Fighter aircraft training
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- Fighter Lead-in Training (FLIT)
- Bridge Fighter Lead-In Training (BFLIT)
- Future Fighter Lead-In Training (FFLIT)
Fighter Lead-in Training (FLIT)
For almost 25 years, Canada operated the NATO Flying Training Centre at 15 Wing Moose Jaw and 4 Wing Cold Lake, training Canadian and allied pilots to become fighter pilots under its Fighter Lead-In Training (FLIT) program. In March 2024, the FLIT program came to an end when the CT-155 Hawk trainer aircraft were retired from service to begin the required transition to training solutions needed for the RCAF’s future fighter aircraft.
In February 2025, the Government of Canada (PSPC) identified CAE Inc., of Montréal, Quebec, as its strategic partner to work with the RCAF to develop and refine the Future FLIT (FFLIT) program, which will prepare and train pilots for the transition to the CF-35A.
During the interim period, until the FFLIT program is operational, Canada has entered into agreements with allied nations to train fighter pilot candidates through the Bridge FLIT initiative.
Bridge Fighter Lead-In Training (BFLIT)
BFLIT is a temporary mitigation measure to maintain fighter force pilot training requirements, while bridging to the eventual introduction of the FFLIT capability. BFLIT also preserves some of the existing RCAF FLIT training structure to facilitate the transition to FFLIT, including personnel and fighter instructor experience.
Once FFLIT begins training fighter pilot candidates, the BFLIT initiative will gradually decrease student throughput until the new system is able to train sufficient pilots to support Canada’s Air Force.
BFLIT primarily leverages an existing 40-year partnership in the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) Program at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. During the transition, most of Canada’s new fighter pilot candidates will train at ENJJPT.
Additionally, the RCAF has strengthened its existing relationship with the Italian Air Force by sending 3 instructor pilots and committing to train up to six FLIT students per year at their International Flight Training School (IFTS) in Decimomannu Air Base, Sardinia. This will provide diverse and valuable experience to Canada’s fighter force as it transitions to the CF-35A.
Future Fighter Lead-in Training (FFLIT)
The FFLIT program aims to reestablish a sovereign fighter lead-in training capability designed to generate a sufficient number of high-quality fighter pilot candidates, prepared to proceed to the CF-35A Operational Training Unit.
FFLIT will leverage a DND/industry partnership to deliver long-term, continuous fighter pilot training that is crucial to the RCAF Strategy. By capitalizing on the expertise, experience, and supply chain resilience provided by industry, FFLIT will be able to harness advancements in technology and training methodologies to ensure a world class FLIT solution. Furthermore, this initiative will contribute to strengthening government collaboration with industry and allow the RCAF to leverage expertise and contracted support to mitigate resource shortages. This approach will allow experienced RCAF pilots and air staff to focus on instruction, training, and leadership, while contracted resources focus on support functions within the FFLIT squadron.
