Handover of the First PC-21 to QinetiQ

Under the contract concluded with the British company QinetiQ in 2016, Pilatus is to provide two PC-21s to the “Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS)” based in Wiltshire, in the south of England. Operated by QinetiQ, ETPS functions as a training centre for flight test engineers and test pilots, and enjoys an excellent reputation worldwide.

On 17 July, Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, presented a traditional Swiss souvenir to Steve Wadey, CEO of QinetiQ Group Plc to commemorate the delivery and handover of their first PC-21 trainer aircraft. The second PC-21 will be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2018 and will be used for test pilot training courses commencing early in 2019.

The PC-21: an important part of the new training programme

The two PC-21s have been produced with a fully integrated Flight Test Instrumentation capability for use by ETPS in training test pilots and flight test engineers.

The acquisition of the two PC-21s forms a key part of a transformation and modernisation project currently underway at ETPS. Steve Wadey commented: “We are delighted to see a PC-21 operating in the UK for the first time. These aircraft will have a primary role in the training syllabus. We are very pleased that, with Pilatus support, we are on track to deliver new training services for the benefit of our customers.”

The delivery of the first PC-21 is another key milestone in the process of developing and strengthening the relationship between Pilatus and QinetiQ. Markus Bucher said: “We are extremely proud that our PC-21s were selected for the prestigious Empire Test Pilots’ School. QinetiQ is the ninth member of the family of PC-21 operators.

We are confident that the many international test pilots who will fly in these PC-21 aircraft in UK skies will benefit from continuing investment in the development of this trainer aircraft. With the PC-21, the best future test pilots will be trained with the world's most capable training system.”

About the PC-21 – The Next Generation Trainer

The PC-21 was developed to meet the growing requirements of air force training. Its outstanding performance, optimum aerodynamics, state-of-the-art cockpit equipment, flexibility and ease of maintenance all ensure it is far superior to other training aircraft. Training hours previously flown on jets can now be flown exclusively on the PC-21, generating substantial savings. Fuel consumption, noise emissions and associated costs can be greatly reduced. Pilatus has also developed a fully integrated training system to accompany the PC-21. It comprises the latest simulators, computer-based training and pilot classroom instruction. Nine customers have bought 211 PC-21s since its maiden flight in 2002.