Pilatus PC-24 Certification Schedule Remains on Track

The Pilatus PC-24, the "super versatile jet" from the Swiss manufacturer that is designed to bring many of the PC-12 turboprop's unique capabilities to the bizjet market, is closing in on FAA and EASA certification as the test program continues to track on schedule.

PC-24 production has started at Pilatus Aircraft’s headquarters in Stans, Switzerland, as the manufacturer readies to deliver the first customer airplane in the fourth quarter following certification.

In January, fractional-ownership company PlaneSense was revealed as the launch customer for the jet, which features a large aft cargo door and the ability to operate from unimproved airstrips, both hallmarks of the PC-12 NG.

Flight testing to date has confirmed that the PC-24 will beat original projections and that the current flight test schedule is tracking on time, allowing for the handover of the first customer airplane two short weeks after certification is in hand.

Pilatus opened and closed the order book for the PC-24 at the EBACE show in Geneva in 2014, notching 84 sales, or three years’ worth of production. A long line of potential customers is said to be showing interest in the $9 million jet. Pilatus says it will reopen the order book after completing certification.

The PC-24 will boast a speed of 425 knots, a range of nearly 2,000 nm, a max operating altitude of 45,000 feet and a max payload figure of 2,500 pounds. The jet will be capable of carrying up to 10 passengers, making it a potent competitor to the Cessna Citation CJ4 and Embraer Phenom 300.