International Test Pilots School relocating its training centre to Jack Garland Airport
By Brad Aubin
The International Test Pilots School’s Tactical Training Centre is relocating to North Bay’s Jack Garland Airport.
It’s thanks to a $1.5M investment from FedNor.
Officials say the funds will help the school renovate and equip a 21,000 sq ft hangar dedicated to delivering its Fighter Lead-In Training – an advanced tactical training solution for NATO and allied military pilots preparing to operate next-generation fighter jets.
FedNor says the move will create about 60 full-time jobs, all while strengthening the economy and further positioning North Bay as a defence and aerospace training hub.
As part of the announcement, Gravenhurst’s SKADI (SKAW-dee) Cyber Defense Corporation is also getting $1.2M to help develop and commercialize its Frostbow AI Cyber Defense System, which officials say is designed to protect IT networks and infrastructure.
“We appreciate the support of FedNor and the Government of Canada,” said Dave Lohse, The International Test Pilots School CEO. “This investment is an important step in (the training centre’s) relocation to North Bay and in building a sovereign Canadian tactical aviation training capability. North Bay’s airspace, aviation infrastructure and military heritage give us the right operating environment to prepare pilots for modern operations. It will strengthen Canada’s capacity to support NATO and allied readiness while creating highly skilled aerospace and defence jobs in Northern Ontario.”
Brad Aubinhttp://www.mynorthbaynow.comBrad is Vista Radio's Senior News Director for Ontario. He was born in Sudbury, raised in Kapuskasing and has lived in the North Bay area for nearly 20 years. A Canadore College grad, he has worked for many newspapers across the north, and joined the broadcasting side of the business in 2020. The proud husband and father of two loves sharing important local and area news to listeners. If you have a news tip you'd like to share, e-mail baubin@vistaradio.ca
