Pilatus PC-9/A
The PC-9/A is the two-seat single-engine turboprop aircraft that is the major
basic training aircraft for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). It is flown
by the Central Flying School at RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria, where the
ADF’s fixed-wing flying instructors are trained, and at No 2 Flying Training
School at RAAF Base Pearce in Western Australia, where future ADF pilots are
trained to 'wings' stage.
The PC-9/A is best known to the public as the aircraft flown by the Air Force Roulettes in aerobatic displays at major events throughout Australia. Central Flying School pilots fly six aircraft that comprise the team as a secondary role to their instructional tasks. There are also a few PC-9/A aircraft with grey paintwork at RAAF Base Williamtown, near Newcastle, which are used to train ADF Forward Air Controllers to coordinate air support to troops on the ground.
The PC-9/A, designed by Pilatus Switzerland and built under license by Hawker de Havilland in Sydney, was introduced to the Air Force in 1987. Pilot training in the aircraft commenced in 1989. The Roulettes have been flying the PC-9/A since 1990.
At RAAF Base Pearce, trainee ADF pilots, having successfully completed the Basic Flying Course at the ADF Basic Flying Training School at Tamworth, undertake the Advanced Flying Training Course, during which they will fly 130 hours in the PC-9/A. Upon successful completion, graduates are awarded their wings and posted to a flying squadron.
| Manufacturer | Pilatus |
|---|---|
| Role | Two-seat advanced trainer; forward air control and aerobatics |
| Crew | Instructor and student |
| Engine | Pratt and Whitney PT6A-62 turboprop - 950 shaft horsepower |
| Airframe | Length: 10.18m Height: 3.28m |
| Wingspan | 10.24m |
| Weight | 2250kg basic, 2710kg maximum (PC-9/A (F) max 3210kg) |
| Range | 1,850km (with two underwing tanks), combat radius 650km |
| Ceiling | 25,000 feet |
| Weapons | Two underwing smoke grenade launchers |
| Avionics | VHF omni-directional range/ instrument landing system, two multi-functional cathode ray tube displays |