Piloting a Pilatus
The PC-12 is a single-pilot aircraft. Requirements include a Private Pilots License, and an instrument rating for flight above 18,000ft. However, in today’s landscape many aviation underwriters like prior turbine experience and/or pressurized aircraft experience.
Aviation has always been a “building block endeavor” and certainly “walk before you run” does somewhat play in this arena. But again, each circumstance can be different. Many times, lower-timed pilots would seriously benefit from hiring an experienced “grey hair” pilot to fly their Pilatus. The experience you gain from time in this aircraft is invaluable. Pilots should be open to a safe, pragmatic approach. Pilot ground training and flight training for the PC-12 are provided by Pilatus, FlightSafety International and SIMCOM.
TRAINING LOCATIONS:
- Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, Stans, Switzerland
- FlightSafety International, Dallas, Texas, USA
- FlightSafety International, Denver, Colorado, USA
- SIMCOM, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
- SIMCOM, Orlando, Florida, USA
The class rating courses conducted at the Pilatus Aircraft Ltd Training Centre meet EASA PART-FCL requirements. FlightSafety International and SIMCOM in the USA offer pilot training in accordance with FAR as approved by the FAA.
The training environment will be greatly dictated by what the insurance underwriters require. Currently, insurers preferred standard for training is simulator-based training. Certainly, individual experiences with training providers can vary in the area of perceived value but several of today’s legacy insurers mandate simulator-based training in type—accommodations can be made to train ‘in aircraft’ however options in the underwriting marketplace will be more limited for new to ‘type’ pilots choosing in-aircraft initial training over simulator based initial training. Flight time in the aircraft with an experienced Pilatus mentor pilot may be required and should be encouraged.
OTHER INSURANCE-APPROVED PROGRAMS:
- 3 Green Aviation
- AIM Training