Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus has taken an important step in the market launch of its latest model, the PC-12 PRO.
The newly developed flight simulators for this single-engine turboprop aircraft have been officially certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These training devices are now available at the training partner SIMCOM's locations in Switzerland and the USA. The certification includes classification as a "Level 2 Flight Training Device" according to EASA standards and as a "Level 6" according to FAA guidelines, guaranteeing a highly realistic simulation of flight physics and systems.
At the heart of the new training technology is the "Pilatus Advanced Cockpit Environment" (ACE), based on the state-of-the-art Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics system. The simulators not only serve to teach basic flight maneuvers but also function as complex system trainers. Pilots can practice specific functions of the smart cockpit, as well as procedures for emergencies and extreme weather conditions, in a protected environment. A key advantage of this technology is the ability to conduct complete differentiation training for pilots transitioning from the previous PC-12 NG and NGX models entirely within the simulator, significantly reducing the operational workload for flight operations.
Additional industry information confirms that Pilatus is responding to the increasing complexity of modern cockpit systems with this investment in training infrastructure. The PC-12 PRO features innovative safety features such as a "Safety Autoland" function, which can initiate an automatic landing in an emergency. Intensive simulator training is essential to mastering such systems safely. Experts point out that the integration of web-based training and physical simulators further raises standards in general aviation and reduces the error rate when operating state-of-the-art avionics.
While the current simulators have already entered service for training, the first "full-motion" system of the PC-12 PRO – a simulator with complete motion simulation – is already in production. This top-of-the-line model is scheduled to enter service in 2028 at Fly7's training center at Lausanne La Blécherette Airport in Switzerland. By providing these capabilities, Pilatus is strengthening its position in the business and multi-purpose aircraft market and ensuring that the technological advancement of the airframe goes hand in hand with correspondingly high-quality pilot training.