Pilatus has obtained full rough field certification for its PC-24 Super Versatile Jet. Certification for operations on dry sand and gravel was delivered in 2018, and a comprehensive post-certification test campaign was then conducted throughout 2019 to certify it for operation on unpaved runways and in differing conditions. With immediate effect, all PC-24s may now also be operated on wet and snow covered unpaved runways.

The PC-24 was developed for use on rough field from the outset, and its outstanding performance on short and unpaved runways opens up access to many more airports.

Chairman Oscar J Schwenk says: ‟I'm delighted to note the successful completion of these comprehensive tests. Our PC-24 has proven that it is capable of flying the full range of missions for which it was developed. The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia and operators in North America or Africa already use rough field runways on a regular basis, proving just how unique the PC-24 is; that sort of capability is only available with the Pilatus Super Versatile Jet.”

EASA requires tests for the certification of take off and landing capability to be carried out on different runways. After careful evaluation of local conditions, tests were made at locations across America and Europe.

The 2,621 ft runway at Goodwood Aerodrome in the UK was selected for the tests on dry grass. Further tests on grass runways were carried out at Kunovice in the Czech Republic, at Poitiers in France and at Duxford, UK. At Woodbridge in Ipswich, complex conditions were reproduced in part in order to meet all test specifications for take offs and landings on wet dirt surfaces. The PC-24 was also flown in North America where tests on snow-covered gravel runways were performed at Kuujjuaq in Canada.