Pilatus PC-6B-2/H-2 Turbo-Porter (Der Bunte Fredi)

Apart from Switzerland, the PC-6 was used for a long time by the Air Force of its neighbour, Austria. Taking into consideration that Switzerland and Austria and most of their territories are geographically located in the Alpine zone, there was a constant variety of work for the PC-6. The aircraft's distinctive features made it possible to take off and land on short strips and in extreme conditions, for many tasks as well as its primary purpose as a light transport or liaison plane. The PC-6 often undertook the mission of border patrol; and air ambulance or rescue craft for climbers falling into difficulties in the Alps.One particular Austrian machine, 3G-EL, after some time in military service, was painted in a rather unusual scheme, the very opposite of camouflage. It depicted a bird like a griffin, in various bright colors over every surface - wings, fuselage, vertical and horizontal tail. This machine is very popular among spotters and each year it takes part in various air shows in different parts of Europe.
Half a century after its first flight, the PC-6 is still in military and civil service in many parts of the world, joining the same rare club as such famous aircraft as the Piper Cub or the Antonov AN-2, proving that sometimes a machine which at first sight seems basic and simple in design, can outlast many of its more sophisticated and advanced brethren.