A first in England at the legendary Festival of Speed: the Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet landed on the grass runway at Goodwood Aerodrome and will be on display for the general public to admire throughout the Festival of Speed from 4 to 7 July 2019. The PC-24 is the first ever business jet to land at this field.
Goodwood Aerodrome (EGHR/QUG) is located northeast of Chichester in the south of England. The airfield is an all-grass operating environment with two runways. The PC-24 landed on grass runway 06/24, which is only 2,621 feet long (799 metres). The PC-24 is the world’s first ever business jet to be able to land on very short and unpaved runways. This capability means the PC-24 offers access to almost twice as many airports compared to other jets currently available on the market. It also means the PC-24 can fly closer to the final destination, thereby avoiding the administrative expense usually associated with the larger airports and reducing transfers on the ground to an absolute minimum.
Developed and certified for unpaved runways
The PC-24 has obtained initial certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for use on dirt and gravel runways. Further certification for other surface types, including grass, is currently in the pipeline and should be complete by the end of this year. The PC-24 has also been certified for steep approaches, as required for the approach into London City Airport, for example.
Goodwood Festival of Speed
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is the world’s greatest celebration of motorsport and car culture. Held in the beautiful parkland surrounding Goodwood House, the festival is motorsport’s ultimate summer garden party, an intoxicating celebration of the world’s most glamorous sport. Nowhere else will you get so close to such legendary cars, bikes and aircraft. The PC-24 will be on show at the VIP air arrival during the Festival of Speed from 4 to 7 July 2019. Two of the worldwide best-selling PC-12 NGs will also be on display – at the VIP arrival and at the main festival site. Reservations for personal visits may be made locally or via the Authorised Pilatus Centre Oriens Aviation.
