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- January 31, 2023
Pilatus PC-9/A for Sale — Buy or Sell an Australian RAAF Turboprop Trainer
The Pilatus PC-9/A is the Australian-built variant of the renowned Pilatus PC-9 military turboprop trainer, manufactured under licence by Hawker de Havilland for the Royal Australian Air Force. Between 1987 and 1993, 67 PC-9/A aircraft were delivered to the RAAF, which used them as the backbone of pilot training for over two decades before transitioning to the PC-21. When the RAAF retired the PC-9/A fleet, a number entered the civilian market and became highly sought-after by warbird enthusiasts, airshow performers, and international collectors. Pilatus PC-9/A aircraft for sale represent a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine ex-military high-performance turboprop trainer with full documentation and Australian airworthiness certification. Airplane Trade connects buyers and sellers of PC-9/A aircraft worldwide.
The PC-9/A in RAAF Service
The RAAF selected the PC-9/A in 1986 to replace its ageing CT-4 Airtrainer fleet in the advanced flying training role. The PC-9/A offered a dramatic step-up in capability — pressurised cockpit, ejection seats, retractable undercarriage, and Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-62 turboprop power — that allowed student pilots to experience jet-like performance before transitioning to fast jets. The RAAF operated the PC-9/A at RAAF Base Pearce and RAAF Base East Sale, accumulating many thousands of hours in the demanding training environment. Following the transition to the PC-21, the surviving PC-9/A fleet was offered for civilian sale through Defence tender processes, with most aircraft coming with complete logbooks and maintenance histories dating back to manufacture.
Performance Specifications
- Engine — Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-62, 950 shp
- Maximum Speed — 593 km/h (320 knots) at sea level
- Cruise Speed — 500 km/h (270 knots)
- Range — 1,642 km (886 nm)
- Service Ceiling — 38,000 ft (11,580 m)
- Rate of Climb — 3,353 ft/min
- G-limits — +7g / -3.5g (aerobatic)
- MTOW — 3,200 kg (7,055 lb)
- Crew — 2 in tandem (dual controls)
- Pressurisation — Yes, pressurised tandem cockpit
Key Features of the PC-9/A
- Martin-Baker Mk 11B Ejection Seats — Zero-zero rated; significant safety advantage for aerobatic and display operations; highly valued by civilian owners.
- Pressurised Tandem Cockpit — Large bubble canopy with individual hinged sections for each crew position; excellent all-round visibility; pressurised to allow comfortable high-altitude flight.
- Retractable Tricycle Undercarriage — Hydraulically actuated; contributes to the PC-9/A clean aerodynamics and high cruise performance.
- Full Aerobatic Certification — Approved for all standard aerobatic manoeuvres including loops, rolls, hammerheads, inverted flight, and spins within the approved envelope.
- Comprehensive Fatigue Records — RAAF-maintained fatigue index records provide detailed history of structural life consumption for each individual aircraft.
Civilian Ownership of the PC-9/A
Australian civilian PC-9/A owners typically operate their aircraft under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) experimental or limited category certificate, or through the Warbirds Association framework. The aircraft's outstanding performance, ejection seat safety, and complete maintenance history make it a compelling choice for serious aerobatic and display pilots. Several PC-9/A aircraft have been exported to North America, Europe, and the Middle East following their civilian conversion, where they attract strong interest from pilots familiar with the PC-9 from military service or those seeking jet-equivalent performance in a turboprop platform.
Buying a Pilatus PC-9/A — Key Considerations
- Fatigue Life — Request the aircraft's complete fatigue index records; verify remaining structural life against your intended annual flying hours.
- Ejection Seat Status — Confirm whether seats are live, inert, or removed; live seats require additional safety procedures and training; some buyers prefer demilitarised configurations.
- Export Documentation — Aircraft exported from Australia require CASA export certificate of airworthiness and may require ITAR/export control compliance; engage a specialist aviation lawyer.
- Engine Condition — PT6A-62 engines are well-supported; assess TTSN and any damage/repair history; budget for overhaul at $200,000-$300,000.
- Avionics — Some PC-9/A aircraft have been updated with modern avionics during civilian conversion; others retain the original RAAF fit; assess against your operational requirements.
Find Your Pilatus PC-9/A on Airplane Trade
Airplane Trade is the premier global marketplace for ex-military performance aircraft including the Pilatus PC-9/A. Browse verified listings from Australian warbird dealers, private collectors, and international sellers. Each listing includes fatigue life data, ejection seat status, engine hours, and direct seller contact. Find your PC-9/A on Airplane Trade today.