First Flight of UAE's PC-21

Pilatus has begun flying the first PC-21 built for the United Arab Emirates air force.

(Photos: Pilatus)

The UAE announced the selection of the Pilatus trainer a year ago at the Dubai air show. The UAE, which is buying 25 of the turboprop-powered trainers, joins Singapore and Switzerland as customers for the aircraft.

The first flight took place at the Buoachs airfield on Nov. 22, exactly a year after the contract signing, Pilatus says.

Takeoff occurred at 10:34 a.m. local time, with some of the system checks including in-flight engine restarts.

Deliveries to the UAE are to to start in the first quarter of 2011.

Flight training will take place at the Khalifa bin Zayed Air College, Al Ain.