Patrulla Aguila to transition to PC-21 turboprop this summer
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| Spanish Air Force CASA C.101 and Pilatus PC-21 trainer aircraft. |
Spain's Patrulla Aguila aerobatic team will begin transitioning to the Pilatus PC-21 after the AIRE 2025 airshow in June, according to local media.
Patrulla Aguila has flown the CASA C.101 Aviojet since its foundation 40 years ago in 1985. The team initially flew aircraft painted silver and orange as per the Spanish Air Force's trainer aircraft standard, before receiving a dedicated colour scheme in 1992 to mark the celebrations for the Olympic Games hosted by Barcelona. Patrulla Aguila has flown 500 displays to date, totalling 30,000 flight hours.
The team will formally celebrate its 40th anniversary at the AIRE 2025 airshow in San Javier on 14 and 15 June. After the event, the team will begin the transition from the C.101 jet to the Pilatus PC-21 turboprop in July and August. Commander José Javier Sánchez said both aircraft have similar performance, although the PC-21 will bring some technical challenges during the display. Initial plans will see the team fly as a five-ship formation before gradually increasing the number of aircraft (it currently consists of seven jets).
Spain selected the Pilatus PC-21 in late 2019 to replace the Spanish Air Force's CASA C.101 trainer jet. Madrid ordered a first batch of 24 aircraft in November 2019 and a second batch of 16 aircraft in February 2023 for a total of 40 aircraft.
Patrulla Aguila has flown the CASA C.101 Aviojet since its foundation 40 years ago in 1985. The team initially flew aircraft painted silver and orange as per the Spanish Air Force's trainer aircraft standard, before receiving a dedicated colour scheme in 1992 to mark the celebrations for the Olympic Games hosted by Barcelona. Patrulla Aguila has flown 500 displays to date, totalling 30,000 flight hours.
The team will formally celebrate its 40th anniversary at the AIRE 2025 airshow in San Javier on 14 and 15 June. After the event, the team will begin the transition from the C.101 jet to the Pilatus PC-21 turboprop in July and August. Commander José Javier Sánchez said both aircraft have similar performance, although the PC-21 will bring some technical challenges during the display. Initial plans will see the team fly as a five-ship formation before gradually increasing the number of aircraft (it currently consists of seven jets).
Spain selected the Pilatus PC-21 in late 2019 to replace the Spanish Air Force's CASA C.101 trainer jet. Madrid ordered a first batch of 24 aircraft in November 2019 and a second batch of 16 aircraft in February 2023 for a total of 40 aircraft.
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