Zurich in Focus - the Pilatus PC-12

[EHM-1465 Dominic]

THE PILATUS PC-12 is EuroBusiness' Class 3 aircraft but not everyone knows it's Swiss! Yes, it comes from Switzerland and in my view rates higher than chocolate, watches or banking as the finest Swiss export

How many of you have tried a flight in the PC-12?

If you haven't, you're missing out! So this week I'd like to show you a few of the features of our very own "Swiss Miss" and invite you to take her out for a spin yourselves...

In order to show off this sleek, responsive turboprop at her best, I'm including a few shots from a flight I think you'll enjoy - the very scenic EuroBusiness B244 from Zurich to Graz (Austria). This wonderful route takes us east along the Alpine ridges and I would recommend you all take this trip sometime soon



This aircraft has a full virtual cockpit which is detailed and frame rate friendly. The instruments are clear and uncluttered which allows for enjoyable hand-flying or for easy automatic control when you want to take in the fantastic views...



The 2D cockpit complements the VC well and is a good rendition of the instrument panel from the real aircraft. There is good visibility over the panel and thanks to the VC, you get great side views too while flying from the 2D cockpit...





The external model is smooth and detailed and compares well to photos of the real aircraft. This is a fine example of a stylish and attractive small plane with great performance...







The plane handles nicely and without complications making each flight a delight rather than a chore. In fact, it's so well designed it includes a feature that is missed from many far more complex and expensive aircraft...



There are several animations including the front door and rear (extra passenger) door and flaps, gear etc move smoothly.



So, in summary, the Pilatus PC-12 is a detailed and enjoyable turboprop to fly with plenty of eye candy. It's not complex to learn, has some fine routes and looks good...

Oh, and did I mention... IT'S SWISS :8

For those who'd like more detailed specifications, have a look at:-

http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com and

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilatus_PC-12

This aircraft is also available as a payware version, endorsed by Pilatus Aircraft Co,  from:-

http://www.flight1.com/products.asp?product=pc12

If any of you have any real world experience with the PC-12, if you've flown the Flight1 version, or you have any thoughts or feedback on this article, please post here or contact me by e-mail at dominic@fly-euroharmony.com.

Enjoy your flights !

[EHM-2029 Sotiris]

Hi Dom,

very informative post and a pleasure to read.

Will try the flight soon, look out for my pirep!
On this topic, I saw some wonderful pictures, how do you take these as the standard configuration of FS usually gives very awkward angles on the interior shots.

And lastly, can I ask which scenery, mesh & landclass you're using for Switzerland. I tried to install some I found at AVSIM but to be honest, the installation instructions where a bit scary pointing to possible clashes between the elements, and incompatibilities with FS2004. So I would appreciate your guidance on a working combination that shouldn't complicate things.

[EHM-1821 Javier]

I know that there is a great VC but i didnt expecy a VL (Virtual Lavatory;D) !!;D

its a great aircraft, try flying it to LFLJ Courchevel with the sloping rwy scenery

[EHM-1549 Stefan]

Hello Dom,

Very nice screenshots, especially the one with the wingview!
The toilet could be designed more luxuriously , but at least this "important" feature is included. That's the main-thing. :>

Actually I took the PC-12 only twice, because I prefer flying the bigger birds. So it's about time to fly an Alpine flight for a change.

Thanks for your post. I enjoyed reading it.

[EHM-1465 Dominic]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the feedback, glad you enjoyed the article

@ Sotiris - I use the F1View utility to move around within FS (I used to use Active Camera but lost my registration code when I upgraded my PC :$)

This is a free utility you can get from http://www.flight1.com/view.asp?page=library which allows you to move freely around any aircraft from the VC view.

As for scenery, I use the Mohler version of Zurich airport (available on Avsim) over European Enhanced Terrain (payware but it's quite old and was very cheap when I bought it!) and I also have Ground Environment for the ground textures (payware and very good).

In the past I've used the Bluesphere freeware textures (on Avsim) by Gerrit Kranenburg - freeware but of payware quality in my opinion! Have you looked at http://walhalla.mine.nu/fs2004.php - this has the most up to date listing of all freeware sceneries by country I know of. Some are difficult to install as you mention but most are easy - have a look

@ Javier - watch this space for an item on Courchevel in the near future! The toilet may not feature very much however...

[EHM-1821 Javier]

Fly-in to Courchevel with addon scenery for the sloping rwy?

http://www.neuroflight.com/index_en.php?page=courchevel_e   ;D;D