Smokejumper Aircraft Screening and 

Evaluation Board 

BLM Proposed Initial Evaluation of the 

Pilatus PC-12 

 

Oct. 11, 06 - Revised
Previous: 

The BLM had provided SASEB with preliminary data on the PC-12 for a possible new 

jump platform. That effort ended with the cost of the in-flight door being estimated at 

over 1 million dollars. 

Currently: 

Pilatus has sold an in-flight jump door to an Australian customer and it is currently in 

production. There is no provision for a jump step which is being investigated. 

Proposal; 

The BLM will sponsor the Pilatus in an initial evaluation program to be coordinated with 

the issue of the STC and Pilatus aircraft prior to the delivery of the door to the Australian 

customer. 

The Jump Door: 

4 Is installed within the existing cargo door with: 

 Minor alteration required to the standard aircraft, 

 Short downtime to swap out cargo doors, 

 Easily reversible back to standard cargo door configuration. 

4 Does not interfere with normal cargo door operations. 

4 Qualifies as an emergency exit under FAR23. 

4 Pilatus implies that this door will comply with the SASEB requirements with 

optional accessories... 

ACCESSORIES: 

4 Needs to be coordinated and procured through MTDC. 

 

 Pilatus description of optional accessories. 

 Retractable Egress Platform, 

 Static Lines, 

 Power Door Operation, 
 DESCRIPTION 

4 Left hand side jump door, 

4 Opening size 635 x 991 mm (25 x 39 inches), 

4 Integral with existing normal functioning cargo door, 

4 Opens inwards in excess of 100 degrees, 

4 Hinged about the aft edge, 

4 Bottom sill approximately 152 mm (6 inches) above the structural 

4 floor level. 

SASEB Criteria 

See the following documentation. 
 

1. Support the need for evaluating the PC 12: The Boise smokejumpers would 

like to evaluate the Pilatus PC-12 for smokejumper use. This particular aircraft 

appears to meet all the needs of a smokejumper aircraft for our program. Since 

the majority of smokejumper aircraft currently in use are out of production, it 

would be beneficial to get a newer aircraft on the approved list. The PC-12 is 

currently in production and an in-flight door will be available this fall. This 

aircraft is pressurized with an in-flight door and considerably faster than any 

aircraft in our current fleet. An aircraft of this type would be a desirable 

smokejumper platform if it is on the approved list. 

2. Numbers of PC 12 Aircraft currently operating in the United States: 

Currently there are over 550 PC-12 aircraft in the United States with sales 

increasing every year. The aircraft available to bid would probably exceed 20 

however most bids would likely come from current vendors. 

3. The PC 12 is a highly versatile single engine aircraft: It is pressurized for 

passenger comfort and increased altitude performance. The exit door for 

Smokejumpers would be an “in-flight” door which will allow the aircraft to cruise 

at a higher altitude’s for better performance, depressurize and allow for 

Smokejumpers and Paracargo, re-pressurize and return at that higher performance 

altitude. 

• The PC 12 is certified for 8 passenger seats. 

• The PC 12 has a large cargo door.