This story originally appeared in CDR. 

The Grob G 120TP-A is a two-seater, turboprop, training, and aerobatic low- wing aircraft built by Grob Aircraft that is receiving rave reviews for its stability, power, and flying performance. This is why SkyAlyne (a 50/50 partnership between CAE and KF Aerospace), which won the $11.2 billion, 25-year contract for Canada’s Future Aircrew Training (FACT) Program in 2024, has signed a contract with Grob Aircraft SE to acquire 23 Grob G 120TP-A aircraft for FACT.

The Grob 120A (an earlier version of the Grob G 120TP-A) is already being used for RCAF basic flying training at the Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) Program in Southport, MB. KF Aerospace has managed the CFTS Program with its Allied Wings partners since 2005. It will be replaced by FACT in 2027.

KF Aerospace is so impressed by the Grob G 120TP-A trainer that the company has become Grob Aircraft SE’s exclusive North American dealer for sales and leasing.

“Through our partnership with KF Aerospace, we aim to establish the Grob G 120TP-A further as a leading training platform in North America,” said Daniel Niefenecker, Head of Sales Engineering at Grob Aircraft. “The market demands modern, cost- effective, and reliable training aircraft- this is where the Grob G 120TP-A excels. It combines advanced avionics, low operating costs, and exceptional performance, making it an optimal solution for both military and civilian training programs.”

THE GROB G 120TP-A AT-A-GLANCE

The Grob G 120TP-A is, as Grob Aircraft puts it, “a thoroughbred basic trainer aircraft optimized for the demanding military training environment.” In plain language, the Grob G 120TP-A is a single low-wing two-seater (side by side) with a powerful and reliable Rolls-Royce M250-B17F turbine engine.

The Grob G 120TP-A is also equipped with advanced avionics and finely-tuned handling characteristics, which supports its certification as an aerobatics aircraft as well as a military/civilian trainer. Yet, it is safe and stable enough for even the newest of pilots under instructor supervision. This is why the Grob G 120TP-A can serve as an ‘ab-initio (Latin for ‘from the beginning’) basic trainer. At the same time, this aircraft has so much depth and flexibility that it is useful for advanced flight training, and to help student pilots progress from basic to complex training scenarios.

As well, the Grob G 120TP-A also supports Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT), enhanced Crew Resource Management skill-building for multi- crew environments and has performance characteristics that mirror transport-category aircraft.

“The Grob G 120TP-A is a versatile aircraft designed to meet the training needs of various aviation sectors,” said Maj (Ret’d) Steve Fuhr, a former RCAF pilot and Transport Canada Pilot Examiner, who is now a Grob G 120TP-A pilot and special consultant with KF Aerospace. “It is ideal for air forces worldwide conducting their own pilot training programs, with several countries- including Canada, Argentina, Bangladesh, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Myanmar, Sweden, the UK, and the US already integrating it into their fleets. In the air, it feels solid and predictable. The power-to-weight ratio is great, the climb performance is strong. and the controls are precise. It’s also well- balanced, making it a great platform for upset recovery training, but still forgiving enough for early-stage training. From what I have experienced so far, it strikes a nice balance between being challenging for advanced training while still accessible for newer pilots.”

WHY KF AEROSPACE IS A NATURAL PARTNER FOR GROB AIRCRAFT

KF Aerospace has managed the RCAF’s CFTS military pilot training program since 2005. “For Basic Flying Training, we’ve relied on the Grob 120A as our initial training aircraft, and it has consistently proven to be an excellent platform,” said Bryan Akerstream, KF Aerospace’s VP Business Development. “Based on this successful relationship and the selection of the Grob G 120TP-A by SkyAlyne for FACT, Grob Aircraft approached us to take on the role of their exclusive North American dealership.”

“Many people still don’t fully grasp the performance capabilities of the Grob G 120TP-A, not just as an initial pilot trainer, but also as a potential advanced military and civilian trainer,” Akerstream told CDR. “Our focus now is to start those conversations, build awareness, and help prospective customers understand how the Grob G 5120TP-A can transform their training programs.”

For KF Aerospace, taking on the Grob North American dealership aligns with the Canadian company’s broader strategy. “We’ve been involved in aircraft sales and leasing for years, and the award of the FACT Program firmly established as one of the world’s premier military pilot training providers,” said Akerstream. “Expanding into promoting and supporting an aircraft we believe in not only reinforces our strategic plans but also allows us to extend our influence in the aviation training market.”

Over the past 20 years, KF Aerospace and Grob Aircraft have built an effective relationship based on trust and mutual respect. During their time with the CFTS, “KF and Grob have worked together to solve any problems in a collaborative manner utilizing both companies’ experience as aircraft OEMs and possessing a depth of engineering expertise,” explained Peter Fedak, L.Col (Ret.) RCAF, former CFTS Commandant, and now KF Aerospace’s Vice President of Defence Programs. “Today Grob and KF both work as integrated members of teams versus just being a supplier. This construct provides a more efficient and effective mechanism to overcome any issues. As well, by having the OEM support all aspects of training, it permits the best of all solutions for the customer. With KF as the North American dealer, the integrated reach of Grob and its ultra-efficient and cost-effective Grob G 120TP-A becomes a global solution.”

Clearly, these are exciting times for KF Aerospace, SkyAlyne, Grob Aircraft, and the many, many RCAF pilots yet to earn their wings flying the impressive Grob G 120TP-A. “This aircraft has the feel of a much bigger, high-performance turboprop while still being light, responsive, and well-balanced,” said Steve Fuhr. “It’s clear that the Grob G 120- TP-A is both a capable trainer and a serious tool for advanced pilot development.”

About KF Aerospace

We’re all about THE CRAFT.

For 55 years, KF Aerospace has delivered innovative aircraft solutions for corporate, commercial and military customers worldwide—including OEMs such as Boeing; major airlines such as WestJet, Sunwing, Air Canada, Lynden Air Cargo and Icelandair; and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). From humble roots in the Okanagan Valley, KF has grown to specialize in aircraft maintenance and modifications, military aircrew training, passenger charter services and cargo flight operations, and leasing—with the same commitment to quality and service established by its founder in 1970. In 2023, KF was named the preferred bidder for the RCAF’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program in its partnership with CAE called SkyAlyne.

To learn more visit www.kfaero.ca or contact:

Matt Stone
Engagement, Communications & Marketing Lead

250-491-5500

media@kfaero.ca