Pilatus PC-12 NG
The world's best-selling single-engine turboprop with an aerodynamically optimized airframe: With the Pilatus PC-12, you rent a reliable, economical and versatile private aircraft.
Turboprop
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Pilatus |
| Category | Turboprop |
| Range* | 3339 km 1803 NM |
| Cruise speed | 519 km/h 280 kts |
| Seats** | 6-7 |
| Suitcases | 5 |
* with IFR reserves
** in standard configuration
Aircraft Pictures
History
Technical Specifications
Overview
Performance
Capacity
Cabin
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages of a Pilatus PC-12 turboprop as a rental aircraft:
Field-tested: The steadily growing PC-12 fleet has been in service for over 25 years and has accumulated over seven million flight hours. The PC-12 has proven itself as a passenger, cargo and ambulance aircraft. Since the first deliveries in 1994, Pilatus has continuously developed its flagship aircraft based on customer feedback.
Inexpensive: The single-engine Pilatus has lower fuel consumption than multi-engine alternatives with comparable performance. This often results in lower rental costs for the PC-12 compared to twin-engined or jet-powered private aircraft. The so-called single-pilot certification of the PC-12, which makes it possible to fly with only one pilot, further reduces operating costs.
Flexible: The PC-12 is suitable for take-off and landing at international airports, small airfields and even on unpaved surfaces. It can therefore often bring travellers closer to their destination than jet-powered private aircraft from other manufacturers. This flexibility makes the Pilatus PC-12 popular with private individuals, business travellers, companies and public authorities.
Spacious: The flight cabin offers seating for a maximum of 12 passengers - in a typical configuration, 6 to 8 passengers travel in comfort. A large cargo door makes it easy to load and unload even bulky luggage. There is enough space for suitcases, surfboards and even a motorcycle. The luggage compartment is located in the rear part of the cabin and is accessible from the aircraft cabin even during the flight.
Market leader: With over 1,750 sold worldwide, the PC-12 is rightly considered the Swiss Army Knife of private aviation. Thanks to innovative solutions in terms of safety, comfort and performance, Pilatus has so far succeeded in strengthening its competitive position with each new variant.
Disadvantages of a Pilatus PC-12 turboprop as a rental aircraft:
Low speed: Compared to business jets, turboprops like the PC-12 have a lower top speed. If minimising flight time is the top priority, a business jet like the Pilatus PC-24 might therefore be the better choice. This is especially important for longer flights of 2-3 hours.
Cabin noise: If the flight time is to be used for meetings or if the travellers are very noise-sensitive, there are quieter alternatives to the PC-12. For example, the third generation of the classic, the PC-12 NGX, promises a significant reduction in noise in the aircraft cabin thanks to an activatable, slow propeller mode.
Thanks to its flexibility and long-established market position, the Pilatus PC-12 is used as a passenger and cargo aircraft for private and business travel. Well-known customers of the PC-12 or its successor models PC-12 NG and PC-12 NGX are Formula 1 pioneer Bernie Ecclestone, former HP CEO Dion Weisler and the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia.
FAQ
Is there a toilet in the PC-12?
By default, a Pilatus PC-12 has a fully enclosed toilet and a refreshment facility. The toilet is located between the cockpit and the taxiin. The taxiin equipment allows for a relaxed and restful journey.
Which airports can the PC-12 fly to?
A unique selling point of the Pilatus fleet is its suitability for short runways and unpaved surfaces. This gives travellers additional options when planning their trip. Here is a selection:
- Saanen airfield (LSGK): Gstaad in the Bernese Oberland can be reached in a few minutes from the Swiss airfield.
- Buochs Airfield (BXO): Visitors to the World Economic Forum (WEF 2021) prefer this destination airport because of its proximity to the venue. Lucerne, which is only 17 kilometres away, is easy to reach, even by public transport.
- Lausanne-Blécherette Airport (QLS): Land just one kilometre from Lausanne city centre. The Swiss dream city on Lake Geneva is worth a visit at any time of year, not only because of its remarkable architecture.
