Press Release - New Dealer

Pilatus Aircraft is delighted to announce that it has selected Pro-Star Aviation of Londonderry, New Hampshire as its new dealership for the northeastern United States. Pro-Star Aviation is part of a well established group of aviation companies with significant experience operating in and around the territory. The new dealership will be responsible for sales, marketing and service of the PC-12 NG in New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts and Michigan.

Speaking from Pilatus Business Aircraft in Broomfield, Colorado, Thomas Bosshard, CEO commented: “It is with great pleasure that we welcome Pro-Star Aviation to the Pilatus family. The selection process allowed us to examine a number of candidates in great detail and we were very impressed by the overall quality of potential suitors. However in the end Pro-Star Aviation’s exceptional personnel in addition to their turbine aircraft expertise proved to be the right match to sell, service and support the world’s best selling business turboprop.”

With strategic locations throughout the northeast including Caldwell, New Jersey and Portland, Maine, Pro-Star Aviation will promote and invigorate PC-12 NG sales to build further brand awareness in the region. Henry Laughlin, President of Pro-Star Aviation commented: “The team at Pro-Star Aviation welcomes the opportunity to work closely with one of the world’s great aircraft manufacturers. It is our absolute intention to provide service excellence in all operational aspects of our Pilatus Center and we look forward to a long mutually beneficial relationship.”

Pro-Star Pilatus Center will focus on sales and service of the PC-12 NG, which features a number of significant improvements over its predecessor, including a fully integrated Honeywell Primus Apex avionics system, a completely new cockpit designed by BMW Group Designworks USA, and a more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engine. As aircraft owners and operators strive to operate as competitively as possible, the PC-12’s versatility and low direct operating costs are more relevant than ever before.

Barco steps up production rate for Honeywell displays

Barco (Kortrijk, Belgium) is increasing production of its KDU dedicated display solution specifically designed for integration into the Honeywell Primus Apex flight deck. This year, Barco schedules a total production of 600 units. By 2010, this figure should have climbed to one thousand displays a year.

http://tinyurl.com/6mmdu2

PC-21 flight test

Flight Global travel to Switzerland to flight test the PC-21. Read about it here: http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/12/02/319516/pc-21-flight-test-fast-learner.html

Russian certification for the PC-12 NG

The certification is a commercial breakthrough for the Danish business aviation group Air Alpha, who is the official distributor of the Pilatus PC-12 Next Generation, abbreviated PC-12 NG, in Russia and the Baltic States.
“The certification has been on its way for more than a year, so we are now proud to present it,” said Peter Hoegsberg, Director of Air Alpha Aircraft Sales in Russia.

UK may consider Pilatus PC-21

The UK Ministry of Defence is expected in December to seek expressions of interest from potential suppliers of a new fleet of basic trainers to replace the Royal Air Force's Shorts Tucano T1s. Likely to cover the procurement of 40-50 aircraft, the project will deliver a pivotal element of the formative UK Military Flying Training System (MFTS). Candidates for the deal include the Alenia Aermacchi M-311, Beechcraft T-6 and Pilatus PC-21 - all of which have previously been flight tested by British military personnel - and a possible life-extension and avionics upgrade to the Tucano being pushed by Shorts and Marshall Aerospace.

Flightglobal.com

Pilatus MKII Astra upgrade

Pilatus has been awarded a R400 million contract to upgrade the cockpits of 35 PC7 MkII Astra basic trainers for the South African Air Force.

The SAAF bought 60 of the trainers in February 1993 with deliveries starting in October the next year. The SA Air force last year told Parliament that the upgrade was needed because “the central cockpit display started discolouring to the point where most of the displays were becoming unreadable.

“These displays were supplied in the early 1990's by a now defunct local company, and have become obsolete to the extent that they have to be replaced. Subsequent to the initial estimates, further engineering studies were conducted and it was concluded that the only lasting solution to the Astra avionics obsolescence problems was a total cockpit upgrade,” the flying service said in a written reply to a question by Democratic Alliance MP Hendrik Schmidt.

“The multi-source tender was submitted to all interested parties, and the most cost-effective offer was received from Pilatus Switzerland, the original manufacturer of the aircraft, for an amount of R400 million; thus making Pilatus Switzerland the preferred bidder.

“The upgrade will extend the lifespan of the Astra with a further 20 years.

defenceweb.co.za

Honeywell APEX equipped Twin Otter in final testing

Viking Air told ANN Tuesday that Maldivian Air Taxi, the world's largest operator of Twin Otter seaplanes, will add two new Series 400 Twin Otters to its fleet of 24 heritage aircraft.

