PC-12 PRO: Safety Autoland is certified

Progressive, Proven, Professional: A completely new cockpit based on the Garmin G3000 PRIME Integrated Flight Deck, featuring capabilities such as Safety Autoland, make the brand-new PC-12 PRO the most technologically advanced, best performing, most reliable aircraft in its class. The Safety Autoland system has been certified by both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The PC-12 already ranks among the safest aircraft in class, with an exceptional, statistically proven safety record. With the PC-12 PRO, Pilatus takes this excellent safety standard to an even higher level: the latest generation of this bestseller is equipped with a host of additional safety features, including the innovative Safety Autoland system. During final certification flights, Safety Autoland took centre stage as it underwent extensive testing. The goal was to demonstrate a fully automated landing in real-world conditions, from system activation all the way to a safe landing and automated communication and engine shutdown.

A smart system for emergencies

Safety Autoland is designed to handle situations involving sudden pilot incapacitation, due to a medical emergency, for example. When the activation button is pressed or when a pilot inactivity is detected, the system takes full control of the aircraft, informing all occupants that the automated landing mode has been activated. Simultaneously, it begins analyzing all available information, including weather, aircraft status and navigation data.

Based on this information, the system determines the best choice of airport, taking into account factors such as runway length, wind, weather conditions and remaining fuel. It then calculates a safe route, avoiding obstacles and terrain. During autonomous flight, Safety Autoland takes care of all the systems required for landing, including flaps, landing gear, lighting and de-icing, and fully prepares the aircraft for the final approach. It also handles all radio communications, automatically making calls on the appropriate frequencies to keep ATC and persons on the ground informed about the situation.

A proven engine on board

In a single-engine aircraft, a proven powerplant is the most important component. The PC-12 PRO is equipped with the latest version of the most reliable aircraft engine ever built, the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6. With over 60,000 units in service and more than 400 million hours in the air, the PT6 engine family boasts an unmatched track record.

In addition, the PC-12 PRO produces fewer CO₂ emissions than comparable twin-engine turboprops and can operate on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF blends), enabling more sustainable flying with no loss of performance.

All these innovations ensure the brand-new PC-12 PRO is the most technologically advanced, best-performing and most reliable aircraft in its class. The PC-12 PRO has been reimagined, yet it is instantly recognisable. In short: The Most Advanced Single has landed.