Third PC-24 prototype took off on maiden flight today

The third and final PC-24 prototype, P03, which also represents the series aircraft standard, took off from Buochs airfield today at 9.45 to complete its maiden flight. The eye-catching blue Super Versatile Jet, registration HB-VSA, flew across Central Switzerland for 2 hours and 5 minutes. This flight marks another important milestone in the Pilatus PC-24 development programme.

P03, the third and final PC-24 prototype, took off on its maiden flight today. In the wake of the maiden flights by the first PC-24 prototypes, P01 in May 2015 and P02 in November 2015, this marks another major success for Pilatus. The P03 completes the fleet of PC-24 test aircraft. The first two prototypes have flown a total of 1350 hours to date, including numerous significant test flights. Certification flights will be flown with the series-conform P03.

Certification of the PC-24 is expected in the 4th quarter of 2017. Initial deliveries of the 84 pre-ordered aircraft will go ahead immediately after certification is obtained.

Promising progress

Oscar J. Schwenk, Chairman of the Board of Directors, commented as follows on progress with the PC-24 programme:

"I'm delighted to have seen the P03 in the air today! The PC-24 test flight programme is proceeding as planned and the results are very encouraging. The data we have so far indicate that our Swiss business jet exceeds published performance figures. I am confident that certification will be achieved in the 4th quarter, and am naturally looking forward with immense anticipation to the moment when our first customers take delivery of their PC-24!"