Charlotte Bailey joined AIN’s editorial team in 2025 as a news reporter covering multiple topics including business aviation, new technology and the defense sector. She is also a frequent presenter in AIN’s video news reports. 
UK-based Charlotte has a strong interest in vintage military jets and in 2023 published a book about the de Havilland Vampire, as well as serving as a consultant on the topic for TV and movie projects. She is keen to expand her flying experience and enjoys hands-on assignments worldwide. In 2024, Charlotte was honored as Best New Journalist in the Aerospace Media Awards. Early in her career, Charlotte was involved in manufacturing customized hot air balloons.

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Charlotte Bailey

Pilatus has started the flight test campaign of the first PC-7 MKX trainer destined for the French air force. The milestone was announced by the manufacturer on October 14, which published a video of the aircraft taking off from its production site in Stans, Switzerland.&nbsp;
In January 2025, the French defense procurement agency announced it had selected the turboprop as the air force’s next basic trainer: replacing the existing Cirrus SR20 and Grob 120A fleet in the ab initio role. In 2027, Pilatus is due to deliver 22 PC-7 MKXs to the Armée de l'Air, along with ground-based training tools. Training will be provided by contractor Babcock France, which was awarded a 17 year contract under the ‘Mentor 2’ tender in 2025.
With the introduction of the PC-7 MKX, France is intending to simplify its military pilot training pathway: transitioning to a single-site, single-type process. It has been teaching advanced military training on the PC-21 since 2018, with 26 aircraft acquired in two batches.&nbsp;
“With the introduction of the PC-7 MKX for basic training, France will now make exclusive use of Pilatus trainers for all phases of military pilot training,” the OEM said in a statement. Both types will operate from Salon-de-Provence Air Base in the south of France.
In September, Pilatus also made the first flight of the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2026-09-09/pilatus-pc-7-mkx-basic-trainer-makes-first-flight">Royal Netherlands Air Force</a>’s inaugural PC-7 MKX. The Dutch military became the type’s launch customer in February 2025 when it signed for a fleet of eight. These are also set to be delivered in the first half of 2027. Meanwhile, in November 2025, Belgium also announced a deal for 18 units to replace its ageing SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 trainers.&nbsp;

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French Air Force Pilatus PC-7 MKX Trainer Makes First Test Flight

Test campaign commences from Pilatus’ Swiss headquarters

Pilatus has started the flight test campaign of the inaugural PC-7 MKX trainer destined for the French air force, which is to receive 22 units of the aircraft.

French Air Force PC-7 MKX Trainer Makes First Flight

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