Large aluminum “billets”, specially tailored for aeronautical strength, in their raw form. |
We dreamed about owning a Pilatus, so great to finally make it to the headquarters in Stans, Switzerland. We can see where our baby was born! |
Beautifully milled wing rib. Airplane geek out. |
Aluminum shavings are collected and formed into 9 inch long plugs for recycling. |
The Pilatus team wear gloves to handle super cooled plane parts. |
Dieter modeling the latest in composite hats. This is really a part of the PC-12 that is at the bottom of the rudder. |
Check out the wiring that goes behind the Pratt and Whitney engine. Pilatus has a very active apprenticeship program so young airplane enthusiasts can consider a career. |
Precision hand sanding of the intake manifold. Every inch has been over-engineered as a point of pride. |
We watched breathlessly as the team attached a wing to the fuselage. Incredibly heavy, the wing is held by cranes and pulleys so the team can perfectly position and balance before bolting it into place. |
World class made in Switzerland! Now up to serial number 1480, Pilatus is producing about 100 new PC-12s per year. |
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