TURBOPROP | pILATUS pC-9/A

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Pilatus PC-9/A

The Ex-Military Pilatus PC-9/A was created for Pilot training in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) commencing in 1989, they were modelled off the PC-7 with increased capability, durability and robustness in the air. These two-seater Turboprops trainers provided over 30 years of service to the Australian Defence Force (ADF), training thousands of aircrew from the Australian Army, Navy & Air Force. 

Proving to be an excellent aerobatic plane able to perform precise and closely choreographed manoeuvers,  the RAAF aerobatic display team, the Rouletts, converted to flying the PC-9/A in training & displays performing at Air Shows in Australian & around the World, of course after being dressed into the signature “Roulette” all-red colour scheme.
Today, the ex-Military Pilatus PC-9/A are privately owned and used as experimental aircraft,  pilot trainers and general personal use.

Pilatus PC-9/A

The Ex-Military Pilatus PC-9/A was created for Pilot training in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) commencing in 1989, they were modelled off the PC-7 with increased capability, durability and robustness in the air. These two-seater Turboprops trainers provided over 30 years of service to the Australian Defence Force (ADF), training thousands of aircrew from the Australian Army, Navy & Air Force.

Proving to be an excellent aerobatic plane able to perform precise and closely choreographed manoeuvers,  the RAAF aerobatic display team, the Rouletts, converted to flying the PC-9/A in training & displays performing at Air Shows in Australian & around the World, of course after being dressed into the signature “Roulette” all-red colour scheme.
Today, the ex-Military Pilatus PC-9/A are privately owned and used as experimental aircraft, as pilot trainers and for general personal use.

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Pilatus PC9-A
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PILATUS PC-9/A

PILATUS PC-9/A ‘ROULETTES’


    Pilatus, a Swiss producer, was established in 1939, and today is jointly owned by Pilatus & Canton Nidwalden, known for development and production of various aircraft models, primarily for Military and civilian use.

  • The PC-9, an upgraded PC-7, flew first in May 1984. Over 250 were made, serving globally, including the Swiss Air Force, RAAF, and Royal Thai Air Force.

  • The RAAF adopted the PC-9, designating it as the PC-9/A, with its first flight occurring on May 19, 1987.

  • The RAAF obtained 67 PC-9/A trainers: 2 fully assembled by Pilatus, 17 assembled from kits, and 48 licensed by Hawker de Havilland in Australia..

Growing Their Wings


    For over 30 years, Pilatus PC-9/A planes have trained pilots across Australia, with each logging at least 130 flight hours. Upon completing training, graduates earn their wings and join a flying squadron.

    The Pilatus PC-9/A were flown by:
  • Central Flying School (CFS) - Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base East Sale, VIC
  • No 2 Flying Training School (2FTS) – RAAF Base Pearce, WA
  • Aircraft Research/ Development Unit (ARDU) – RAAF Base Edinburgh, SA
  • 4 Squadron (the Forward Air Control Development Unit – FACDU) – RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW
  • RAAF Roulettes Aerobatic Team

Formations


    Formation flying demands precision and skill. Piloted by highly-trained teams, multiple aircraft execute synchronized maneuvers at speeds nearing 600 km/h. This practice, integral to military operations, allows for simultaneous strikes, mutual defense, and concentrated firepower. RAAF pilots undergo rigorous aerobatics training to master formation flying, ensuring readiness for combat scenarios. Some Formations Include:

  • Thunderbird
  • Corkscrew
  • Barrel Roll
  • Bomb Burst

DESIGNED TO OUTLAST


    The RAAF's Pilatus PC-9/A fleet was set for retirement before 2019. However, after a thorough review by the Australian Defence Force (ADF), their service life was extended, showcasing the aircraft's durability and capability.

    It is no surprise that after 30 years of flying for RAAF, many pilots spoke of Pilatus PC-9/A jets as of a close and familiar friend, a trusted “wingman”.

  • The responsiveness and excellent control damping allow precise control of the aircraft with little control force and the superb visibility provides for easy orientation throughout the manoeuvre. There is no excuse for poor aerobatic flying in the PC-9.”
    - Carlo Kopp, Australian Aviation.

PILATUS PC-9/A VARIANTS

Explore the range of Australian Ex-Military Pilatus PC-9/A previously made available through our auctions.

  • Type: Pilatus Aircraft
  • Model: PC-9/A
  • Assembly: Hawker de Havilland
  • Configuration: Tandem Pilot/Co Pilot
  • Category: Military
  • Engine Make: Pratt & Whitney
  • Engine Model: PT6A-62
  • Propeller: Hartzell 4 Blade

PILATUS PC-9/A VARIANT

Explore the range of Australian Ex-Military Pilatus PC-9/A previously made available through our auctions.

PILATUS PC-9/A
  • Type: Pilatus Aircraft
  • Model: PC-9/A
  • Assembly: Hawker de Havilland
  • Configuration: Tandem Pilot/Co Pilot
  • Category: Military
  • Engine Make: Pratt & Whitney
  • Engine Model: PT6A-62
  • Propeller: Hartzell 4 Blade

IN-SERVICE GALLERY

View in-service images of Ex-Military Pilatus PC-9/A direct from the Australian Defence Gallery.

Pilatus PC-9/A Formation
Roulettes in Formation over Sydney Harbour landmarks
Aircraft Parts
AFM Auction 2021 - aviation parts
Pilatus PC-9/A Turboprop A23-013
6 PIlatus PC-9/A
Air to Air images of the Roulettes flying over Sydney Harbour.
Qantas Flight & Pilatus PC-9/A
The RAAF Roulettes fly in formation with a Qantas A380 around Melbourne in conjunction with the Formula One Grand Prix.
Pilot Pilatus PC-9/A
In the Pilots SeatUpside Down
Pilatus PC-9/A Formation
Pilatus PC-9/A Formation
Wings Over Illawarra 2010
The RAAF Roulettes prepare to take off for their famous flying routine during Wings Over Illawarra 2010. Current and ex-military aircraft from around Australia gathered at the 2010 Wings over Illawarra event at Illawarra Regional Airport on Sunday, February 28. More than 30,000 people came to the display, which centred on the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) collection of restored and project aircraft. Air Force, Army and Navy Aviation were all represented amongst the aerial and static displays, with a massive turnout of Australian Air Force Cadets getting a firsthand taste of serving military aircraft. Please note the following distinction: ADF Cadets are participants in the youth development programs conducted by the three services in cooperation with the community but they are not members of the ADF. Officer Cadets are trainee officers undertaking instruction at the Australian Defence Force Academy or the Air Force Officers’ Training School. Staff Cadets are trainee officers at Royal Military College Duntroon. The terms ‘ADF Cadets’, ‘Officer Cadets’ and ‘Staff Cadets’ are not interchangeable. Trainee naval officers are not cadets; they are commissioned officers with the rank of Midshipman.

HOW TO BUY

All our genuine Australian Ex-Military items are sold via online auction. Auctions are held roughly once a month at various locations around Australia. 

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Resources for Australian Ex-Military Service Manuals & Providers, Blogs & Frequently Asked Questions

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