PC-24 Super Versatile Jet: Certification Imminent
The PC-24 will be on display at this year’s NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the world’s largest trade fair for business aircraft, to be held in Las Vegas, USA, in October. Pilatus expects to obtain the type certificate for its Super Versatile Jet in December 2017.
The PC-24 development project has now entered its final phase, the most challenging tests have all been successfully completed. The three PC-24 prototypes have made a total of 1,250 flights for 2,000 hours in the air so far. Function reliability tests are currently underway with P03, which corresponds to the production standard. P02, the second PC-24 prototype, will be on display together with the latest version of the PC-12 NG at Pilatus’ indoor booth at the NBAA-BACE event from 10 to 12 October.
Type certification expected before the end of the year
Pilatus expects to obtain certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in December 2017. The official handover of the first customer aircraft is scheduled to go ahead before the end of the year.
Oscar J. Schwenk, Chairman of Pilatus, comments as follows on the PC-24 development programme:
“I’m very pleased with the progress of the development programme and am looking forward to the moment when we are awarded the type certificate and can hand over the PC-24 to our first customer. I have no doubt whatsoever that the future operators will be more than delighted with the outstanding performance of the Super Versatile Jet and the countless possibilities it offers.”
Expansion of customer service
As from 1 September, Pilatus launched a 24/7 customer service facility to meet the high expectations of PC-24 customers. Spare parts and other technical support can now be requested worldwide, 365 days a year. PC-12 customers will also benefit from this upgraded service.
In recent months, Pilatus has also expanded its global network of Authorised PC-24 Service Centres and equipped them with spare parts to guarantee rapid availability. Maintenance specialists have already been trained to ensure they are optimally prepared for the PC-24.
In partnership with FlightSafety International, one of the most trusted names in flight training, Pilatus has developed a “Full Motion Simulator” and maintenance training units which will be available for crew instruction in good time ahead of certification.
Oscar J. Schwenk adds:
“We strive to ensure that, from the first moment onwards, future PC-24 operators enjoy first-class service of the standard they expect from us in the business jet league. Here at Pilatus, customers always come first, and our aim at all times is to provide the support and assistance they deserve.”
About the Super Versatile Jet
The PC-24 is the first business jet worldwide designed to take off and land on very short runways, or unpaved runways, and to come with a cargo door as standard. It also boasts an extremely spacious cabin whose interior can easily be adapted to personal requirements. The outstanding flexibility of the PC-24 opens the door on an enviable spectrum of possibilities – whether as a business jet, ambulance aircraft or for other special missions. All this makes it a Super Versatile Jet, an aircraft designed to fulfil a wide variety of individual mission profiles.
