Article Posted on : - Jul 16, 2013

The PC-7 MkII trainer jets. A Pilatus photo

DUNDIGAL, HYDERABAD (BNS): The Indian Air Force personnel have commenced flight training on the Swiss-made PC-7 MkII trainer jets, the first batch of which was delivered last month.

The first Indian Air Force Basic Flight Training course using the PC-7 MkII aircraft commenced on July 8 at the IAF academy at Dundigal, Hyderabad.

Over eighty cadets will participate in the first training course, Switzerland's Pilatus Aircraft said.

The company, which has been contracted to supply 75 PC-7 MkII turboprop aircraft to train the IAF's newly-recruited pilots, delivered the first 14 jets last month.

The contract, awarded in May 2012 and valued at Rs. 2,800 crore, also includes an integrated ground based training system and a comprehensive logistics support package.

The new fleet of Pilatus jets will replace the IAF's HPT-32 basic trainer aircraft that have long been grounded following a fatal air crash in 2009.

The contract also makes provision for transfer of technology to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) which will maintain the trainer jets fleet for over 30 years.

"We look forward to continuing deliveries of the 75 PC-7 MkII training aircraft to the Indian Air Force and in supporting the aircraft for the coming years," Pilatus said.