Pilatus PC-6

« The PC-6 no longer fits our product portfolio, » says Pilatus chairman Oscar Schwenk. « Due to its age and other certification parameters, it is no longer possible to provide ongoing development in the scope we would wish. »

The company has produced some 500 PC-6s at its Stans headquarters in Switzerland since 1959. In addition about 100 PC-6s were built in the USA under licence.

In recent years the short take-off and landing type has been manufactured in “small numbers,” Pilatus says. Flight Fleets Analyzer records deliveries of nine PC-6s in 2016 and none in the first six months of 2017.

Schwenk says while the PC-6 gave Pilatus “fame and recognition worldwide”, every product has a finite lifespan. “That moment has arrived for the PC-6,” he says.

The PC-6 is well known for its short takeoff and landing capabilities and general versatility. Among its achievements, the Pilatus Porter holds a world record for flying several cargo and passenger trips at maximum useful load to 18,700 feet (5,700 meters).

Pilatus is now switching its focus to the in-development PC-24 superlight business jet which is on track for certification and service entry in the fourth quarter: « The PC-24 requires our full attention, » Schwenk says.

The company will accept orders for the PC-6 until mid-2018 and will continue to provide product support for at least another 20 years.

Source: FLIGHTGLOBAL