- Les Eplatures Airport (LSGC): Airport of the industrial city of La Chaux-de-Fonds, which is one of the most famous cities for Swiss watch production.
- Annemasse Aerodrome (QNJ): Land near the Swiss border at the small French airport. Geneva is less than 15 kilometres away.
- Toussus-le-Noble Airport (TNF): The Château de Versailles can be reached in about 20 minutes by taxi or car from the French airport located south-west of Paris.
- Arcachon - La Teste-de-Buch Airport (XAC): The Côte Basque is a popular destination from this airport on the French Atlantic coast.
- Marina di Campo Airport (EBA): The only airport on the Italian Mediterranean island of Elba and the faster alternative to ferry crossings.
- Aéroport Rémy de Haenen (SBH): The beach is only a few steps away from the airport on the French Caribbean island St Barthelemy.
- Safari Lodges in South Africa: The safari holiday starts right after getting out of the PC-12, which can fly directly to many lodges in South Africa.
How much does a Pilatus PC-12 cost?
Only the third and latest generation of the PC-12, the PC-12 NGX, is currently offered ex works. The previous generation can be purchased used on the marketplace for used aircraft. In November 2020, the average price for the PC-12/PC-12 NG was €2,400,000.
How does the Pilatus PC-12 differ from the Cessna Denali?
The biggest difference is that the Cessna Denali is currently not yet available. Due to technical problems with the engine, the maiden flight was recently postponed indefinitely. Comparing the technical data of the two aircraft, only the slightest differences are noticeable. Not surprisingly, aviation experts consider the Cessna Denali a copy of the successful PC-12.
How many pilots fly the PC-12?
Like all Pilatus aircraft, the PC-12 has a so-called single-pilot certification. This certification is only awarded to aircraft where the in-flight workload for a pilot is appropriate. This is made possible, among other things, by the PC-12's modern cockpit equipment. In addition, the entire Pilatus fleet is equipped with a co-pilot seat, which also enables multi-pilot operation.
How does the PC-12 NG compare to its successor, the PC-12 NGX?
The PC-12 NGX represents the third generation, replacing the PC-12 NG with significant technological advances. The NGX features the new Pratt & Whitney PT6E-67XP engine with electronic controls, autothrottle capability, and a quiet mode reducing cabin noise. It also offers a redesigned cabin with larger windows, improved avionics, and enhanced comfort features, whilst maintaining similar performance specifications to the NG model.
How far can the PC-12 NG fly without refuelling, and what city pairs can it connect?
The PC-12 NG offers a maximum range of 3,334 km (1,800 nautical miles) under optimal conditions. This capability enables nonstop flights such as London to Athens, Geneva to Marrakech, or New York to Miami, making it ideal for regional and medium-haul business missions without requiring fuel stops.
What is the maximum speed and cruise performance of the PC-12 NG?
The Pilatus PC-12 NG cruises at a maximum speed of 519 km/h (280 knots), making it one of the faster single-engine turboprops available for charter. This speed allows efficient point-to-point travel whilst maintaining the operational flexibility and cost advantages of turboprop technology.
What is the passenger capacity and baggage allowance of the PC-12 NG?
The PC-12 NG accommodates up to 10 passengers in its maximum configuration, though the standard charter layout seats 8 passengers comfortably. The aircraft can carry 5 suitcases plus 3 pieces of carry-on luggage, with additional space accessible through the large cargo door even during flight, making it suitable for leisure trips or business travel with substantial baggage requirements.
What makes the PC-12 NG particularly suitable for accessing challenging airports?
The PC-12 NG excels in short-field performance with its ability to operate from runways as short as 808 metres for takeoff and 560 metres for landing. This capability, combined with its suitability for unpaved surfaces, allows access to airports that jets cannot reach, bringing passengers closer to destinations such as alpine resorts or remote business locations where runway infrastructure is limited.
