Enabling Global Flight – PC-21 Fleet Surpasses 100,000 Flying Hours

Achieving flight record hours is always something to be proud of, for it not only highlights the operational capabilities of the fleet, but also the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes in ensuring operational success, safety, and mission ready.  For the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) whose PC-21 fleet has surpassed 100,000 flight hours as part of its Australian Defence Force (ADF) Pilot Training System, this milestone is truly a cause of celebration. 

In a momentous flypast ceremony, the RAAF celebrated the milestone of its PC-21 fleet for surpassing 100,000 flying hours at the RAAF Base East Sale, joined by its industry partners including Jet Aviation, Lockheed Martin, and Pilatus to commemorate this significant achievement.

“We extend our deepest congratulations to the RAAF on this fantastic milestone. We are honored to be a Team 21 partner and take great pride in offering our maintenance expertise to support Australia’s future pilots.”

Craig Purry, Vice President of Jet Aviation Defence said, “We extend our deepest congratulations to the RAAF on this fantastic milestone. We are honored to be a Team 21 partner and take great pride in offering our maintenance expertise to support Australia’s future pilots.”

With 49 aircraft in service and 100,000 hours flown, the PC-21 is one of the world’s most advanced pilot training aircraft for Australia’s future aviators. It combines the expertise of each industry leader – Jet Aviation, Lockheed Martin, and Pilatus to develop and sustain the fleet’s operational capabilities. The team under the Team 21 program plays a pivotal role in providing technical maintenance and support to ensure every flight remain safe and seamless.

The PC-21 has since become a cornerstone of the ADF Pilot Training System, helping to transform young cadets into skilled pilots capable of meeting the evolving needs of complex defence operations.

For Jet Aviation, this milestone represents more than an operational milestone. It signifies the immeasurable value we create for our customers in ensuring every flight remains safe and seamless. It represents the result of the team’s commitment, professionalism, demonstrated through every single meticulous check and process carried out to uphold the highest safety and operational standards.

Congratulations to everyone involved in this incredible achievement. It is the hard work, expertise, and commitment in delivering quality that have made this possible.

*Photo credits: Australian Government Defence