Pilatus delivered its first PC-12 PRO aircraft, an upgrade to the segment leading aircraft, to an Australian customer who flew the aircraft from Switzerland to Australia in 41 hours over a 5 day period.
Upgraded Cockpit and Avionics
The PC-12 PRO, launched earlier this year, introduces several advanced upgrades, including a Garmin 3000 Prime avionics suite that include five touchscreen displays, as well the Garmin autoland system as a safety enhancement in the event of single pilot incapacitation. The aircraft also incorporates an autothrottle system to protect against over-torque and over-temperature situations with the legendary Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 engine, which has over 11 million flight hours on the PC-12 fleet. The autothrottle, combined with the electronic propeller and engine control system (EPECS), significantly reduces pilot workload.
As the best selling single engine turboprop, the PC-12 improvements are aimed at retaining its leadership position in its market segment, which it has held for more than a decade.
“Every decision behind the PC-12 PRO was driven by one question: How do we create more value for our customers? From enhanced cockpit technologies to refined comfort and performance, the PC-12 PRO reflects the voices of those who fly it. It is the result of listening, learning, and delivering – a new aircraft shaped entirely around the people at the heart of Pilatus,” emphasizes André Zimmermann, Vice President Business Aviation.
The Bottom Line
Pilatus has been a market leader in this segment, and will soon face new competition from the long-delayed Beechcraft Denali. Â With a superb track record of performance and safety, this next generation PC-12 sets a strong standard for the segment that will be difficult for competitors to overcome.
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