FlyWatch Global and Stapleford Aerodrome, located northeast of London, have teamed to offer dry-leased Pilatus PC-12s for private operations along with a package for training pilots. Although single-engine turboprop operations are now permitted in Europe for commercial operations in IMC conditions, there has seemingly not been the rush that some expected. However, recent developments have led to PC-12s being offered on a private basis on dry lease, such that an AOC—and the expense that entails—is not required.
The dry leasing is already running at Fairoaks Airport, to the southwest of London, with Flexifly. It will be extended to Stapleford beginning September 9, when an additional PC-12 is added there, with the SET class rating being offered in conjunction with FlyWatch Global.
“Stapleford Flight Centre, working in conjunction with Flywatch Global, will be offering a 10-hour single-engine turbine (SET) class rating course on a PC-12,” the flight center said. It added that there will be an open day when the PC-12 arrives on September 8 “enabling any interested pilots to come and view the new airplane and find out about the training program and the dry-leasing arrangements.”
The course will be led by Tony Gunn, director of Flywatch Global, which runs aviation training, dry leasing and sales management for the PC-12 and Daher TBM series. SFC has five students signed up for the new course, which requires a minimum of 10 hours of flight training in the aircraft, subject to experience, with a written exam and a High-Performance Aircraft (HPA) exam for those without a professional license.
Suitably qualified pilots will be able to hire the airplane after training, and for those wanting to fly friends and family to far-off destinations dry leasing will be available with a pilot, SFC said.
SFC head of training Colin Dobney welcomed the new arrival at Stapleford. “Launching a SET class rating is an important new development for us as a leading training school for tomorrow’s professional pilots and will be particularly attractive for those thinking of a career in the corporate sector. The Pilatus PC-12 is ideally suited to Stapleford and will offer excellent dry leasing options,” he said.