Training and Workforce
Pilatus PC-7 MKX Basic Trainer Makes First Flight
The Dutch air force will receive eight of the two-seaters in 2027
Pilatus PC-7 MKX basic training aircraft
The MKX is an upgrade to the Pilatus PC-7 single-engine, two-seat, basic training aircraft. © Pilatus Aircraft

Pilatus Aircraft this week achieved a first flight with the PC-7 MKX trainer for the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The company released video of the flight, which happened on September 7 at the Swiss manufacturer’s headquarters in Stans.

The Dutch military is expected to receive the first of eight examples of the latest PC-7 model between May and September in 2027 at its Woensdrecht air base, along with flight simulators for ground-based training. The MKX is an upgrade to the two-seat, single-engine PC-7 that is currently being used for basic pilot training.