Louisiana governor uses new Pilatus PC-12 for state travel

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Louisiana governor uses new Pilatus PC-12 for state travel

Policy

Jeff Landry, Governor of Louisiana | Wikipedia

By Sky Industry News

Feb 17, 2025

Jeff Landry, the 57th Governor of Louisiana, travels across the state using a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft owned by the Louisiana State Police. This aircraft was purchased in September 2024 for approximately $5.5 million and is used for executive transport, including flying Governor Landry to various cities within the state.

The Pilatus PC-12, registered as N57265 with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), was produced in 2019 and has a serial number of 1845. It is based in Baton Rouge and frequently flies to destinations such as Lafayette, New Orleans, and Lake Charles.

Captain Nick Manale from the Louisiana State Police explained that previous governors relied on two Bell 407 helicopters that were nearly twenty years old and often grounded due to maintenance issues. He stated, "[T]he aircraft are so old and some avionics manufacturers no longer support the model." The operating costs for the new Pilatus PC-12 are expected to be lower than those of the older helicopters.

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In addition to executive transport, the Pilatus PC-12 will be used for other missions like extraditing prisoners and transporting state police personnel for trials or emergency meetings.

The Pilatus PC-12 is known for its versatility. It can take off and land on short runways and operate on various surfaces such as dirt and grass. The aircraft's cabin can accommodate up to nine passengers depending on configuration, with features like an enclosed lavatory and refreshment center available.

Pilatus Aircraft first launched this program in the mid-1980s, targeting a market need for a single-engine aircraft with exceptional range. The first prototype flew in May 1991, with certification following in 1994 by both Swiss authorities and the FAA. Over time, upgraded variants like the PC-12NGX have been introduced.

The aircraft has found success among charter companies and government operators worldwide, including air ambulance services and military organizations.