The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Why The Pilatus PC-24 Can Land On Grass Runways Most Private Jets Cannot
Most private jets need paved runways. The Pilatus PC-24 was built around a very different idea, and the reason starts beneath the fuselage.
Pilatus has earned certification for the PC-24 to perform takeoffs and landings on a variety of unpaved surfaces, including grass, wet soil, dry sand, gravel, and snow-covered runways. This approval sets the PC-24 apart from many rival business jets that typically avoid such surfaces.
The approval applies to grass runways, with the aircraft able to operate on wet and dry unpaved surfaces, broadening its potential field operations beyond conventional paved strips. Pilatus emphasizes that the PC-24 is certified for these conditions.
Details about specific tests, flight demonstrations, or the regulatory body overseeing the certification are not provided in the available material. The report focuses on the certification outcome and the surfaces included.
The piece notes the broader context of the PC-24’s capabilities within the private jet market, highlighting its unique suitability for softer or rougher surfaces compared with many rivals. No accident history, operator quotes, or incident data are included in the provided material.