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Press Release
Issued by Pilatus Aircraft.
July 3, 2019
A first recently took place when the Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet landed on the grass runway at Goodwood Aerodrome in preparation for its display to the general public at the Festival of Speed, which is held 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 (799 metres) long. The PC-24 is the world's first ever business jet to be able to land on very short and unpaved runways, meaning it 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 its passengers' final destination, thereby avoiding the administrative expense usually associated with larger airports and reducing transfers on the ground to an absolute minimum.
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.
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.
