Pilatus in action

a grass strip that keeps growing

pilatus in action: turlock, california

The Pilatus PC-12 was the most flown business aircraft in 2024, and for good reason. It has gained immense popularity thanks to its Swiss precision, performance, comfort, cost-effectiveness, and safety features. But its versatility that sets this “business aircraft” apart from others, making adventures beyond the boardroom possible.

Meet our friend and charter pilot, Matt McFarlane. Sure, Matt flies for work. But he also flies for the fun of it. Over the years, flying has introduced him to an incredible circle of people who now land in his life every fall.

The picture below was not taken in Oshkosh, Wisconsin (though the airshow is quite the thrill as well). It was taken at his family’s ranch just south of Turlock, California.

Ever since 2010, Matt has invited his travel and aviation friends to join him for a weekend at his family’s ranch. His friends mostly fly “backcountry” and “classic” type aircraft that also have the capability of landing on grass runways, like the Pilatus.

The runway is 1,600’ but just keeps on growing with more and more people joining in on the fun each year. “It started small,” Matt says, “and grew into the best weekend of the year.” Now, 70-75 aircraft descend on the McFarlane ranch for this weekend event. Talk about Pilatus in action…

Some guests will arrive as early as Thursday and pitch tents. However, Saturday is the real show. “We serve a big BBQ lunch on that day.” Hey Matt, us Kansas Citians love barbecue 😉

“It truly is a grass roots old time fly-in feel.” This event has morphed into a tradition. How special! Can you spot the Pilatus?

… And then some. Leave it to the corporate pilot to clue you in on all his unique Pilatus adventures.

Pilatus in action: Meet your cargo match

Anchorage, Alaska

“I flew up to Alaska to pick up the owner from a hunting trip. We had 2 moose racks and hides, and ram horns. It was a very heavy load with over 800 pounds of meat on board.”

Pilatus in action: Operations from the air

arizona

“We had a full plane with 10 people on board and the passenger sitting up front owned a large farm. We flew out to his farm to get a tour of his operation and landed on one of his dirt roads next to his orchard. He had investors from Europe and Australia on that flight to show off his farm.”

Pilatus in action: Glamping on a whole other level

Johnson Creek, Idaho

“My son and I had a wonderful weekend camping trip at Johnson Creek, Idaho.”

Happy Father’s Day, everyone!