Pilatus Pc 12/47

At the National Business Aviation Association's (NBAA) annual meeting in October 1989, Pilatus announced the creation of the PC-12. On May 1, 1991, the two prototypes were finished, and on May 31, 1991, the first flight was made. The type was initially scheduled for certification in the middle of 1991, however this was postponed due to a redesign of the wings (an increase in wing span and the insertion of winglets to ensure performance guarantees were satisfied). Finally, on March 30, 1994, Switzerland issued its certification, and on July 15, 1994, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration granted its permission. The PC-12 is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 turboprop engine, like many other Pilatus aircraft (the PT6A-67B). Although operators may decide to deploy a second flight crew member, it is certified for single-pilot IFR operations. The Pilatus PC-12 is available in three different configurations: a normal nine-seat airliner, a four-passenger seat/freight Combi variant, and a six-seat corporate transport with the option of a three-seat bench in place of seats five and six. The idea of a pure freighter model is being considered.