Royal Canadian Air Force Commander discusses importance of flight training

Lieutenant General Yvan Blondin is the Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force and is due to give a presentation at the Military Flight Training conference in London towards the end of this month. We asked him what his presentation will focus on and what he is hoping to get out of the conference…

"Canada has a long and successful history in training pilots for the RCAF, as well as for our allies," said Lt Gen Blondin.

"The conclusion of the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) contract in 2021 offers an opportunity for the RCAF to take a serious look at the way it conducts pilot training today and how it will conduct that training in the future.

"As simulation technology continues to be refined, the benefits of this technology for military aviation training will also continue to grow. As we transition to increasingly sophisticated fleets of aircraft, we will also develop new training concepts and employ new training devices. The next RCAF fighter aircraft will, for example, be strongly linked to an advanced jet trainer of the future.

"I’m looking forward to sitting with the participants of the Military Flight Training conference and hearing what they have to say about how they are approaching our shared training challenges.

"Conferences such as these help ensure that we can not only fight together - but that we can also train together.

"I’m also looking forward to challenging the conference participants to come up with new and innovative solutions to the challenges we face. We do not have to accept the status quo. In fact, the reality is that most of us increasingly cannot afford the status quo.

"The motto of the RCAF - "Sic Itur Ad Astra" or "Such is the Pathway to the Stars" – reminds us that while we have a well-developed sense of what we need to accomplish, the path remains to be determined.

"The Military Flight Training conference is an exceptional venue to engage in a meaningful dialogue and begin shaping that path."

Military Flight Training is the must-attend event for all decision makers and operators involved in delivering training and simulation services to global Air Forces, Armies and Navies, providing them with an unparalleled opportunity to network with leading military and industry decision makers. Download the agenda below to find out more.

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