The 100th PC-21 rolled off the final assembly line at Pilatus Aircraft Ltd recently. Destined for the Royal Saudi Air Force training fleet, this PC-21 also happens to be the 1,000th turboprop trainer to be produced at Pilatus.

Pilatus trainer aircraft are used by over 30 operators around the world to train the military pilots of the future. Carefully tailored to provide an optimum training solution, Pilatus products enjoy a reputation as the world market leader in this segment.

The latest Pilatus trainer, the PC-21, was developed from ground up and delivers unparalleled performance, cockpit equipment, flexibility and ease of maintenance for a turboprop aircraft. The PC-21 training system which consists of the aircraft, highend simulator technology, comprehensive computer based training and instructional documentation, offers one of the most advanced, integrated training systems available on the market today.

Three air forces currently use the PC-21 training system with excellent results: Switzerland (8 PC-21s), Singapore (19 PC-21s) and the United Arab Emirates (25 PC-21s).

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have also selected the PC-21 and in 2012 ordered 55 and 24 aircraft respectively. The first of these aircraft have already been delivered and the instructors, having been through type conversion at Pilatus, are preparing for their first student courses. With the rest of the aircraft currently in production, both air forces look forward to revolutionising their pilot training programmes.