Pilatus PC-12: private jet charter

Pilatus PC-12: introduction

The Pilatus PC-12 is a single-engine, multi-purpose aircraft with integrated propellers, manufactured by the Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft. Renowned for its reliability and ability to operate from short runways, this turboprop plane is widely used throughout the world. It is ideal for a range of missions, from passenger and cargo transport to emergency medical operations and business flights. With its efficient design and exceptional versatility, the Pilatus PC-12 is a popular option for a variety of operational needs. Find out more about Pilatus PC-12 private jet charter with AEROAFFAIRES.

Pilatus PC-12: a little history

The Pilatus PC-12 was introduced to the aviation market in 1994 by Swiss manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft. The aircraft was designed to meet a growing demand for a comfortable aircraft capable of operating in difficult conditions. This turboprop quickly became a popular choice of air transport among airline operators and passengers worldwide.

The development of the PC-12 goes back to the 1980s, when Pilatus began to study the design of a versatile, economical aircraft. After several years of research and development, the first PC-12 prototype made its maiden flight in 1991. Type certification was obtained in 1994.

Since then, the Pilatus PC-12 has enjoyed significant commercial success. It has received constant improvements to its design and performance over the years, notably with the arrival of the Pilatus PC-12 NGX. The PC-12 is also widely used for special missions such as emergency medical transport, aerial surveillance and government operations.

VIPs in the Pilatus PC-12

Here are some fun facts about this popular aircraft and the high-profile individuals who choose to travel in the Pilatus PC-12:

• The former US President George W. Bush: During his time in office, Bush often relied on the aircraft for travel to and from his ranch in Crawford, Texas.
• Mark Cuban: The entrepreneur and Shark Tank star has also been known to fly in the PC-12.
• The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia: uses the PC-12 for medical evacuations and emergency transport. 
• The Swiss Air Force: in Switzerland, the Pilatus PC-12 is used for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

Key Benefits of PILATUS PC-12

• Accessibility: the Pilatus PC-12 can land at over 2,500 airfields in Europe, unlike a larger private jet or large commercial aircraft.
• All-terrain: far from the size of large military aircraft, the Pilatus PC-12 can also easily access the short runways of London – Fairoaks, Gstaad – Saanen, Lausanne, Arcachon Cap Ferret, Ile d’Yeu or Saint-Tropez la Môle.
• Economical: the Pilatus PC-12 is an economical business aircraft, subject to its initial location. In fact, there are around fifteen examples of this range of aircraft available in Europe for public transport. It is a pillar of the aviation world, and of business aviation in particular.
• Versatile: the Pilatus PC-12 is an aircraft suited to many types of transport: passenger, freight, cargo flight missions or even medical transport for EVASAN flights.
• Market leader: with over 1,750 units sold worldwide, the Pilatus PC-12 is widely recognized as the versatile tool of choice in private aviation. Thanks to its innovative solutions in terms of safety, comfort and performance, Pilatus has consistently consolidated its competitive position with each new iteration of the aircraft.
• Comfort: the Pilatus PC-12 cabin can accommodate up to 12 passengers, although in a typical configuration it offers optimum comfort for 6 to 8 passengers. With a large loading door, even bulky items can be loaded. The baggage compartment, accessible from the cabin even in flight, is located at the rear of the aircraft, offering practical space.

Commercial features of PILATUS PC-12

Since 2017, the Pilatus PC-12 has been the first single-engine aircraft approved for public transport in France and elsewhere, with certification for single-pilot instrument flight rules (IFR). The Pilatus PC-12 cockpit is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, enabling it to fly in complete safety. It features a configuration with a small cockpit pod. This provides the pilot-in-command with optimum piloting comfort. It also offers the option of making an emergency landing by deploying the landing gear.

The Pilatus PC-12 is equipped with a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67B turbine, enabling it to reach a cruising speed of 500 km/h.

A true all-terrain aircraft, the Pilatus PC-12 can be used in a variety of ways: as a private business aircraft, for air freight or even for medical flights, thanks to its large cargo door (1.35 m x 1.32 m), which enables large objects to be loaded.

Featuring a spacious pressurized cabin, the Pilatus PC-12 can comfortably accommodate 6 passengers (+ 2 optional) with baggage. The modular cabin configuration provides passengers with face-to-face seating, enabling them to work or chat quietly during their business flights.

A special feature of the Pilatus PC-12 is that passengers can access the cargo hold and their baggage during flight hours.

The Pilatus PC-12 has a range of around 2,750 km, enabling it to cross Europe without any constraints on short routes.

The Pilatus PC-12’s aerodynamics enable it to land on very short runways (700 m) and on the grassy fields of small airfields.

However, the range of the Pilatus PC-12 is limited. This makes it ideal for short-distance flights only.