Aircraft
PC-21 Enters French Service
The Pilatus advanced trainer was selected by France in early 2017 to replace Epsilons and Alpha Jets.
A pair of PC-21s flies over the Cognac base where the type will train new generations of French air force and navy pilots. (photo: David Pujo/AA)
A pair of PC-21s flies over the Cognac base where the type will train new generations of French air force and navy pilots. (photo: David Pujo/AA)

On October 2 the chief of staff of the French air force, Général Philippe Lavigne, visited Base Aérienne 709 at Cognac-Châteaubernard to welcome the Pilatus PC-21 trainer into service with the Armée de l’Air (AA, French air force). France is acquiring 17 of the Swiss-built trainers to replace Socata TB-30 Epsilon basic trainers flying at Cognac and some of the Dassault-Dornier Alpha Jet advanced jet trainers that operate from Tours, both of which are assigned to the Ecole de Pilotage de l’Armée de l’Air (EPAA, French air force flying school).


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