"The Series 400 is the right aircraft at the right time; our passengers and our employees know and trust the aircraft and we are pleased to be adding this new and improved Twin Otter to our fleet", said Lars Erik Nielsen, MAT's president and chairman of the board. "We value MAT's experience and on-going validation of the Twin Otter, and are excited they have added the new Series 400 to their fleet," commented David Curtis, Viking president & CEO.

In related news, Viking recently began on-water tests of its prototype Series 400, as part of the certification process for the Honeywell Primus Apex integrated avionics suite.

"The system performed flawlessly through 18 pages of test cards carried out today," said Steve Stackhouse, Viking's manager of flight operations. He added, "The purpose of the test was to evaluate whether the Air Data Attitude and Heading Reference System (ADAHRS) would initialize accurately and within design criteria in unstable conditions. The system responded perfectly on every occasion, becoming stable in under 40 seconds."

In addition to the upgraded avionics, the Series 400 incorporates over 200 modifications and improvements to the original rugged design. Viking is modernizing the type with a focus on reducing empty weight and maintenance costs while increasing reliability.

Viking launched the Series 400 aircraft program in 2007. Customer deliveries are expected to begin next year.

aero-news.net

Alpha Flying expands territory

Alpha Flying, Inc. the Portsmouth, NH-based fractional aircraft ownership program, has announced the expansion of its primary service area to include an additional rectangular area covering approximately 210,000 square miles encompassing parts of Arkansas, Oklahoma, southeast Texas, and Louisiana. Among the many airports to be added are Galveston, San Antonio, and Tulsa. A map of the expanded area can be viewed at www.planesense.aero.

According to George Antoniadis, founder and CEO of Alpha Flying, the decision to expand was based on demand from current and prospective owners wishing to fly to and from Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. “PlaneSense has always been positioned as the most sensible fractional program based on the economics and performance of the PC-12. Especially in the current economic environment, PlaneSense has attracted many people whom we did not want to turn away. We have worked hard over the past months on the operational aspects to ensure that we will continue to provide the same high level of service that our current aircraft share owners have come to expect from the PlaneSense Program,” commented Antoniadis.

Alpha Flying, which uses Pilatus PC-12s in its program, accepted its first plane in 1995. Since then, the fleet has grown to 35 PC-12s, with two additional aircraft scheduled to arrive by the end of 2008. The average age of the fleet is 2.5 years. Antoniadis notes, “PlaneSense is the leading regional fractional ownership program in the world. We have the largest PC-12 fleet in the world and more experience flying PC-12s than any other fleet manager, with more than 50,000 accident-free hours.”

RFDS Central orders five PC-12's

The Adelaide based Central Operations section of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which serves South Australia and much of the Northern Territory, has placed an order for five Pilatus PC-12 turboprops worth more than $20 million, reports Chris Milne. The new aircraft, all due for delivery during 2010, will replace the five oldest PC-12s in the Central Operations fleet of 11. The organization has paid a deposit of almost $768,000 and entered into foreign exchange arrangements for $21 million for the balance of the payment to the Swiss manufacturer.
The RFDS section was the launch customer for the PC-12, and received its first two aircraft in March, 1995, and a further two in September of that year.
The chief executive of Central Operations, John Lynch, said the restoration of capital grants under the new Commonwealth funding agreement would help to finance the new aircraft, with slots gained with Pilatus for progressive delivery through 2010. The operations manager, Barry Hocking, said the latest 47E (new generation) version of the PC-12 would have improved performance, particularly increased takeoff weight, which would enable extra fuel to be carried, extending the range. Hocking said the five aircraft being replaced would have done 15,000 hours each by the time they were withdrawn from service. No decision had been made on their disposal. “Our preference is to sell them overseas but we're not sure how we'll dispose of them yet, or whether they will be sold medically equipped,” he said.

Pilatus Porsche challenge

Theo Koundouris (Supabarn Supermarkets) won the Pilatus Challenge, which is a championship-within-a-championship for nonprofessional drivers, ahead of Marc Cini (Hallmarc) and his brother James. The results mean it is a Koundouris quinella in the overall Pilatus Championship standings, with James winning the trophy and Theo second. Shaun Juniper (Juniper Group), who endured a disappointing weekend, still managed to secure third in the Pilatus Challenge for the year.

The race was a sensational way to end the season, with drama all through the eight-lap race.

Western Aircraft appoint new satellite service facility

Western Aircraft, Inc. Pilatus Center has appointed Aero Air of Hillsboro, Oregon an authorized satellite service center for the Pilatus PC-12.

