The final Pilatus PC-6 Porter aircraft (SN 1019) has rolled off the production line and has been delivered to an Indonesian customer.
Pilatus Aircraft said in an announcement,”Bye bye PC-6! It brought fame to the Pilatus name worldwide – the Pilatus Porter PC-6.
“This multi-role aircraft has been produced at Stans without interruption since 1959. The PC-6 is one of the world’s longest-running production stories in the aviation industry.
“Its short takeoff and landing capabilities and general versatility earned it worldwide fame and a reputation as a robust all-rounder.
“Amongst its many achievements, the Pilatus Porter has flown several cargo and passenger trips at maximum useful load to an altitude of 5700 metres above sea level – a world record that has not been bettered even to this day.
“Bye-bye PC-6, we will miss you!”
Read: Last Ever Pilatus PC-6 Porter crashes on ferry flight
The Pilatus PC-6 Porter is a single-engine utility aircraft famed for its ruggedness and short take-off and landing capabilities. It started life with an avgas burning piston engine but quickly moved to a turbine engine, eventually moving to a Pratt & Whitney PT6 in 1996 which proved to be its most successful configuration.
The PC-6 is used on land, as a floatplane and also when equipped with skis. It’s a favourite of bush and rough country pilots around the world.
Pilatus Aircraft and starred in a movie, Air America, with Mel Gibson flying into Laos during the Vietnam war.
Gallery: A look back at the Pilatus PC-6 Porter
