In July 1999, the machine was sold to Ecuador, where it was used primarily in the oil business. The Pilatus subsequently faced further exciting challenges in the jungle as a casualty, passenger and cargo aircraft. However, this was only a short excursion, as the Porter was bought back by Pilatus-Werke at the end of 2004 and shortly thereafter purchased by the Flying Bulls. Equipped with a propeller-driven turbine, the PC-6 is a single-engine shoulder-wing aircraft with fixed landing gear and tailwheel. It impresses with excellent short takeoff and short landing characteristics, even on unpaved surfaces.

The Porter is very popular in skydiving circles. Therefore, it should also be made available to the parachuting section of the Army Sports Association (HSV) under the direction of the Flying Bulls. But a lot had to happen before delivery in April 2005. First, the machine underwent a major overhaul and received a new interior at the same time. It was then equipped with improved avionics suitable for IFR and repainted. This was followed by the Austrian approval.

Today, a 4-blade propeller replaces the old 3-blade propeller and meets the required environmental standards. For HSV, a wish that had been cherished since the beginning of the club’s 20-year history came true: finally, its own drop plane! The striking livery of the Pilatus Porter underscores the impressive aerial choreography of the parachutists. Finally, due to the ever-increasing number of missions, the parachuting team was also taken under the wing of the Flying Bulls. The four-member professional group now calls itself the Red Bull Skydive Team.