Training and education in the RCAF
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has a comprehensive suite of training programs to develop specialized skills through in-class and hands-on instruction. The RCAF also shares its expertise with other air forces around the world, offering basic and advanced training of all types.
The RCAF is modernizing fleets, capabilities, and tactics to address current and future threats and mission sets. The plan for how it trains personnel for operations is also being updated through the RCAF Training Modernization Strategy and integrated Future Air Force Training System.
International air force training
Since the Second World War, the RCAF has been sharing expertise and training with other air forces around the world. RCAF programs give leading-edge training in a multi-national and multi-cultural environment with a focus on cooperative partnerships and international team building.
- Foreign Military Training Goose Bay, located at 5 Wing Goose Bay, provides a key tactical training environment for Canada's allies.
- NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) is a comprehensive military pilot training program located at 15 Wing Moose Jaw that has included participation from international pilots since its inception in 2000.
- The RCAF International Training Programs (ITP) office promotes and coordinates international participation in RCAF air force training. Trainees represent military air forces and aviation elements from around the world, government departments, and government agencies.
RCAF member training
The RCAF has a comprehensive suite of training programs for members to develop specialized skills through a combination of in-class and hands-on instruction. These courses are designed to introduce members to the unique challenges of working as a member of Canada’s Air Force while also learning the specific skills needed for their trade.
RCAF training locations
Operational training squadrons and units
Operational training squadrons and units provide specific training and familiarization to personnel before they are cleared to move to operational squadrons. Operational squadrons are dedicated to conducting operations and maintaining a high state of readiness.
- 403 Helicopter Operational Training Squadron
- 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron
- 438 Tactical Helicopter Squadron
- 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron
- 3 Air Maintenance Squadron
- 410 Tactical Fighter (Operational Training) Squadron
- 42 Radar Squadron
- 1 Air Maintenance Squadron
- 412 Transport Squadron (at Ottawa)
- 437 Transport Squadron
- 440 Transport Squadron (at Yellowknife)
- Canadian Coastal Radar Training
- 12 Air Maintenance Squadron
- 14 Air Maintenance Squadron
- 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron
- 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron (Winnipeg)
- 51 Aerospace Control and Warning Operational Training Squadron
- 414 Electronic Warfare Squadron
- 418 Search and Rescue Operational Training Squadron
- Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Centre (CFASC)
- 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School (2CFFTS)
- 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School (3 CFFTS)
- Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE)
- Royal Canadian Air Force Academy (RCAFA)
- Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Control Operations (CFSACO)
- Canadian Forces School of Survival and Aeromedical Training (CFSSAT)
- RCAF W/C William G. Barker VC Aerospace College
- 402 Squadron
- Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue (CFSSAR)
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