Dutch PC-7s temporarily grounded

The Koninklijke Luchtmacht (KLu, Royal Netherlands Air Force) temporarily grounded the Pilatus PC-7 training aircraft after corrosion caused by moisture was found on a number of the aircraft during maintenance. Together with the manufacturer Pilatus, the issue will be investigated.

The Elementaire Militaire Vlieger Opleiding (EMVO, Elementary Military Pilot Training) at Woensdrecht air base is using the PC-7 since 1988. From 2013 onwards, the aircraft underwent a service life extension and modification programme with manufacturer Pilatus at Stans (Switzerland) so they were able to continue service up the late 20s.

On 16 December 2020, The Dutch Ministry of Defence announced they will say goodbye to the Pilatus PC-7M Turbo Trainer in seven years. The fleet of thirteen basic propeller trainers will then reach the end of their life.

A successor aircraft is not selected yet, so all options are available. The Lower House was also informed that a one on one replacement is probably not necessary. For example, the MoD is investigating innovative options, like increased use of modern and advanced simulators as well as an international cooperation in training. Sustainability will also play a role in the upcoming acquisition. The new training aircraft could be leased on, or even outsourced to the civil market. The latter option is well known in other NATO countries.

Photo by Richard Baas (Scramble Archive)