Western Aircraft’s COO, Allen Hoyt, stated that “Western Aircraft is pleased to announce that Aero Air is the latest company to join the Pilatus PC-12 support team as our newest Satellite Service Center. There are about 140 PC-12s in the northwestern US, and we have always had the philosophy that new PC-12 owners will have service facilities close and convenient to their home bases.” Aero Air’s proximity to Portland provides operators in Oregon and southern Washington with another option for maintenance.

With a history dating back to 1956, Aero Air and its 120 employees and 75,000 square feet of hangar space are ready to serve PC-12 customers in the North West. Aero Air is an Authorized Honeywell Dealership and we also offer a full range of inspection/hot section and overhaul services for the PWC PT-6A-67 engine.

Western Aircraft has been the Northwest’s authorized Pilatus PC-12 Sales and Service center since 1996, and routinely maintaining 80 to 90 PC-12s per year. In 2004 Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd. recognized Western Aircraft as The Pilatus PC-12 Dealer of The Year along with The Excellence in PC-12 Service and Support Award. With the growing fleet of the PC-12, and Western’s commitment to high levels of excellence, the selection of Aero Air as a satellite service center was a perfect fit.

Pratt & Whitney boosts research & development

Pratt and Whitney Canada will spend more than $360 million on research and development in the next three years to make engines that are cleaner and leaner. The Quebec government is chipping in $125 million in the form of a repayable loan that the province will recover from royalties on sales. John Sabaas, PW&C's executive vice president, said R&D is a cornerstone of the engine maker's success. "Our sustained investments in R&D have allowed us to bring more than 65 new engines to market over the past 15 years, a significant accomplishment,"

RFDS take delivery of latest PC-12

The Royal Flying Doctors have honoured their benefactor by naming their newest plane after her. The $5.1 million Beth Stewart Klugh -- a Pilatus PC-12 -- has brought the RFDS fleet to 51. Four are now stationed in Alice Springs.
Central Operations SA/NT chief executive John Lynch thanked the Klugh family from Adelaide for their ``six-figure'' donation. RFDS auxiliary president Coral Allan gave the yearly donation of $19,000 to the Flying Doctors. He said she and the 18 members of the Alice Springs branch raised the money by holding lawn sales, Sunday tea at the RFDS base and race days. Twenty-five auxiliaries around the country donated $500,000 to RFDS this year. Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon acknowledged the RFDS's role in the efforts to ``close the gap''.
She said: ``Without the work you did, a lot of these communities and projects would not be viable.''

Seaport continue to grow with the PC-12

SeaPort recently outbid Horizon for the U.S. Department of Transportation's subsidy that compensates airlines flying in small, rural markets.
The government will pay SeaPort nearly $1.57 million for the first year of its contract and $1.6 million for the second year for direct flights between Pendleton and Portland.
The company uses Swiss-built Pilatus PC-12 nine-seat single turboprops. Starting Dec. 2, SeaPort plans to fly three times a day between Portland and Pendleton.
Horizon wanted a $3.2 million subsidy to fly 76-seat planes twice a day.
"Capacity doesn't grow markets," Craford said. "Flying one choice at 2:45 in the afternoon -- that doesn't work."
SeaPort's planes lack restrooms, there is no flight attendant, and weights are closely watched -- customers are limited to two 35-pound bags and SeaPort won't fly anyone weighing more than 400 pounds. But Craford says the planes are favored by executives and movie stars.
SeaPort flies about 20 times a day between Portland and Seattle and also owns Wings of Alaska, a charter service based in Juneau, Alaska. It employs about 25 people in Seattle and Portland and another 70 in Alaska.

TSA NPRM could benefit the PC-12

If the TSA was expecting the business aviation community to embrace its Large Aircraft Security Program proposal, issued on Thursday, it is in for a major reality check. NBAA members posting to NBAA’s Air Mail forum are nearly unanimous in their call for an outright rejection of the proposal, with many asking the association to ally with other aviation alphabet groups to form a united front against the entire program. The consensus among the members speaking up is that the TSA program for GA aircraft weighing more than 12,500 pounds is unnecessary since business aircraft operations are inherently more secure because their passengers are known entities, unlike those flying with commercial operators, and because these aircraft are unsuitable for use in a terrorist attack and have never been used in an actual or attempted attack. These NBAA members also believe the TSA program would not increase security because compliance with the security rules would be verified by biennial third-party audits, meaning up to 24 months after flights are completed. One operator, striking a chord that resonated with others, wrote, “This will only create more ‘busy work’ for the law-abiding operator. I do not see how it will, or can, prevent any terrorist act,” adding that the only thing it might be able to do is “document who committed a terrorist act after the fact.”

