German-Registered Pilatus PC-12 Raises Questions With Repeated Low-Altitude Circling Flights
A German-registered Pilatus PC-12 , D-FEPG has drawn attention due to its frequent low-altitude flights in tight circular patterns, often returning afterward to its home base in Koblenz. The reason for these repeated circling maneuvers remains unclear.
According to some websites, the aircraft is owned by Rhein-Mosel-Flug. However, the aircraft is not listed on the company’s official website.
Throughout 2025, the aircraft was observed flying numerous circles over various areas in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. One notable example occurred on Monday, 8 December, when the PC-12 flew dozens of circles over an area north of Oss in the Netherlands. At the same time, a Dutch military exercise was underway, involving a drone, helicopters, F-35 fighter jets, and a Diamond DA62 operated by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee.
Another striking instance took place on 16 October 2025, when the aircraft spent several days parked at Breda International Airport (Seppe). During that period, it conducted more than two hours of circling flights over an area north of Turnhout, Belgium.
Why the aircraft spends such extended periods flying in circles, and what its exact role may be, remains unknown. As far as is known, the PC-12 is not equipped with cameras or other sensors typically used for intelligence-gathering missions. What is known is that the aircraft is reportedly used for “air-to-air support,” although what this designation entails in practice has not been clarified.
