Smiling flyer completes her mission

Late last year we reported on the proposed adventure by a group of 8 guys with the notion to fly around the world in a PC-12. Well, they did it! The group of entrepreneurs based in the South of Spain successfully completed the journey with some very interesting statistics.
Total distance travelled – 37,500 miles
Total landings – 39
Bottles of Chardonnay consumed – 424
Backgammon games played – 582
Photos taken – 30,496
Living proof that the PC-12 is certainly the most versatile, reliable and indeed comfortable tool that we all know it to be!

Further information here: http://www.smilingflyer.com/

PC-21 configured for Singapores Air Force

As contenders for Singapore's advanced jet trainer contest showed their wares at the Singapore air show, Switzerland's Pilatus has flown the first PC-21 turboprop trainer configured for the Republic of Singapore Air Force's Basic Wings Course flight training programme. Lockheed Martin was awarded a 20-year contract in November 2006 to support the Basic Wings Course, with training to begin in June 2008. The contract includes 19 PC-21s.

Lockheed will provide aircraft, maintenance, simulators, courseware and simulator instructors to the RSAF's 130 Squadron based at RAAF Pearce near Perth, Western Australia. The PC-21s will replace Aermacchi S-211s.

EPPS aviation receive EASA certification

ATLANTA (February 21) -- Epps Aviation at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK) in Atlanta has obtained certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to maintain all European Union registered aircraft. This certification will enable the Epps Service Center to serve aircraft from all 30 European Union countries.
“With Atlanta’s evolution as an international destination, the EASA certification is important to continue to meet the needs of Epps’ growing customer base,” says Pat Epps, President, Epps Aviation. “We are pleased to be one of the few aviation businesses in the Atlanta area with this certification. Epps is optimistic these capabilities will enhance our relationship with the European aviation community.” Epps’ EU connections extend throughout the company including an outstanding relationship with Swiss-based Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Epps is the exclusive Pilatus PC-12 distributor for the Southeast and the Caribbean.

Singapore to train with Pilatus PC-21's

The Republic of Singapore Air Force is the first export customer for the latest Pilatus PC-21 turboprop trainer, developed to train pilots to front-line fighter level without intermediate training on a jet. The order for Pilatus includes 19 PC-21s scheduled for delivery this year.

The flight training program will be carried out at the Royal Australian Air Force base in Pearce, located north of Perth in western Australia. Hawker Pacific Pty Ltd. will provide aircraft maintenance services to Pilatus for the duration of the 20-year training program. According to Lockheed Martin, the order contains options to extend the training program beyond the contractual 20-year limit.

Great onboard PC-9 footage

The Royal Australian Airforce Roulettes provide about 150 flying displays a year in Australia and in friendly countries around the South-east Asian region. The Roulettes utilize the Pilatus PC-9 and form part of the RAAF Central Flying School (CFS) based at RAAF East Sale, Victoria. Here we have some onboard footage of the PC-9 in action.
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Porsche 911 and the PC-12

The world’s leading manufacturer of single-engine turboprop aircraft, Pilatus Aircraft and the world’s most successful one-make sports car championship, Carrera Cup – it makes a perfect fit.

With that in mind Pilatus Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to Carrera Cup Australia. For the 2008 season Pilatus will have the naming rights to the championship-within-a-championship, the Pilatus Challenge.

Click here to learn more:

http://tinyurl.com/33z6av

A trip to St.barts in the PC-12

While most of the northern hemisphere suffers on through winter, there is always somewhere sunny worthy of a trip in the PC-12.