This article is based on an official press release from Pilatus Aircraft.

Pilatus PC-12 PRO Flight Simulators Achieve EASA and FAA Certification

Pilatus Aircraft has announced a significant milestone for its next-generation single-engine turboprop, the PC-12 PRO. In mid-April 2026, the Swiss manufacturer confirmed that its new PC-12 PRO flight simulators received official certification from major aviation regulatory bodies in both Europe and the United States.

According to the official press release, this certification paves the way for a modernized, highly integrated training ecosystem. The new program combines simulator-based instruction with web-based digital learning platforms, allowing pilots to transition to the advanced aircraft safely and efficiently without relying solely on live flight hours.

As the aviation industry increasingly prioritizes sustainability and cost-effective operations, the shift toward high-fidelity simulation represents a critical evolution. We will examine the capabilities of these newly certified devices, the technology driving the PC-12 PRO, and what this expanded training infrastructure means for operators worldwide.

Regulatory Certification and Global Deployment

The recent approvals from top aviation authorities validate the fidelity and training value of the new simulators. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has officially certified the device as a Level 2 Flight Training Device (FTD) and a Level II Flight Navigation Procedures Trainer Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC).

Simultaneously, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted the simulator Level 6 FTD approval. Pilatus notes in its release that these devices are already operational for training missions in Switzerland. For operators based in the United States, training is currently being facilitated through SIMCOM Aviation Training centers.

Streamlining Pilot Transitions

A primary advantage of the newly certified simulators is their role as comprehensive systems trainers. Pilots transitioning from earlier iterations of the aircraft, such as the PC-12 NG and NGX, can complete their required “differences training” entirely within the simulator environment.

This capability significantly reduces the need for in-aircraft flight time. By shifting standard operating procedures, system familiarization, and abnormal or emergency scenario training to the simulator, operators benefit from enhanced cost and time efficiency. Pilots can practice challenging weather-related scenarios that would be dangerous or difficult to replicate in live flight.

Inside the PC-12 PRO and its Advanced Avionics

To understand the necessity of this advanced training infrastructure, one must look at the technological leaps integrated into the PC-12 PRO itself. Positioned by Pilatus as the most advanced aircraft in its class, the turboprop features a completely redesigned cockpit.

At the heart of this modernization is the Pilatus Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE), which is built around the new Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics suite. The system utilizes five high-resolution touchscreen displays, demanding a thorough understanding of its smart cockpit architecture before pilots take to the skies.

Performance and Safety Enhancements

The aircraft introduces several automated systems designed to reduce pilot workload, increase fuel efficiency, and protect against engine overload. These include a digital autothrottle system and an automatic Electronic Propeller and Engine Control System.

Furthermore, the PC-12 PRO incorporates advanced safety features like “Safety Autoland.” Training for these sophisticated, automated systems requires a highly controlled, repeatable environment where pilots can safely practice emergency operations and system overrides.

Sustainability and Future Developments

Beyond operational efficiency, Pilatus emphasizes the environmental benefits of its new training paradigm. The manufacturer highlights that simulator-based training actively contributes to sustainability by drastically cutting the carbon emissions associated with traditional in-aircraft flight instruction. This aligns with the aircraft’s own green credentials, as its Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 engine is capable of running on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Looking ahead, Pilatus is already expanding its training infrastructure. The company confirmed that the first full-motion PC-12 PRO simulator is currently in production to meet growing global demand.

The 2028 Full-Motion Simulator Launch

Scheduled to enter service in 2028, the upcoming full-motion simulator will further expand global training capacity. According to the company, it will be based at the Fly7 training center at Lausanne Airport (La Blécherette) in Switzerland.

David Liechti, Pilot and Team Leader of Flight Training at Pilatus, underscored the importance of these developments in the company’s press release, noting a fundamental shift in how pilots are trained.

“We are taking training to the next level with our new PC-12 PRO flight simulator… The result is a training program which not only delivers the highest quality, but also actively contributes to improved flight safety,” stated Liechti.

AirPro News analysis

The certification of the PC-12 PRO simulator arrives at a pivotal moment for the single-engine turboprop market. With Textron Aviation’s Beechcraft Denali expected to provide direct competition soon, Pilatus is fortifying its market position not just through aircraft performance, but through a comprehensive, turnkey support and training ecosystem.

We observe that the aviation industry is undergoing a broader shift toward high-fidelity digital learning. By enabling complete differences training in a simulator, Pilatus is directly addressing operator concerns regarding training costs, aircraft downtime, and environmental impact. The integration of the Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics makes such advanced simulation not just a luxury, but a necessity for safe and proficient operations. As the 2028 launch of the full-motion simulator approaches, Pilatus is clearly positioning its training infrastructure as a core selling point for the PC-12 PRO.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What certifications did the PC-12 PRO simulator receive?
The simulator received EASA certification as a Level 2 Flight Training Device (FTD) and Level II Flight Navigation Procedures Trainer Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC). It also received FAA certification as a Level 6 FTD.

Where is PC-12 PRO simulator training currently available?
Training is currently operational in Switzerland. In the United States, training is provided through SIMCOM Aviation Training centers.

When will the full-motion PC-12 PRO simulator be available?
The first full-motion simulator is currently in production and is scheduled to enter service in 2028 at the Fly7 training center in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Sources: Pilatus Aircraft