Belgium-based European Aircraft Private Club (EAPC) will shortly take delivery of a third PC-12 and its current fleet is flying more hours than anticipated. “We planned initially for 500 hours per year per aircraft but our first PC-12 flew 720 hours during 2015,” says manager Denis Petitfrere. “Our first PC-12 has now reached 1,300 hours and our second one, which has been flying for three months, is already over 240 hours.”

EAPC operates a fleet of PC-12s and Extra EA-500s exclusively for its members under non-commercial regulations for clients in need of a fast, secure and reliable means of transport for professional journeys and family trips.

“We started in 2012 with the first EA-500 sold as a certified aircraft and purchased by a couple of people sharing the acquisition and the operational costs for that aircraft,” Petitfrere continues. “In late 2013 we were asked to find a complementary aircraft to the Extra. The PC-12NG was an obvious selection to make. With its six to eight passenger configuration along with large cargo door and fully enclosed lavatory, this aircraft feels right at home on almost all airfields. After taking delivery of our first Pilatus in June 2014 we swiftly signed for another in November 2014. At EBACE last year we signed for the third and it is due shortly.”

Like the other aircraft, the third PC-12 will be used exclusively for private member flying. It will help to reduce empty leg flying when two members need the same aircraft at the same time and will increase flexibility.

European Aircraft Private Club is looking to open additional bases in the south of France and Switzerland, as many of its members hail from these regions. “Weather poses a challenge as we are often operating in mountainous areas in France or Switzerland and also from unprepared and short airstrips with grass runways,” continues Petitfrere. “However our member community is expanding fast and a third PC-12 will not be enough. Every year we add at least one aircraft to our fleet, and the member community is growing 35 per cent annually.”