Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter

The Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter is a single-engine Swiss utility aircraft renowned for its exceptional short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance. Designed to operate from unprepared strips, mountain airstrips, and remote locations, it has served in a vast range of roles including cargo, parachuting, skydiving, medevac, and military transport. Originally developed by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland, the PC-6 first flew with a piston engine in 1959 before being re-engined with a turboprop powerplant, which became the dominant and most successful variant. Its robust construction, high-wing configuration, and large payload capacity relative to its size made it highly adaptable across demanding environments worldwide. Over its long production life, the PC-6 has been operated by militaries, aid organizations, bush operators, and skydiving centers across more than 50 countries. Production continued for over six decades, with Pilatus officially ending new production in 2019 after delivering nearly 500 airframes.