Evidence of 50% Cost Savings Over Training Pipeline

Following the completion of delivery by Pilatus Aircraft, in the middle of last year, of the initial quantity of 24 PC-21 trainers, the Spanish Air Force has now ordered a further 16 aircraft, making the nation the largest European operator of the type.

Convinced by the efficacy of the aircraft, Spain will now extend its use to elementary training in addition to the current basic curriculum. “Now in use with the Spanish Air and Space Force for over 18 months, the PC-21 integrated training system far exceeds our expectations. Its reliable and efficient powerplant, aerodynamics, safety systems and avionics make the PC-21 a highly versatile trainer, capable of performing any phase of flight training from the most elementary to the most advanced. Our relationship with Pilatus has been outstanding throughout, and a key factor for successful implementation. The excellent collaboration, professionalism and teamwork of everyone involved over the past three years have enabled us to roll out this PC-21 training course in record time without interruption to training,” stated Lt Col Ildefonso Martínez-Pardo González, Academia General del Aire (AGA) Air Operations Group Commander.

Fourteen of the additional 16 aircraft will be delivered to the AGA in San Javier; the other two PC-21s will be delivered to the Centro Logístico de Armamento y Experimentación (CLAEX), to be used for experimental, flight test training and R&D activities. The package also includes a PC-21 simulator, two cockpit procedure trainers, additional mission planning and debriefing systems, and pilot training software.

André Zimmermann, VP Government Aviation at Pilatus, commented “Over the last few years, we have built an excellent relationship with the Spanish customer [this follow-on order] proves once again that Pilatus is producing and delivering first class products to satisfy the high requirements of our customers.”

With ever-growing pressure on funding, the entirely newly-developed PC-21 offers a highly efficient, intelligent platform for training jet pilots. Its advanced equipment and performance features  enable the single-engine turboprop to perform a range of missions previously reserved exclusively for jets. The PC-21 is far more cost-effective and fuel-efficient to operate than a jet trainer – experience with existing PC-21 customers shows that with the Pilatus Training System, the cost of training a future military pilot can be reduced by over 50 percent.