Porter busy dropping skydivers over Everest

A new skydiving operation offering thrill seekers the opportunity to jump over Mt.Everst is up and running. The jump ship choosen by the operation is of course the famous PC-6 Pilatus Porter. This is the first time the Nepalese government has issued permits for such an adventure in the Everest Region. The aircraft was recently ferried from Switzerland to Nepal by Swiss pilots over a period of 42 hours. The jumpers exit the aircraft from altitudes of up to 29,500 feet. A true testament to the sheer ability of man and equipment.

Short video clip of Pilatus at NBAA

Pilatus finds unprecedented interest from jet customers

Pilatus notes a record level of interest from Jet customers. From global economic corrections to record oil prices, there is little doubt that change can occur very quickly indeed. However, the old saying that every cloud has a silver lining could well be true in the case of Pilatus and their new PC-12 NG. Apart from the strong order book that Pilatus currently enjoys, PC-12 dealers report significantly increased interest from the tier of jet customers immediately above the famous turboprop. Pilatus Centers from Australia to the USA report that customers are expressing a desire to step out of their thirsty jet aircraft in to the ultra efficient PC-12 NG. With a cabin size comparable to jet aircraft costing more than twice as much and a fuel burn saving of up to 50 percent, the case for the PC-12 NG has never been stronger.

FULL TEXT: http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/applications/press_release/index_rd.php?det=0000000061

Pilatus receives excellent feedback from Honeywell Apex users

With deliveries of the PC-12 NG well underway, early feedback from operators has proven that Honeywell’s Primus Apex avionics system was an excellent choice for the next generation of this legendary aircraft. The PC-12 NG was announced during NBAA 2006 with the official launch taking place one year later at NBAA 2007. The Honeywell Primus Apex system was developed specifically for the PC-12 NG to reduce pilot workload and improve systems integration. As a derivative of the Honeywell Primus Epic system found in much larger aircraft, the Primus Apex system benefits from a wealth of research and development.
FULL TEXT: http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/applications/press_release/index_rd.php?det=0000000063

AOPA featured the PC-12 NG

Thomas Horne produced an excellent article praising the PC-12 NG. Mike Fizer also undertook the photography for this article over the southern Colorado rockies.

IS&S forging ahead with PC-12 retrofits

IS&S in July announced upgrades for its Pilatus PC-12 avionics retrofit program, including a single-sided cockpit option, wide area augmentation system (WAAS) capability and group RVSM certification for all panel configurations.
IS&S also named Finnoff Aviation, Boulder, Colo., as an independent sales agent for the company's cockpit/IP flat-panel display system for the PC-12, a single-engine turboprop manufactured in Switzerland. The latter company is led by Chris Finnoff, former president of Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd.
Interviewed at the company's headquarters in Exton, Pa., President Roman G. Ptakowski said IS&S sees a market for more than 300 PC-12s, mostly in North America. The company initially certified a cockpit panel layout with two 15-inch displays, and then pursued other configurations.
"Unique among competitors, we actually have multiple architectures," Ptakowski said. "You can buy a PC-12 upgrade with two 15-inch panels, four 10- inch panels or a combination of one 15 (and) two 10s, or two 10s only, as long as we have redundancy of at least two displays. We have an architecture that has been certified by the FAA. We provide a lot of flexibility so people can do a single-side upgrade and then eventually do the dual side. They have an opportunity to address it the way they see fit."
IS&S expects to make WAAS capability available in the fourth quarter for both single-side and full-cockpit display architectures, allowing pilots to fly precision approaches at smaller airports. RVSM certification, available for all cockpit configurations, will allow pilots to fly at flight level 290 and above.

L-3 claim close to PC-12 EVS certification

The L-3 Avionics Iris was certified in April for flight aboard many of the King Air 90, 100, 200 and 300 series turboprop twins. L-3 reports other certifications in progress for Pilatus PC-12 and TBM-700 singles as well as Bell 206 and 407 rotorcraft. The 1.7-pound Iris camera also uses an uncooled IR sensor that, for initially certified installations, feeds video to a Honeywell KMD-850 MFD. L-3 Avionics adds that the King Air STC “allows display on any FAA certified cockpit display” that accepts an appropriate RS-170 video input. The Iris sensor, with a 24-degree horizontal field of view, was originally developed for automotive use.

