The Basic Trainer

Offering a reliable and economic training platform, the PC-7 MkII in the hands of a beginner delivers a confidence-building environment for inexperienced cadets. The performance of the PC-7 MkII is docile enough for a beginner, but with sufficient power for more demanding basic phases. All types of students who aim to fly fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, or helicopters will benefit from the experience gained in the modern PC-7 MkII.

The PC-7 MkII is a training aircraft powered by a 700 shp Pratt & Whitney PT6A-25C turboprop engine with a Hartzell four-blade aluminium propeller. The de-rating of the engine from 850 shp ensures low direct operating costs and a long engine life. The aircraft utilises conventional systems that are reliable, easy to operate and maintain. Access to the engine and systems is excellent. A hot section inspection can be carried out without engine removal, keeping maintenance and overhaul costs to a minimum.

To fulfil today’s requirement for basic pilot training and to optimise training efficiency, the cockpit of the PC-7 MkII was designed with three main criteria in mind: safety, intuitive system controls, and flexibility of avionics configuration. The stepped tandem cockpit layout provides excellent visibility from both cockpits, unobstructed by a front canopy bow. All instruments, displays and controls are ergonomically positioned to allow easy and safe operation of the aircraft in all flight regimes. The tandem arrangement of all controls, communications and navigation systems allows the instructor to effectively observe, assist, or override the student’s actions as necessary.

Every Pilatus Training Aircraft comes with a set of ground based training equipment and courses. This results in an integrated training package which is designed from the beginning to be tailored to suit customer’s needs and syllabi and enable the objectives of modern pilot training to be met. From the simplest type of training aid, such as an aircraft silhouette through to a full flight simulator, all Pilatus training equipment is of the highest quality and is designed to support an integrated and progressive learning process. Curriculum planners and instructors have a wide range of equipment to choose from when preparing courses and planning schedules and can easily accommodate the varying rates of student learning.

With increasing global pressure on defence budgets, many air forces are seeking more innovative ways to support their aircraft fleets. Defence ministries are also investigating new ways to manage complex systems. To support this change, Pilatus has developed performance-based contracting, an advanced contracting framework specific to the PC-7 MkII Training System. The aim is to ensure that the operating air force receives an affordable product that meets its explicit performance criteria. This is achieved by contracting for an integrated support package that focuses on overall output requirements, delivering a target availability, rather than separating discrete input measures such as parts, maintenance and technical services.