Owning a Pilatus is a gift. It shows up in memories made, the miles explored, and the people (or creatures) brought along for the ride. We connected with JetSwiss clients to hear how they use their Pilatus.
Interview with Nick Scigliano
JetSwiss Summit Solutions Acquisition Client, Pilatus Owner & Pilot
Aviation Journey
Cessna 185 > Cessna 208 Caravan > Pilatus PC-12NG
Why Pilatus
“I was looking for something that could land at the fishing lodge that had range and could get me from Pennsylvania up to the lodge effectively, fast, and efficiently. In doing my research on what that solution would be, I found the PC-12… It could give me the range, the capacity, the luxury, could haul freight, and it could still land on my sand runway in the middle of nowhere.”
How he uses it
- Summer trips to Canada for remote fishing
- Regional business and personal travel
- Future wilderness missions beginning next spring
- Occasional trips to Florida
Experience with JetSwiss
“Where I see the difference is after the sale. I have been just astounded by how much follow-up there’s been by your staff members. From Diana checking in with me weekly on anything that needs to be done and offering her help on all kinds of stuff. From Scott Patrick and Bill Lento– those guys have been relentless in just making sure that everything’s okay… That is the difference.
Interview with Austin tate
JetSwiss Acquisition Client, Pilatus Owner & Pilot
Aviation Journey
Cessna 206 > Pilatus PC-12/45
Why Pilatus
“After doing so much research, it just came down to… nothing could really beat the PC-12 as far as payload, range, short field landings, efficiency, and comfort in the cabin is actually important too.”
How he uses it
- Frequent trips to Cabo for fishing and family time
Experience with JetSwiss
“The day of delivery was really fun. We would do it again in a heartbeat. and if we ever, for some reason, sold it, and went for another one, we would go right back to y’all again.”
Interview with carl rydeen
pilatus pilot and aircraft manager for a jetswiss client
Aviation Journey
Carl spent 35 years as an air traffic controller, often flying himself 100 miles to and from work each day. After retiring from controlling, he shifted toward professional flying earning a jet type rating and eventually flying a Meridian turboprop. One of the Meridian’s dry lessors later asked Carl to fly their Pilatus. Today, Carl manages and flies three PC-12s for owners.
Why Pilatus
“It’s the right airplane for me. It fits me well… They don’t go real fast and they don’t go too high. But they go fast enough and high enough.”
How they use their PC-12
- Business and remote flying when the mission calls for it
- Outdoor and hunting trips: hauling elk, bear, deer, and gear
- Frequent flights into Canada for sporting and adventure travel
Experience with JetSwiss
“I am a JetSwiss promoter and supporter… What I like about you guys is if I say, ‘tell me how I get X done,’ you say, ‘I’ll contact them and take care of it.’ That’s the norm and that’s not the norm of everybody… I’ve managed other airplanes and I’ve flown jets, but I’d never been around a Pilatus to know what to do and what not to do… I still call Scott Glenn, Diana Smotherman, or Scott Patrick. Scott’s been an excellent resource, and when I have some questions, he’s very willing to help.”
Interview with Phil hale
repeat jetswiss acquisition client, pilatus owner & pilot
Aviation Journey
Cessna 182 > Piper Saratoga > Mirage > Pilatus PC-12/47 > Pilatus PC-12NG
Why Pilatus
“We wanted something that was at least a turboprop that had the performance and useful load. The performance and useful load were the two big driving factors for the PC-12. That plane is a very durable plane… You can get in and out of smaller airports.”
How he uses his PC-12
- Primarily business transportation to rural and metro destinations
- Training and proficiency
- Occasional personal trips, with hopes for a future Bahamas run
Experience with JetSwiss
“Y’all took it and ran with it and even with the big bow on it when I showed up. I mean, that was just awesome. You guys take it to the next level. I just don’t know of anybody that does that…Y’all’ve just got a great team. Scott and the rest of them certainly helped with the check flight. It’s great that everybody has various knowledge and experience.”
Interview with bismarck brackett
jetswiss acquisition client, pilatus owner & pilot
Aviation Journey
Piston Malibu > Pilatus PC-12/45
Why Pilatus
“I got tired of being fearful at night and of thunderstorms, and ice. I decided I was worth it.”
How he uses it
- Annual fishing trips north of the 59th parallel
- Business travel to properties across 30+ states–most in small markets, where the PC-12’s short-field performance saves hours
- Volunteer missions transporting military personnel and equipment for charitable training events
- Indian Scout Motorcycle hauls to Colorado for riding
Experience with JetSwiss
“You guys did a good job, and there were no surprises. Ever. You sold the plane to me in 21… Nothing’s come up since that I wasn’t aware of. I have not had any unexpected maintenance.”