AIN News

Seaport airlines benefits from PC-12 efficiency

SeaPort Airlines operates the Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, a Swiss-built pressurized turboprop that burns only 51 gallons of jet fuel per Seattle-Portland segment, on average.
"By operating one of the most efficient aircraft in commercial aviation, not only are we able to control our jet fuel costs, but we're also able to go one step further and mitigate the environmental impact of our fuel consumption," said Kent Craford, SeaPort Airlines CEO. "We wanted to put that money into an environmental project that is local, tangible and provides a long-term benefit to the Pacific Northwest. In the Columbia Land Trust, we've found an organization doing just that."
SeaPort Airlines is an FAA Part 135 certified regularly scheduled air service. SeaPort Air and its sister airline, Wings of Alaska, are wholly-owned subsidiaries of SeaPort Air Group, a Portland-based company founded by Portland investors John Beardsley, Tom Carrollo and Kent Craford.

FLYING magazine and the PC-12 NG

The September issue of FLYING magazine features the PC-12 NG. Robert Goyer provided an excellent review for readers of the popular magazine.

The full story is available here: http://tinyurl.com/489gbp

Massive new assembly hall ready for business

Pilatus Aircraft in Stans is preparing for the official opening ceremony of their new assembly hall in Stans, Switzerland. Interesting statistics for the state of the art facility include:

•$22.5 million investment
•80,000 sq. ft.
•Used for PC-12 production.
•Timber for primary structure for hall and annex.
•60 meter span of hall bridged by 16 large timber beams.
•No supporting posts needed.
•State of the art eco compliant heating and ventilation.

Pilatus updates Fuel Comparator for increased prices

The steady increase in the cost of JET A has meant a revision for the Pilatus 'Fuel Comparator". As the cost of fuel increases the efficiency of the PC-12 become ever more relevant. Check it out here: http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/applications/pc12flash/fuelcomparator.html

RFDS could receive big boost & more PC-12 aircraft

The WA Liberal Party has pledged $68 million to the Royal Flying Doctor Service under a five-year country health plan outlined today.

If elected, the Liberal Party have promised funding that would provide the RFDS with three Pilatus PC 12 aircraft and associated crews including pilots, doctors and nurses to cater for emergencies day and night.
Liberal leader Troy Buswell said in spite of four State and Commonwealth reports over the past three years indicating under-funding for patient transport, the Carpenter Government had only increased the allocation by $2 million in the 2008/09 budget, an amount which would need to be shared between the RFDS and the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme.

“In contrast, the Liberals recently committed $30 million over four years to revitalise the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme, providing country people with adequate compensation for the high costs of travel and accommodation as well as relaxing the eligibility criteria,” he said.

“This is about giving people in regional WA a fair go and helping them get medical treatment they need.”

Pilatus PC-12 fleet exceeds 2,000,000 hours

http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/applications/press_release/index_rd.php?det=0000000054

PC-12 & Biofuels

Could the PC-12 eventually run on biofuels? So far, most of the emphasis on biofuels and synthetic jet fuels has been on the heavy hitters, airlines and military. Pratt and Whitney Canada, whose engines power a big percentage of the small jets and turboprops in service, is evaluating the use of "second generation" biofuels that don't compete with food production. The most promising of these, to date, are jatropha, a succulent plant that will grow in the poorest, driest soil in the harshest climates and deliver about 10 times as much fuel as irrigated, fertilized and pesticide-intensive corn (about 800 liters per acre) as well as algae from the sea. "Already a leader in green technologies for small aviation engines, we aim to have a fuel-flexible engine and to develop technologies that will allow us to offer aircraft manufacturers innovative and green power solutions," said Walter Di Bartolomeo, vice president - Engineering, P&WC."

AvWeb

PC-12 receives additional certifications

http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/applications/press_release/index_rd.php?det=0000000055

PC-12 busy at work in Kenya

A top test pilot who helped coordinate the flying display at Farnborough has turned his skills these past three years toward the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF).

MAF flies supplies and relief around the world, including Derek Reeh's new home of Kenya. When his Pilatus PC-12 lands loaded with needed supplies, sometimes the reaction is astonishment along with gratitude." Making seven or eight stops over eight hours every day adds up. "When I joined MAF I had about 6,000 flying hours. That 6,000 in 30 years of career and 2,000 hours in the last three years."

FlightGlobal

U.K Pilatus dealer sees big demand

Bob Berry, chairman of British distributor Pilatus UK says: “Demand will only grow for this aircraft. We do not have a competitor - that’s not arrogance but there’s nothing equal to the PC-12 and what it does. It can use 700m strips and 2,000nm range at 28,000ft with 8 people.”

Berry is convinced that if or when the regulations on single-engined commercial operations in Europe change, he could sell aircraft into commercial operations. “The PC-12 NG has taken us into the 21st century. The difference is huge: you are going from King/Bendix equipment to pure glass. You can just call in so much information from that cockpit,” adds Berry. Berry expects the next UK-bound NG to be delivered in November this year.

