A new approach to training centered around the Pilatus PC-21 is giving the Royal Australian Air Force the edge it needs to usher in its next generation of pilots.
WITH AN AUSTRALIAN government investment of AUD$1.5 billion, the RAAF’s allencompassing AIR 5428 pilot training system project will eventually result in an impressive fieet of 49 Pilatus PC-21 trainers being delivered, together with seven advanced simulators, operated by Team 21 partner Lockheed Martin. Given its fighter-like roll rate in excess of 200° per second, glass cockpit and sustained lowlevel speeds in excess of 320kt, the new, 8g-capable aircraft is a quantum leap over the current PC-9 and CT-4B trainers it replaces.