Pilatus has gained approval to increase the maximum take-off weight of its PC-24 business jet by nearly 300kg (660lb), according to European airworthiness documentation.
Contained in an 11 October revision to the PC-24's type certificate data sheet, filed with the European Aviation Safety Agency, the change lifts the type's MTOW to 8,300kg from 8,005kg.
However, the increase only applies to the 31st serial aircraft produced – MSN131 – and beyond, or earlier examples that have had a particular service bulletin applied.
Pilatus says that no physical changes are required as part of the service bulletin, which consists of updating cockpit placards, as well as alterations to the flight management software.
The airframer adds: "Pilatus took the decision to increase the MTOW of the PC-24 well ahead of certification, however the effort for the update of the associated engineering reports was not compatible with certification by December 2017. This is why we had first to certify the PC-24 to a 8,005kg MTOW."
Maximum landing weight also rises to 7,665kg, from 7,370kg previously, while the zero-fuel weight grows to 6,450kg, up from 6,100kg, the documentation states.
Deliveries of the Williams International FJ44-4A-powered aircraft began in January this year, with the Swiss airframer aiming to hand over 23 examples of the superlight type in 2018.
Meanwhile, Pilatus has opened an 11,000m2 (118,000ft2) completion centre at its US headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado. The centre will install interiors for PC-12NGs and PC-24s destined for the Americas.
The North and South American markets make up around two-thirds of Pilatus deliveries. The Swiss company says the new facility will allow it to "customise aircraft for individual customers and respond quickly to changing market demands". It expects to complete up to 30 PC-24s per year from the centre.
Story updated to include new information from Pilatus.
Source: Flight International
