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PC-9 cockpit is dominated by the two vertical mounted EFIS displays, a far cry from the relatively primitive trainers of an earlier generation. A significant amount of procedural simulator time is now logged by ADF pilots so as to maximise the benefits of flying the PC-9, increase individual pilot ability and reduce overall training costs. (Pilatus)
Flight Impressions – Pilatus PC-9 & CT-4A
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The PC-9 is the RAAF’s new basic-to-advanced trainer, which will be used for ab initio to advanced training for all RAAF pilots; fast jet pilots then transition to the Macchi MB-326 and then the F/A-18 or F-111C.
AustralianAviation had the pleasure of flying the PC-9 recently and the aircraft clearly lives up to its reputation for superb handling and performance.
The Pilatus PC-9 is an evolutionary development of the earlier PC-7, itself one of a line of aircraft ultimately descended from the Messerschmitt Bf109E, Switzerland’s principal air superiority fighter of the early 1940s. The PC-9 best compares in performance to the P-51 Mustang family, and exhibits a similar climb rate and power loading performance at typical manoeuvre weights. Unlike the Mustang the PC-9 has a tricycle undercarriage and is thus a far better behaved aircraft during landing and takeoff. The aircraft is powered by the mature 1,150shp PT6A-62, derated to 950shp, and weighs in at 7,141Ib empty, for its fuel capacity this yields a power loading of 4-5Ib/hp which is typical for late 1940s air superiority fighters. This is an important parameter in the training of tactical pilots, who from the outset must become accustomed to handling an agile aircraft.
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