phase III Helicopter Training - 113 hours on the Bell 206 / Bell 412:

Phase III Helicopter Training is provided by Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) program at Portage la Prairie, MB.

Phase III Multi-Engine (Transporter) Training - 70 hours on the Raytheon C90B King Air:

Phase III Multi-Engine Training is provided also by Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) program at Portage la Prairie, MB.

Phase III with 72 hours on the BAE CT155 Hawk is held at NATO Flying Training Centre (NFTC).

Updated On: 18.10.15