The Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer , equipped with a turboprop engine, is a two seated tandem low-wing monoplane with a retractable tricycle gear, designed for military and commercial training. Both cockpits are equipped with flight and navigation instruments that allow a sophisticated instrument flight training, also in combination with the integrated autopilot.
The Swiss Air Force has 27 Pilatus PC-7 all of which went through a midlife update program during the years 2008 and 2009. The most noticeable modifications are a new painting in the swiss colors red and white, a modern glass cockpit, a GPS and an autopilot. These three last elements make the PC-7 fully civil IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) certified.
The basic training of the Swiss Air Force is accomplished on the PC-7. It is also used during the military pilot selection, for overflights and of course by the PC-7 TEAM!