Pilatus PC-21

[Guptar]

I read that this aircraft was initially certified as a civil aircraft in Switzerland then had add-on military approvals.

So, assuming one had the finances, could a civilian purchase one from the factory and operated it in Experimental or warbird category.

Would make for a cracking toy for those lazy Sunday afternoons.

[Blowie]

The type fits the definition of 'warbird' and therefore an example would be eligible for a Limited CofA in Australia under CASR 21.189:

21.189 Special certificate of airworthiness for limited category aircraft
(1) An applicant is entitled to a special certificate of airworthiness for an aircraft in the limited category for one or more special purpose operations mentioned in subregulation (3) if:
(ii) the aircraft is of a type that has been manufactured in accordance with the requirements of, and accepted for use by, an armed force, and for which the applicant can demonstrate to CASA or an authorised person a satisfactory history of operation;

Nothing’s quite that simple of course, but the answer to your question should be a YES.

Good luck with that.

[swh]

So, assuming one had the finances, could a civilian purchase one from the factory and operated it in Experimental or warbird category.

You could buy a certified aircraft from the factory and operate it in normal, aerobatic, and utility categories.

"Pilatus PC-21 (Acrobatic and Utility Categories).
Multipurpose low-wing monoplane with a stepped, tandem-seat
pressurized cockpit, powered by a single engine turboprop engine
with full acrobatic capability, and built to FAR 23."

The reason these aircraft are not civil certified is so when they have export sales, the military authority of the foreign nation can build on the civil certification to generate its military certification.

The C-17 and CJ-27 are also civil certified.

[Deaf]

The reason these aircraft are not civil certified is so when they have export sales, the military authority of the foreign nation can build on the civil certification to generate its military certification.

Say again all after mumble

[swh]

Say again all after mumble

The export sales aircraft are not civil certified, you would need to buy an unmodified aircraft. The military authority essentially goes through a STC process for the modifications.