NBAA 2016, held in Orlando, Florida, on November 1-3, will include the first presentation of the PC-24 prototype to a US audience. The second PC-24 prototype will interrupt its test flight program on Wednesday, November 2, 2016, to join the latest PC-12 NG on display at Pilatus’ outdoor stand. The PC-24 development program is progressing to plan and Pilatus expects its new business jet to exceed previously published performance data.
“Our two PC-24 prototypes have completed a combined total of more than 1,000 hours and almost 600 flights,” said Oscar J Schwenk, chairman of the board of directors at Pilatus. “The data collected so far indicates that our Super Versatile Jet is likely to perform even better than previously announced. All I can say for the time being is that the PC-24 will undoubtedly be two things: unique and outstanding – as you have come to expect from Pilatus! Updated performance data will be published at EBACE 2017.”
The third and final prototype – the first series aircraft – is due to join the test flight program at the beginning of 2017. Certification is planned for the third quarter of 2017 and initial deliveries will go ahead thereafter – to PlaneSense, provider of fractional ownership programs in the USA, for example, and to the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia.
NBAA will also provide a platform for Pilatus to show off the new PC-24 interior design, which is now ready for series production. BMW Group DesignworksUSA joined forces with Pilatus to come up with six color concepts for the PC-24, each named after ski resorts. A walk-in 1:1 model of the PC-24 featuring the Vail cabin design will be on display.
November 1, 2016
