The Pilatus PC-12 is a single-engine turboprop aircraft developed and built by Pilatus Aircraft Ltd in Switzerland.
Development of the PC-12 was announced publicly in 1989, with the first of two test airframes flown in 1991. Certification and entry into service for the PC-12 commenced in 1994, following three further years of testing and development.
Thanks to its versatility and ability to take off and land from remote airstrips, the aircraft has seen use in various roles, including surveillance, search and rescue and cargo transportation, as well as serving the Australian outback as the backbone of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia.
Having a single turboprop engine, the Pilatus PC-12 offers the advantage of significantly lower operating costs than those of comparable twin-turboprop aircraft.
