Leaders from SkyAlyne join J. Richard Jones of the Vanguard Magazine Podcast to discuss Canada’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program  – a generational training and in-service support program for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

SkyAlyne is a partnership between CAE and KF Aerospace, two Canadian aviation and defence leaders. Discussion points include SkyAlyne’s made-in-Canada solution and the benefits for Canada, including jobs, opportunities for Indigenous communities and as a homegrown innovation driver. The discussion also touches on incumbency, in-service support and lasting community relationships.

(Total 28:38)

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About the Speakers:

Abir Kazan is the Senior Capture Manager for SkyAlyne. Abir has spent more than 20 years working on complex proposals for CAE and is SkyAlyne’s primary point of contact with Canada on the FAcT Program.

Peter Fedak spent 25 years as a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Peter was a helicopter pilot with the RCAF, serving in Haiti and Afghanistan, and a Qualified Flying Instructor of the highest order, posted in various locations including Fort Rucker, Alabama, and as the Commandant of 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School at Southport, MB. Following his retirement from the RCAF, Peter became the Site Manager for the contractor at Southport – KF Aerospace and in December 2021 he became SkyAlyne’s Head of Operations.

Timestamps:

  • (3:32) – Why SkyAlyne for FAcT?
  • (4:30) – An update on the status of the program (Note: the release date for the FAcT RFP has changed since the recording of this interview and is anticipated in Q1 2022)
  • (5:40) – How does SkyAlyne help Canada secure sovereignty and economic growth amidst the COVID-19 pandemic?
  • (6:18) – On the core competencies SkyAlyne’s parent companies bring to FAcT
  • (7:55) – How does Canadian military aircrew training compare around the world? “We have that knowledge here in Canada and we don’t need to go outside of our shores to find the right solution for Canadians and keep that capability internal.”
  • (10:25) – Peter Fedak explains his unique experience as both the former RCAF Commandant and current contractor site manager at 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School/CFTS Program at Southport, MB, and how that experience will help SkyAlyne best serve Canada and the RCAF
  • (15:18) – “We need to understand their perspective, their cultures, the barriers, in order to help each other find a solution for the future.” Abir Kazan on SkyAlyne’s active engagement with Indigenous communities and businesses to ensure inclusion with FAcT and long-term opportunities for Indigenous peoples are reflected in SkyAlyne’s solution
  • (19:07) – “It’s a great policy for our country.” On Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) requirements for procurements and how a Canadian-based solution will maximize the benefits for Canada
  • (20:47) – “FAcT is a generation program… they want it to evolve.” On supporting and leveraging homegrown innovation and R&D capabilities
  • (22:00) – Kazan: “We are proud to be Canadian. We want to be successful and for all Canadians to be successful. We take this close to our heart.”
  • (22:56) – On KF Aerospace’s relationship with the customer and the community on the current contract in Southport, MB.
  • (26:00) – “Collaboration and trust are at the core of it all.” Fedak on the lessons learned by managing both current RCAF training programs in Canada.

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