2013 MARCH / Vol. 5 / No. 3 /
GA
35
decades of successful operation with
more than 28,000 hours flown and
more than 70,000 landings recorded
the ageing PC-7 aircraft reached
the end of their operating life.
In 2011 the BDF opted to replace
the PC-7 with the more advanced and
modern PC-7 MkII trainer aircraft,
a decision we believe was founded
on the established relationship
between us, the excellent track record
of the PC-7, and a proven product
such as the PC-7 MkII of which
more than 160 aircraft have been
sold. The PC-7 MkII has also been
selected by other major Air Forces,
the most recent order, subsequent
to Botswana, being India.
The major program highlight
was the acceleration of the
schedule on request of the BDF,
with all five new aircraft being
delivered in 2012, four months
earlier than originally planned.
The old PC-7s have also been
phased out and from 2013 onwards
all cadets can be trained on the
new modern PC-7 MkII aircraft.
As in the past, the new aircraft
will be operated and maintained by
Botswana Defence Force personnel,
supported by Pilatus Switzerland.·
Pilots of the Botswana Defence
Force / Pilatus PC-7 MkII.