PlaneSense Takes Keys to First Pilatus PC-24
The delivery ceremony followed U.S. FAA and EASA certification of the new Pilatus twinjet in December.
Pilatus Business Aircraft has formally begun deliveries of the PC-24, handing over the first to fractional-ownership provider PlaneSense during a ceremony in Broomfield, Colorado. PlaneSense, which has six of the twinjets on order, has been a Pilatus customer for 22 years and has 36 of the Swiss manufacturer’s PC-12 turboprop singles in its fleet.
PlaneSense pilots earned type ratings in the new jet at FlightSafety International’s Dallas Learning Center, where the first full-motion, level-D, PC-24 simulator is based. FlightSafety, the official provider of PC-24 maintenance training, also has begun conducting maintenance training for PlaneSense and authorized Pilatus service center personnel as part of an integrated entry-into-service program.
The delivery follows U.S. FAA and European Aviation Safety Agency certification of the light jet on December 7. The Swiss manufacturer said it plans to deliver 23 PC-24s to customers this year. Launched in 2013, the $8.9 million aircraft can fly at 440 ktas, has a range of 2,035 nautical miles, and can take off on a 2,810-foot runway. The aircraft can fly up to FL450 and carry 11 passengers.