Pilatus PC-24 Starts Unpaved Runway Testing Alongside the successful introduction of the PC-24Super Versatile Jet to market service, Pilatus Aircraft is still doing testing on the aircraft model. One of the marketing tenants of the aircraft was that it would be able to operate for unprepared or unpaved runways which is one of the main reasons the aircraft is called the super versatile jet. Unpaved runway testing has gotten underway and the first test aircraft registered VB-VXA has already undergone its first set of rough field testing. Pilatus plans on obtaining 'Rough Field' certification in the fourth quarter of 2018. Testing started on June 19th 2018.
From the outset, the PC-24 was designed for 'off road' operations. Its outstanding performance on short unpaved runways opens up an incredible degree of flexibility and new opportunities. The PC-24 provides access to almost twice as many airports worldwide compared to other jets currently available on the market. Oscar J. Schwenk, Chairman of Pilatus, is delighted: "What a picture – the PC-24 in the toughest conditions, using an unpaved runway for the first time! This sort of mission would not be conceivable without the PC-24's rugged landing gear, clever flap systems and special wing design. The PC-24 was designed with exactly this sort of operation in mind – that’s Swiss engineering at its very best." For more information: Pilatus Aircraft Pilatus Aircraft Ltd Stans, Switzerland www.pilatus-aircraft.com ***
