New Training Simulator Takes Flight with Government Support

A new flight training simulator, the first of its kind in Canada’s North, has been installed at the Alkan Air Flight Academy in Whitehorse, Yukon. With support from the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon, the simulator was purchased by Yukon College as part of the Aviation Management Diploma Program.

The funding was announced today by Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CanNor and the Honourable Ranj Pillai, Deputy Premier, Minister of Economic Development.

Access to this innovative training device will help establish Whitehorse as a unique flight school destination in the North. This simulator will support skills development of current and prospective pilots and provide valuable training services to the aviation industry both in Yukon and beyond.

Quotes
“Through this partnership with Alkan Air, the new, innovative flight simulator will enhance the one-of-a-kind, northern wilderness, flying education offered right here in Yukon. I am happy to see the Government of Canada, the Government of Yukon, Yukon College and our local aviation industry working together to provide such valuable skills development and training services in the North.”
Larry Bagnell
Member of Parliament for Yukon

“The Government of Yukon is committed to making strategic investments to diversify and grow Yukon’s economy. Investing in this flight simulator provides Yukoners with the opportunity to acquire skills here in the territory and help to build capacity in our local aviation industry.”
Ranj Pillai
Minister of Economic Development, Government of Yukon

“The simulator is a key component to flight instruction in any flight school environment. This simulator will enhance the educational component for all the flight school students.”
Wendy Tayler
President, Alkan Air

“This new simulator is an investment in the future graduates of the Aviation Management Diploma program. It is an invaluable training tool that enables students to safely explore a range of challenging flight circumstances helping them become the calm, resourceful pilots the North, and Canada, needs.”
Dr. Karen Barnes
President and Vice-Chancellor, Yukon College

Quick Facts

• In partnership with Alkan Air, Yukon College offers the Aviation Management Development program, which allows students to complete flight training at Alkan Air while taking business courses at Yukon College.
• In addition to CanNor’s investment of $100,000, the Government of Yukon also contributed $100,000 towards the flight training simulator purchase and installation. Alkan Air contributed a further $46,463.
• CanNor’s Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) economic development program aims to strengthen key economic sectors in Canada’s territories. SINED supports projects that increase northern economic growth and diversification, support innovation and capacity development, and create jobs for Northerners.
• The money that student pilots spend for training will feed directly back into Yukon’s economy instead of being spent at flight schools in other jurisdictions.
• There are currently eight students in the Aviation Management diploma program. The program began in fall 2016.
• The enclosed flight simulator has motion capability for greater realism. Pilots can train on up to 34 types of aircraft, and there is capability to add more.
• The flight simulator is approved by Transport Canada and allows licensed pilots to remain in Yukon for annual testing.

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