First production test flight of a RCAF CT-157 Siskin II (Pilatus PC-21) for FAcT program
Press Release
On February 26, the first production test flight of the first CT-157 Siskin II (Pilatus PC-21), destined for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), successfully took place at the Pilatus production facility in Stans, Switzerland.
The flight, lasting approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, included advanced mechanical and avionics testing to ensure smooth flight operations and optimal system performance. This included functional testing of the engine, aircraft systems, and flight controls that are a part of Pilatus’ manufacturing processes.
“This is a very exciting milestone in the progression of the program,” said Charles Caldwell, SkyAlyne’s Program Manager for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. “PC-21s (CT-157s) have been identified as the ideal advanced training platform for RCAF pilots and are an integral piece of the FAcT program.”
On the FAcT program, the CT-157 will support two courses: the Advanced Flying Training – Fixed Wing (AFT-FW) course, as well as the Advanced Flying Training – Jet (AFT-Jet) course.
The two-seat aircraft, featuring a 1,600 horsepower PT6A Pratt & Whitney Canada turboprop engine, can reach speeds of 685 km/h. The aircraft can sustain g-forces from positive 8G to negative 4G, ensuring capability to fully meet the demands of military aviation.
SkyAlyne has ordered 19 CT-157s for the FAcT program, with the first expected to arrive in Canada in the second half of 2026.