Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2 CFFTS and what is its history?

·  2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School was formed
  16 September 1945 at the RCAF Station in Yorkton,
  Saskatchewan, originally as No. 2 Flying Training
  School (2 FTS).  Following four months of operation it
  was reduced to “care and maintenance” status, but
  was reformed in December 1950, at the RCAF Station
  in Gimli, Manitoba.  At Gimli, “The Big 2’s” role was to
  provide flying training for students from Canada and
  other NATO countries.

·  In 1953, with the introduction of an Advanced flying
  syllabus using the new T-33 Jet Trainer, 2 FTS moved
  to the RCAF Station in Moose Jaw.

· While the Advanced course flew the new jet trainer, 2
  FTS continued to fly the Harvard as a basic trainer,
  graduating 2,058 students from a number of six-month
  courses prior to the retirement of the aircraft. 
  Following their graduation from 2 FTS, students
  proceeded to the Advanced Flying Schools prior to
  receiving their wings.

· 1964 marked the entry of 2 FTS into the jet age with the
  introduction of the Canadair CT-114 Tutor, operated
  by “A”, “B” and “C” Flights as a basic trainer.  Dragon
  (“D”) Flight flew the T-33 Advanced Trainer, upon
  which students completed their training to wings
  standard.

· In 1970, the one-base training scheme ended and “The
  Big 2” reverted to a Basic Flying Training School. 
  Advanced Training was carried out by 1 AFTS at Gimli
  and later at Cold Lake, and in 1974 the “T-Bird” was
  retired from the training role.  When the CF-5 was
  found to be an unsuitable replacement, the Tutors of
  the recently redesigned 2 CFFTS were pressed into
  additional service as advanced trainers.

· Following the retirement of the Tutors as trainers in
  2000, the “Big 2” continues to train pilots as part of the
  NATO Flying Training in Canada program with the CT-
  156 Harvard II and CT-155 Hawk aircraft.

· The Big 2 has a long and proud tradition of producing 
  the best pilots possible, an achievement signified by its
  motto:  “The Best in the West”.

Who is the current Commanding Officer of 2 CFFTS?

· The current Commanding Officer is Lieutenant Colonel
  Kurt Saladana.

How many people are currently working in 2 CFFTS?

· There are presently 81 military personnel (including 12
  foreign instructors) and four civilian personnel working
  at 2 CFFTS. 

<B>How many Flight Instructors do we have at the moment?

· There are currently 81 instructors including foreigners
  in the Big 2.

How many are women?

· There is currently one female instructor at the Big 2.

How many students participate in the program each year?

· About 170-180 students participate in the program each
  year.   

How many aircraft are there on base?

· Currently there are 24 CT-156 Harvard II and 8 CT-155
  Hawk aircraft on base as part of NFTC as well as 19
  CL-41 Tutors as part of 431 Squadron.

What is “FIS”?

· FIS stands for Flying Instruction and Standards. FIS’
  purpose is to train Flying Instructors for the Canadian
  Forces.  In 2000 FIS became a flight of 2 CFFTS.

How many people are currently working in FIS?

· There are 19 military personnel and one civilian
  currently working as part of FIS.

How safe is flight training?

· Safety is the paramount consideration in any operation
  or task undertaken at 15 Wing.

· 15 Wing has an exemplary safety record.