Pilatus PC-21 Trainer Experience Report

October 21, 2021 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764101298793-195

Life Between Airbase and Vineyards at Pilatus Base Cognac-Châteaubernard

Pilatus has shared an experience report of its technician Roland Steiger and his colleague Reto Strauss, who have been supporting Babcock International’s maintenance team at the base aérienne 709 Cognac-Châteaubernard since 2018. The base was originally built for the French Air Force in 1940 but was occupied by the German air force during WWII. Training with the Socata TB-30 ‘Epsilon’ ended in 2019, replaced by Pilatus PC-21 turboprop trainers. Roland and Reto’s daily presence helps ensure quick solutions to customer requests. The base is also set to host the largest airshow in France in early July 2021.

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Key Takeaways

The base aérienne 709 Cognac-Châteaubernard was built between 1938 and 1940.
The first operator was the German air force during WWII.
Training with the Socata TB-30 ‘Epsilon’ ended in 2019, replaced by Pilatus PC-21 turboprop trainers.
First pilots completed training in September 2020.
Customer requests are many and varied.

Babcock International Pilatus

Strategic Implications

The selection of the Pilatus PC-21 trainer may indicate a focus on cost-effective solutions for military aviation. The base’s location near vineyards suggests a unique work-life balance for employees, which could be an attractive benefit for Babcock International’s maintenance team.