Undergraduate Pilot Training System

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

Selection for pilot training begins at the CF Recruiting Centre.  Individuals who meet the basic prerequisites and medical fitness requirements attend the Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Centre (CFASC) at 8 Wing, Trenton. At this location, 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.

The UPTS is based on the "building block" approach to training and adult education. As such, it consists of a series of progressive phases of training, each one successively more complex and difficult than the previous. Pilot trainees are awarded their CF pilot “wings” after the following selection and training phases are successfully completed:

The UTPS emphasizes increased proficiency in skills and knowledge, and professional development, at each level of training, requiring the candidate pilot to perform consistently to the Qualification Standard /  Training Plan. In addition, the system is so designed that the trainee is required to adapt to a rigorous "learning curve" to prepare for the next step in the training programme. The pilot training system, therefore, identifies early those trainees who will likely meet the pilot training standard within the prescribed time frames and provides the skills and knowledge to confidently perform on the job, ultimately in an operational environment.

Phase I Primary Flying Training is conducted with approximately 30 hours on the Grob 120A aircraft; Phase II with 90 hours on the Raytheon CT156 Harvard II or the Grob 120A; and Phase III with 113 hours on the Bell 206 / Bell 412 or with 70 hours on the Raytheon C90B King Air or with 72 hours on the BAE CT155 Hawk. Selection for helicopter, multi-engine or jet employment is made during the Phase II Basic Flying Training after assessing candidate flying performance and aptitude and considering operational needs. Graduates of Phase III UPTS proceed to Operational Training Units for conversion and tactical training on operational aircraft fleets, with an additional lead-in fighter course required for operational jet fighter training.

The Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) program provides for the necessary resources and support to conduct the training operations at 3 CFFTS, Portage la Prairie, MB for Phase I Primary Flying Training, Phase II (Grob) Basic Flying Training, Phase III Multi-Engine Training, and Phase III Helicopter Training. The NATO Flying Training Centre (NFTC) program provides the resources and support to conduct Phase II Basic Flying Training operations and Phase III Jet Training at 2 CFFTS, Moose Jaw, SK.