An Cosantóir

23 undergone significant changes in line with the technological developments within the aerospace industry, in particular with regard to avionics and other primary components in order to meet the ever changing requirements of an integrated pilot training system. Pilatus recognises that every customer is different and has specific training needs and requirements. We therefore work very closely with our existing and future customers to further enhance the product and to ensure that they get the best value training by using a state-of-the art platform. Pilatus respects the knowledge and long term planning of the customer by providing specialist advice to aid their decision making. As far as the existing PC-9 customers are concerned, Pilatus works with the respective Air Forces to develop bespoke modification packages that meet their specific future training needs. Over many years, we have gathered vast experience with upgrade programmes for our trainer aircraft products. LG: What are the main advantages of the aircraft over other, similar training platforms? AZ: The PC-9 M is the latest version of the successful PC-9 series, offering high performance, excellent handling characteristics, advanced instrumentation, and a greater range in training effectiveness. The PC-9 M is built upon a solid foundation of experience with the PC-7 and the PC-7 MkII with which it shares modular design and production methods, outstanding reliability, and low operating costs. Pilatus has continually upgraded the PC-9 M to improve its operation, while maintaining low life-cycle and acquisition costs. Pilatus, with the depth of experience gained through many years of manufacture of training aircraft, has designed an Integrated Pilot Training System. This system is designed around the Pilatus range of training aircraft and includes not only flight training but also the elements of synthetic and academic training. In the recent years, Pilatus has significantly enhanced the capabilities of our simulators for the modular trainers (PC-7 MkII & PC-9 M). These product enhancements are in line with the latest technological developments within the aerospace industry. Unlike many of our competitors, Pilatus is able to offer a holistic solution: An integrated and state-of-the-art training systems tailored to the customer's needs, products with an unbeatable reliability and proven track record and first class support. Pilatus provides all the elements required for an efficient pilot training: aircraft, ground-based training systems, documentation, engineering support, supply chain management, maintenance, and supervision. By selecting Pilatus, the customer can rely on a single, strong, and reliable partner. We see this as one of the main advantages when compared with our competitors. Last, but not least, we are also very proud of the high Swiss quality of our products. Pilatus has been producing and selling aircraft worldwide since 1939, earning a reputation for excellence. LG: General public and military personnel are not always aware, that the Beechcraft T-6A is based on the PC-9. Can we actually say so or are there too many differences? AZ: In order to compete in the United States Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) competition in the 1990s, Pilatus and Hawker Beechcraft Corporation developed a modified version of the PC-9, initially called the Beech Pilatus PC-9 Mk. II which won this competition out over seven other contenders. It was later renamed the Beechcraft T-6A Texan II and is now built and marketed independently by Textron Aviation Defense in the USA. LG: Does the PC-9 M share any features or similarities in training with the PC-12, which the Irish Air Corps are also using? AZ: The PC-9 M and PC-12 were designed from the outset for completely different roles; military trainer versus passenger/cargo transport. However, as they were designed at broadly similar times, and by the same engineering team, then there are similarities in aspects of the design philosophies that increase the familiarity for the maintenance staff. To conclude, what are the personal qualities that the Air Corps are looking for in their future pilots, who will be thought how to fly on this state-of- the-art trainer? In addition to the standard qualities of an Officer, training and working as a pilot requires a number of additional competencies. High levels of fitness are required to fly in high-performance aircraft which can produce and withstand high G force. Being a team player is paramount in aviation, as in any other branch of the Defence Forces, everything is a team effort. Stress tolerance coupled with high levels of Technical Aptitude are key attributes to being a successful military pilot. In an emergency, being tolerant of a high stress load and having technical expertise allows for a timely and correct response to any potential danger. Learning to fly the Pilatus PC-9M is only the very first step in what is a highly rewarding career as a military pilot in the Irish Air Corps. With further options of flying in No. 3 Operations Wing on the myriad of missions performed by the Airbus H135 and Leonardo AW139 or in No. 1 Operations Wing, flying the multirole aircraft fleet of the CN235, PC-12 or Lear 45, it's fair to say that the PC-9M is the ideal platform to train the future Pilot Officers of the Irish Air Corps. PILATUS PC-9M A member of the 104 Squadron sitting in the PC-9M simulation craft conducting flight training

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