Flight Global

PC-21 training now underway

Pilot trainees from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) have commenced basic flying training on the Pilatus PC-21 aircraft trainer at the RSAF Flying Training School (FTS) in Pearce, Australia.

Twelve PC-21 aircraft trainers have been delivered to RSAF FTS Pearce. The remaining seven aircraft are scheduled for delivery in Aug 2008. The PC-21 will replace the Aermacchi S-211 aircraft trainer - the RSAF's basic trainer for the last 24 years

AirSprint goes green

Judson Macor, CEO of AirSprint Inc., Canada's leader in fractional aircraft sales, announced today that the company has developed a program to offset estimated generation of carbon dioxide for all of its corporate activities in partnership with TerraPass, a provider of offset programs to the private aviation industry. "A number of our Owners asked us to investigate the possibility of purchasing carbon offsets to balance out the carbon impact from the use of their aircraft. What we arrived at was a voluntary, progressive and proactive program that would allow our clients to enjoy a 'green footprint' with AirSprint and perhaps provide all of us with some insulation from a more onerous mandatory program in the future," Mr. Macor said.
According to Mr. Macor, the annual carbon offset costs incurred with a one-eighth ownership in an AirSprint aircraft are estimated to range from $1,158 for a Pilatus PC-12 to $3,587 for a Citation XL/S.

SeaPort Airlines using the PC-12

A new airline is offering just that on 40-minute flights from Seattle to Portland, plus the convenience of flying into Boeing Field, rather than SeaTac, and having to show up only 15 minutes before your flight. "If you've ever traveled between Portland and Seattle, especially on business, you know that whether you drive, fly or take a train it's three to three and a half hours one way. We cut that in half," said SeaPort Airlines CEO Kent Craford. "You can get up, get to the office, do a little work, hop on a flight to Portland, have a full day of meetings and come home to Seattle for dinner."

The airline's Pilatus PC-12 aircraft -- which seats nine passengers per flight -- fall outside the Transportation Security Administration's jurisdiction. So, no security checks.

SeaPort offers eight round trip flights on weekdays and four on Saturdays and Sundays for a total of $78 each way during the month of July. In August that settles to the base one-way price of $149.

Pilatus well positioned for Russian market

The Russian government has scrapped a major impediment to the growth of its business aviation sector. A punitive import tax on private aircraft was lifted last week, according to Russia Today The tax had driven many Russian business people to register their aircraft outside the country but that's expected to change and also boost sales. Russia is seen as major market for business aircraft because of the lack of convenient transportation to its resource-rich hinterlands.

IS&S questioning viability of glass retrofit

IS&S will need to rethink its retrofit offering for the Pilatus PC-12, Wilson noted, after Honeywell gained approval for the Apex glass cockpit in the model a few months ago. “We’re trying to reshape the Pilatus offering because, to be quite honest, the units we’ve sold have gone mostly onto aircraft just arriving in the country as a first fit, and not as true retrofits,” Wilson said. Now that new PC-12s are rolling out of the factory with the Apex system, IS&S plans to add functionality to its offering for that airplane to make the cockpit more attractive to operators of in-service PC-12s, he said.

Pilatus P2 vandalized

Emergency services were called to a wheat field near Grantham in the United Kingdom where a Pilatus P2 aircraft had made an emergency landing. The emergency landing was executed safely but regretably the historic P2 was later destroyed by vandals. (Image above shows a similar aircraft)

Planesense facility goes live

Launched in 1995, PlaneSense flies 34 PC-12s, the largest fleet in the world. PlaneSense have also ordered an additional 19 planes through 2010.

The rapid growth of the fractional ownership and PlaneSense's expanding fleet, in conjunction with the excellent performance of AAC, prompted both companies to move from the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport to the larger facility at Pease.

PC-12 short field landing

A short movie with the PC-12 landing on a narrow 1800ft strip

Pilatus delivers first PC-12 NG

Pilatus is proud to announce the start of PC-12 NG customer deliveries. At the delivery ceremony in Broomfield, Colorado, this important milestone was celebrated by Pilatus employees and the exclusive PC-12 Sales and Service Center for the northwestern United States, Western Aircraft of Boise, Idaho.

Read the press release here:
http://www.tinyurl.com/4odocn

Aviation Week - European Business Jet market

Rising demand in Europe for business aviation is fueling tough competition in the sales arena among builders of legacy turboprop-powered airplanes and new light jets, blurring and overlapping traditional lines between performance, price and technologies.

