I’ve had the pleasure of flying the Pilatus PC-24 several times, and since its introduction, Pilatus has produced over 200 of these jets. It is a very successful product and an impressive business jet in its use of technology and utility. It is still the only business jet certified to land equally on dirt, grass, and hard surface runways.
While its utility and form have held a unique place in our industry, its full-fuel payload and range were not equivalent to its competitors, primarily the Cessna Citation CJ4, Embraer Phenom 300, and perhaps the Cessna Citation XLS. That has changed, starting with Serial Number 501.
PC-24s, starting with Serial Number 501, will be the recipient of nearly 1,000 modifications to the aircraft. Pilatus likes to categorize the changes as follows: More range, payload,
and possibilities.
Many aircraft manufacturers update their products with various changes over time. We see avionics upgrades, platform changes, software and hardware updates, and, frequently, substantial changes in interior designs. While others provide new owners with some changes in zero-fuel or other weight and balance categories, this is the first aircraft update I’ve reviewed with so many changes within one model.
Payload and Range Increases
One of the primary goals of Pilatus was to make significant structural changes that would result in
lowering the empty weight, increasing the maximum weight, and offering longer range—all the while increasing the full-fuel payload, which was critical. To reduce weight, the OEM needs to change the structure and other components. Pilatus redesigned over 700 components through a combination of changes in the design and the utilization of more advanced materials. Some weight-saving measures were small, from a 0.6 lb change on an oil door hinge to other more significant ones, such as the 15 lb saved using carbon fiber ground spoilers. Incremental savings over the 700 items, even with the enhanced interior, have resulted in savings of 160 pounds.
While weight reductions are useful, increasing the structural weight limits with new component designs was the most significant benefit. These increased by 440 lbs (200 kg), starting with the maximum ramp weight of 18,840 lbs (8545 kg). The net result was a full-fuel payload increase of 599 lbs to 1314 lbs. Operators can now carry three additional passengers onboard with full fuel.
With the changes, Pilatus had to accomplish a nearly complete flight test program, from ground handling to flutter analysis and steep approaches. The Long Range Cruise (LRC) with NBAA reserves has increased by 200 nm to 2,000 nm with six passengers and one pilot. Granted, most operators fly at higher speeds, so the typical range will be less. However, it does provide the option to operate at a lower cruise speed with a significant range increase.
Performance Changes
At the new weights, the runway performance changed slightly. At an MTOW of 18,740 lbs (8545 kg) sea level and 15C, the takeoff distance increased 170 ft. to 3,090 ft. Landing at the maximum landing weight of 17,340 lb (7,865 kg) at sea level and ISA adds 45 ft. to the total distance—negligible increases for the significant weight increases.
Cabin Comfort
Simultaneous with the structural goals was the enhancement of an already impressive cabin interior. I found the cabin of the PC-24 to be quiet, and the cockpit is one of the quietest I’ve experienced; however, the latest upgrade is even quieter.
Airflow can be a significant source of noise. Pilatus redesigned the air outlets to reduce the noise further and lowered the decibels with a sound-deadening aft curtain. Leaving no stone unturned, Pilatus also redesigned the inlet to the starter generator to minimize the noise profile for an even quieter aircraft.
Pilatus redesigned the forward beverage center and cabinets with a larger work area, an improved storage design, and added storage for crystal wine glasses in keeping with the PC-24 Crystal Class.
For those operators accepting their new PC-24s in Q3 2024, a new cabin information system complete with high-fidelity speakers, touchscreen control, and new color-controllable lighting will be an option. Those operators can also opt for a three-person side divan that can serve as a 6’6” (1.98M) bed.
With the introduction of the new PC-24, Pilatus has expanded the functionality of their Utility Management System (UMS). Combined with other data collection systems and a gateway that can automatically send data to their analytical software at Pilatus, operators expand their proactive capability to maintain the aircraft.
My wife Jane and I visited the Pilatus factory in Stans, Switzerland, this summer and witnessed the new PC-24s with increased range and payload in completion, as well as an extensive expansion of their facilities to accommodate the production demand. It is also the quietest aircraft production facility I have ever visited, a testament to its thorough engineering.
Many of their engineering and support staff have offices overlooking the production line, facilitating collaboration. Concurrent with an increase in production is the requirement for more energy. One of their primary corporate goals is a focus on sustainability. We viewed real-time displays throughout the buildings advising employees of their progress toward those goals. Along with extensive materials recycling and efficient design, they utilize a substantial on-premise solar installation, evident when I flew over their airport the following day
In Person
While viewing the PC-24 in production, and looking at photos, nothing matches personally touring the aircraft. Tigre and I were fortunate to meet up with Theddy Spichtig, Factory Test Pilot and one of the early Pilatus employees, at NBAA BACE in Las Vegas. While externally, you won’t see any noticeable changes, the totality of the interior upgrades is immediately visible. The jet’s interior was impressive before, and the changes integrate well and elevate the experience. The first impression upon boarding is the new beverage center, with contemporary finishes and convenient wine glasses. The design of the divan is very efficient and comfortable, even for Tigre at 6’6”. The larger cup holders and additional power outlets add to the passenger convenience. The cabin management system is useful, although we didn’t have time to test all of its features.
The flight deck is a comfortable place for the pilots to work, with adequate room for even the tallest pilots and a wide range of rudder pedal adjustments. The cockpit layout and the very efficient and powerful Honeywell avionics suite are all within easy reach of the pilots. In my PC-24 flights, I’ve found it to be the most comfortable flight deck in its class. Flying up to 600 hours annually, I spend a lot of time in the front office, and most cockpits need more attention from the aircraft designers. You can view a video tour of the new PC-24 on our YouTube channel – Personal Wings
Conclusion
The new Pilatus PC-24 is a significant upgrade over the current model. With its increased range, payload, and cabin comfort, the new PC-24 is even more versatile and will appeal to a broader range of operators. The Versatile Jet just became even more versatile.
