Pilatus, the Swiss aircraft manufacturer of the successful PC-12 single engine turboprop, says development of its versatile PC-24 Super Versatile business jet has entered its final phase. The PC-24, sporting a large cargo door like the PC-12, is one of the few business jets capable of operating from short, unimproved runways such as grass and gravel. Pilatus said both EASA and FAA certifications of the PC-24 are expected in December with handover of the first customer aircraft planned before the end of this year.
The three PC-24 prototypes have accumulated 2,000 flying hours over nearly 1,300 flights. Prototype airframe P03 is currently undergoing functional reliability tests corresponding to the planned production standard.
Pilatus has also launched a 24/7 customer service facility ahead of the planned certification to guarantee the flow of spare parts and technical support worldwide, 365 days a year, a feature expected to also benefit PC-12 customers. The company has increased the number of authorized PC-24 service centers and says its own maintenance technicians have been trained on the PC-24. Training provider FlightSafety International, handling both pilot and maintenance technician training, expects a full-motion PC-24 simulator to be operational soon.
With bizjet deliveries on the horizon, Pilatus has invested heavily in infrastructure. Not only has it increased its footprint and installed new equipment at its headquarters in Stans, Switzerland, it has invested $30 million dollars into a 120,000 square foot facility in Broomsfield, Colorado, which is expected to open by the middle of next year.
The second PC-24 prototype, P02, will be on display at Pilatus’ indoor booth — C12621 — at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas beginning October 10.