Airframe manufacturers Socata in France, Piaggio Aero in Italy, and Pilatus Aircraft and Grob Aerospace, both in Switzerland, are locked in a tight battle as savvy buyers scrutinize four different aircraft, all of which represent advances in business aviation technology.

Read the complete story here:

http://www.tinyurl.com/52yn6v

Pilatus launch PC-12 NG in europe

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd selected EBACE (European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition) for the official European debut of the newest version of its flagship business turboprop, the PC-12 NG.
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd selected EBACE (European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition) for the official European debut of the newest version of its flagship business turboprop, the PC-12 NG.

Read the full press release here:

http://tinyurl.com/64zfpw

Great article about the PC-12 NG from Flight Global

Flight Test: new avionics are at the heart of the updated Pilatus PC-12 NG. I had not flown the Pilatus PC-12 or -12 NG single turboprop; received no simulator training or computer-based training on the upgraded aircraft's Honeywell Primus Apex avionics and had never seen the cockpit of the PC-12 NG up to the moment of the pre-flight briefing just before engine start.

Read the full article here:

http://www.tinyurl.com/4vvlxd

Around the world with the Schumer's

Many of you will know Art & Tracy Schumer. These days they are enjoying the trip of a lifetime in their PC-12

Please take a moment to see their blog which offers a glimpse of life on the road (so to speak).

http://www.threepondsranch.com/rtw2008

PC-12 NG on Aero Network News

Upgraded Workhorse Includes More Powerful PT-6, Stylish Interior
Part of ANN and Aero-TV's spring-time rites included covering one of the first public outings of the new Pilatus Aircraft PC-12 NG.

http://tinyurl.com/6ywsyw

Hawker Beechcraft receive order for 137 T6A Texans

HAWKER BEECHCRAFT received two follow-on contracts from the U.S. Air Force for 137 T 6A Texan II military trainers (Licensed version of Pilatus PC-9). The latest contracts, valued at $550 million, extend Hawker Beechcraft’s participation in the U.S. Air Force and Navy Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) program. The overall contract includes program and manufacturing management, program support, field service representatives, diminishing material shortage management, field maintenance training and aircrew training devices. Hawker Beechcraft (formerly Raytheon Aircraft Co.) was awarded the original JPATS contract in 1995 and has since delivered more than 380 T-6A aircraft. The JPATS program calls for delivery of up to 768 aircraft and 105 aircraft training devices through 2016. The Air Force and Navy have collectively ordered 571 aircraft and 104 training devices valued at $3.3 billion to date. JPATS logistics support plans extend beyond 2050.

Pilatus Australia update

Pilatus Australia recently completed renovations to their office and hangar buildings. The signage and buildings paint a bright picture at the Adelaide Airport base.

PC-12 at Sun n Fun

The Pilatus PC-12, a well-respected workhorse, has been given a 21st century makeover. The company displayed an example of its next generation model that was certified days before Sun 'n Fun 2008 opened in Lakeland, Fla. The biggest change is the installation of a Honewell Primus Apex glass panel, a variation of the Honeywell system found in large business jets and is the base system for Gulfstream's Planeview. Pilatus spokesman Mike Haenggi said the version used in the PC-12 NG is optimized for single pilot operation. The latest PC-12 also gets more power.

The big single is powered by a Pratt and Whitney PT6A-67P which develops 1,200 hp. Haenggi said the new engine incorporates metallurgical improvements that allow higher operating temperatures and that translates to a 10-knot increase in cruise speed to 280. Pilatus also retained BMW to design the interior and the result is a modern feel that matches the technology up front.

Quoted from AvWeb

Planesense wins prestigious award

For his outstanding success in the development of Planesense. Mr George Antonaidis has won the Aero Club of New Englands prestigious "Presidential Award". His citation read - "In recognition of your strong aviation leadership within New England, by establishing the PlaneSense fractional ownership program, for fostering its growth, and guiding its expansion into one of the largest fractional ownership programs in America."

Dexter expanding international operations

"The airline will carry out international air transportation services in full accordance with Russian law and shared rules and principles of international law regarding civil aviation," the company said.
In June, the air taxi will start making flights to Scandinavia, Baltic countries, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, the North Caucasus region and to other former Soviet republics, the statement said.
Dexter, which aims to expand the geography of its routes, will employ a new fleet of Swiss-made Pilatus PC-12 passenger and cargo aircraft with Russian registration.

Next Generation PC-12 receives EASA & FAA certification

Pilatus Aircraft is delighted to announce receipt of EASA and FAA certification for the PC-12 NG. Launched at NBAA 2006, the Next Generation program is the latest progression of the highly successful PC-12 turboprop. Pilatus engineers worked diligently over the last years in order to achieve timely certification.

