Thursday, May 8, 2014

Buoyed by Pilatus PC-7 Mk-2 Performance IAF Steps Up Pilot Course Intake Ahead of Schedule

IAF Pilatus PC-7 MkII


The IAF has decided to increase Pilot Course intake by 150% from the next course itself, ahead of schedule, because PC-7 MkII performance has exceeded IAF expectations.

Compared to the flying syllabus in vogue before PC-7 MkII, cadets are already flying 220% more hours during Basic Flying Training at Dundigal, and doing 14 solo sorties instead of just 1.

The dramatic rise in the flying effort is attributed to excellent endurance, low maintenance and reliability of the PC-7 MkII aircraft.

As of April 2014, Pilatus had delivered  35 PC-7 MkII aircraft with the remaining 40 to be flown-in on a monthly basis under the accelerated delivery schedule.

The PC-7 MkII fleet has logged more than 12,000 flying hours and accumulated well over 24,000 landings, since the first delivery of the new Basic Trainer Aircraft (BTA) to the Indian Air Force in February, 2013.

The contract for the supply of PC-7 MkII was signed just two years ago in  May 2012, HAL leadership and MOD babus may like to note.

IDP Sentinel members can read more about the PC-7 Mk-II project at the link below.

Pilatus PC-7 Mk II Basic Trainer for IAF - IDP Sentinel



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