A Pilatus OPERATIONS conversation
with director of operations & chief pilot at JetSwiss, Scott Patrick
We all know that operations of Pilatus or any aircraft requires more than parking a plane in a hangar. So, we asked Scott Patrick to share some tips and tricks to running a smooth operation.
What does a typical day look like for operations at JetSwiss?
While operations may vary greatly day to day depending on a project’s point in the process, there is a detailed protocol we go through with every aircraft.
With new projects, we start with inventory of logbooks, checking aircraft information. Next, we will meet with our maintenance advisor to look at the physical aircraft. After a maintenance protocol, I’ll do a test flight and we’ll put our heads together on squawks and issues. We want to know everything from the last maintenance event to a coffee stain on the carpet.
What are some important things to think about when building or choosing a hangar for your Pilatus?
If you’re building your own space, start with the location. Is it near to your office? Home? Is there access to amenities and fuel? Next consider your footprint and hangar door. You need a 60x16ft door for a PC-12, while a PC-24 requires a height of 19 feet. Then, consider the placement of your GPU receptacle. Ours lives at the front of the hangar so we can connect aircraft both inside and out. Don’t overlook your phone and internet provider. Quality internet is important for downloads on the aircraft. Call us on this topic!
On the other hand, community hangars can be nice because they have their own GPU and tugs. You can call ahead and have it ready to go. Downfalls include level of security and storage space for all the supplies for your aircraft. And don’t forget hangar rash!
What types of equipment are best to have in your hangar for a Pilatus?
If you have your own hangar, you’ll need a tug. JetSwiss has two: tractor and a Towbot. The remote-controlled Towbot is great for getting in tight corners, starting and stopping, and looking around the airplane. However, electric tugs do not operate well in snow or ice. Additionally, you’ll also need an electric or gas GPU, and access to nitrogen and oxygen supply if not within your own hangar space. Don’t forget nav updates!
How important is keeping records?
This is probably the most time spent with aircraft operations, and it is vitally important to the operation of your aircraft. If you take an airplane in to be serviced, shops must research the logbooks. If they’re in disarray, that’s time on your clock. We estimate about 50% of the aircraft we encounter are technically illegal—arriving without every manual on the aircraft, temp revisions, etc. And that is a reason for an insurance company not to pay up in case of an incident.
Tips and tricks for keeping your cockpit organized and properly stocked?
Everything has a place. Find out what works for you. If you have some downtime before or between trips, it’s a great time to organize and clean your cockpit. JetSwiss stocks our aircraft with ‘brakes-on-off’ signs, notepads, TOLD cards, flashlights, flight logs, etc. and documents binder containing hangar info, warranty info and subscriptions. Tell us some tips for maintaining your aircraft. The single most important thing is organization—for both efficiency and safety purposes. Keep all your manuals in the aircraft and your logbooks and other information in a fireproof safe.
ALSO, SCHEDULE YOUR ANNUAL EARLY.
You know when it is coming up. Consider reserving the same time every year. People often worry about working around future schedules and holidays. Instead, find a time that you can work around. We remind JetSwiss clients when they are 6 months out from their next maintenance event to get ahead of it and prevent downtime.
If Pilatus owners have questions surrounding their aircraft operations, who should they call? Ghostbusters! Kidding. Call us any time. We love to solve Pilatus-specific challenges. Email us at pilatus@jetswiss.com.