European Aviation Safety Agency in addition to Federal Aviation Administration certification is a significant milestone that will allow deliveries of the Next Generation aircraft to begin immediately.

Featuring a number of significant improvements, including a fully integrated Honeywell Primus Apex avionics system, a completely new cockpit designed by BMW Group Designworks USA, and a more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engine, the PC-12 once again sets the tone for the market sector.

Speaking from Pilatus headquarters in Stans, Switzerland, Thomas Bosshard, CEO of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd commented: “Since original certification was achieved, the PC-12 has proven itself as a thoroughly reliable and robust aircraft. With the arrival of the Next Generation PC-12 we are witnessing the natural evolution of a product which continues to lead the field in both operating efficiency and performance.”

With the worldwide fleet numbering over 800 aircraft the PC-12 continues to generate strong interest from operators worldwide. As businesses strive to operate as competitively as possible, the PC-12’s versatility and low direct operating costs are more pertinent than ever before.

Pilatus dealer Western Aircraft win Diamond Award

Western Aircraft has been awarded the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Diamond Certificate of Excellence for the fourth time.
The FAA Diamond award is an acknowledgement of Western Aircraft’s commitment to technical training and expertise. Brian Rehberg, Vice President of Aircraft Services stated that "it is such a great honor to have received this award for the fourth time. We are very dedicated to our customers as well as our employees."
Western Aircraft has developed a number of initiatives over the years to enhance safety and quality through aggressive training and safety management principles. The company continues to expand it’s "Western University" with formal courses in areas like Wire Termination, Engine
Run and Taxi Training (make/model specific), and safe use of equipment (fall protection, forklifts, etc.). In addition to the formal training received from Flight Safety and CAE, this training is a benefit to both the customers and the employees of Western Aircraft. This commitment to education has helped Western Aircraft develop multi-skilled technicians and supervisors, and grow to about 100 strong in the Aircraft Services Department. (800) 333-3442 / www.westair.com

Pilatus Challenge Carrera Cup - Great success

Fresh from one of his best ever performances at the opening round of the season at the Clipsal 500 Adelaide, Twigg took out Carrera Cup Australia’s Pilatus Challenge (which is for non-professional drivers over the age of 30) in the Championship’s second round of the season. It was a watershed round for the Melbournian, who finished in the top 10 in three of the four races to complete the weekend in 10th spot And it could have been even better, had he not incurred a Race One penalty which put him in 17th. Shaun Juniper (Juniper Development) claimed second after coming 13th overall, while Theo Koundouris (Supabarn Supermarkets) was third.Twigg said he was ecstatic with how his weekend went. “If it wasn’t for that spin in Race One I would have had top 10 finishes in every race so I’m certainly happy with that,” he said. “I was a lot more focused and determined this weekend and it seemed to pay off. “In the past I would be good for one or two races, but this weekend I really concentrated on my consistency and not making mistakes. I went in with a plan to do the same thing every single lap and it worked.” Pilatus Australia CEO Sebastian Lip, who was in Melbourne to watch the Carrera Cup action at the Grand Prix, was enthusiastic about the results. “The level of competitiveness within the Pilatus Challenge is obvious,” he said. “With Max’s fastest lap time not far from the winners, the Challenge drivers are really stepping it up a level and I think most of them are capable of regular top 10 finishes by the end of the season.”

PC-12 pilot encounters F16 at close range

The FAA says it will likely investigate the complaints of a couple of pilots who say they were intercepted and shadowed, at close range, by an F-16 over Arizona earlier this month. Pilatus PC-12 pilot Patrick McCall and Beech Premier pilot Scott Laromee have both filed near-collision reports with the agency after they say they were aggressively pursued by an F-16 on March 21 in the Gladden Military Operations Area, a training area used by pilots from Luke Air Force Base near Phoenix. The area is open for use by civilian aircraft. In a podcast interview with AVweb, McCall said that when his TCAS activated about 10 a.m. that day while he was cruising at 16,500 (VFR with flight following) he ended up having to dive his aircraft as the target kept closing on him. The target followed him in the dive and when McCall leveled at about 14,000 feet, he was amazed by the view from his side window. “I then looked to my left side of the aircraft and saw an F16 aircraft off of my left wing,” he said in a written report sent to the FAA. “The F16 was no more than 20 feet off of my left wing.” AVweb contacted the media relations department of Luke Air Force Base on Friday and provided copies of both McCall’s and Laromee’s complaints but military officials did not respond to our request for comment by our deadline on Sunday.

Great story in the british financial times about the PC-12

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/4d10c53a-f4fc-11dc-a21b-000077b07658.html