The Pilatus PC-12 is a pressurized, single-engine turboprop aircraft manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft of Stans, Switzerland since 1991. It was designed as a high-performance utility aircraft that incorporates a large aft cargo door in addition to the main passenger door. Pilatus delivered the first PC-12s in 1994, starting with the model PC-12/41. This version had a maximum take-off weight of 9,039 lb and a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B engine. In 1996, the PC-12/45 was certified. The maximum take-off weight of the airplane increased from 9,039 lb in the PC-12/41 to 9,921 lb in the PC-12/45 but it has the same PT6A-67B engine. At the October 2019 NBAA convention, Pilatus announced the already certified PC-12NGX. On the latest PC-12 NGX, engines were changed to the PT6E-67XP, which has full authority digital engine control, and the cruise speed increased to 290 knots.
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What is the Pilatus PC-12?
The Pilatus PC-12 is a pressurized, single-engine turboprop aircraft manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft of Stans, Switzerland since 1991. It was designed as a high-performance utility aircraft that incorporates a large aft cargo door in addition to the main passenger door. Due to its efficient, high-utility design, the PC-12 is used by a large variety of operators. The Pilatus PC-12 is one of the most popular charter aircraft on the market. The Pilatus PC-12 combines a turboprop's versatility with the comfort of a light jet and this has made it one of the most successful single-engine turboprops on the market.
The PC-12/45 had the Royal Flying Doctor Service as its launch customer and major user. The latest single-engine powered Pilatus product is the Pilatus PC-12 NGX. It offers a light-filled cabin with six executive style seats that offer the best views below, providing a change in the passengers' outside view. The PC-12 has a King Air sized cabin with an Electronic Flight Instrument System cockpit and is also used as a combined passenger/freighter. The PC-12 does not have an individual airline identifier because it is a light plane and a single flyer. Its type code and the ICAO designator is PC12, documented under official information paper A78EU. The aircraft operates under federal aviation regulation part 23, the safety requirement for flying. The European analogue airworthiness standard is CS23.
What is the performance of the Pilatus PC-12?
The performance of the Pilatus PC-12 is given in the table below.
| Aspect | Speed |
|---|---|
| Cruise speed | 285 kn |
| Max speed | 290 kn |
| Normal speed | 268 kn |
| Economy speed | 209 kn |
| Climb | 1920 fpm |
| Ceiling | 30000 ft (9144 m) |
| Takeoff | 2650 ft (807.72 m) |
| Landing | 2600 ft (792.48 m) |
The Pilatus PC-12 offers a maximum range of around 1,800 nautical miles and a cruise speed of up to 290 KTAS. Cruise speed is 528 km/h (328 mph, 285 kn). The Pratt PT6A-powered PC-12 has a nearly cross-continental range and a cruise speed around 280 knots in newer models. This boosts the max cruise speed to 280 knots from 270 knots. The NGX climbs quicker, cruises faster and is far more capable than any previous version of the PC-12. Normal cruise is 268 knots and economy cruise is 209 knots.
The service ceiling is 30,000 ft (9,144 m). Once off the runway (with a 2650-foot takeoff distance at max weight), the PC-12 can climb at 1,920 FPM. The PC-12 is certified for single-pilot operation and can take off and land on short, even unpaved, airstrips as short as 760 metres (2,493 feet). Book landing distance was 2,600 ft (792 m) for the 8,600-lb (3,901 kg) aircraft. Landing distance over 50 ft is 2,169 ft (661.1 m), and with reverse beta, landing distance over a 50-foot obstacle is 1,830 feet (557.8 m). Vx, Vy, and Vt speeds are 120 KIAS, 140 KIAS, and 130 KIAS. Vref with flaps at 30 degrees is 85 KIAS. Vmo is 240 knots. The glide ratio is 16:1.
What are the specifications of the Pilatus PC-12?
The specifications of the Pilatus PC-12 are given in the table below.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 14 ft |
| Span | 53 ft |
| Length | 47 ft |
| Cabin Height | 4 ft |
| Cabin Width | 5 ft |
| Cabin Length | 16 ft |
| Cabin Volume | 356 cu ft |
| Door Height | 4 ft |
| Door Width | 2 ft |
| Baggage | 40 cu ft |
| Passengers | 7 |
| Max T/O Weight | 10,450 lb |
| Max Land Weight | 9,921 lb |
| Empty Weight | 5,867 lb |
| Fuel Capacity | 2,704 lb |
| Payload Useful | 2,236 lb |
| Max Payload | 2,257 lb |
| Normal Range | 1,604 nm |
| Max Range | 1,803 nm |
| Ceiling | 30,000 ft |
| Takeoff Distance | 1,475 ft |
| Land Distance | 2,783 ft |
| Climb Rate | 1,920 fpm |
| Max Speed | 290 kts |
| Normal Cruise | 268 kts |
| Economy Cruise | 209 kts |
| Avionics | Honeywell Apex |
| Engine Manufacturer | Pratt Whitney |
| Engine Model | PT6A-67P |
| Crew | 1 |
| Capacity | 6 |
| Stall Speed | 67 kts |
| Fuel Use | 250 L/h |
The Pilatus PC-12 can comfortably seat up to 10 passengers plus 1 or 2 crew. Seats recline and swivel and have three-point restraints. Crew seats adjust vertically and horizontally, tilt, have lumbar support and four-point restraints. Powerplant is a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67P turboprop engine, 1,200 shp (890 kW), with a 4-bladed Hartzell composite propeller.Fuel consumption is 66 gal/h (250 L/h) with average block speed of 265 kn (491 km/h). Best fuel efficiency is 44 and a half miles per gallon. The fuel type is, eco-kerosene. Maximum range is around 1,800 nautical miles, or 1,845 nmi with VFR reserves. Normal range is 1,604 nm.
Avionics is Honeywell Primus Apex. The aircraft has a complete split-bus dual electrical system, two separate batteries, and a third emergency battery. It is equipped with redundant and fail-safe systems and structures. Engine TBO is 3,500 hours and propeller TBO is 4,000 hours. There is a 406 MHz emergency locator transmitter with a remote switch. The zero-fuel weight is 9,039 lb (4,100 kg). The PC-12 is certified for single-pilot operation and can take off and land on short, unpaved airstrips.
What engine powers the Pilatus PC-12?
The PC-12 is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 turboprop engine. Early models were powered by the PT6A-67B, while the later PC-12 NG variant uses the more robust PT6A-67P, which is flat rated at only 70% of its maximum power. The PT6E-67XP engine - powering the Pilatus PC-12 NGX & PRO - raises the bar in engine performance, uses a dual-channel engine and propeller computer controller, and has an EPEC system that automatically checks engine parameters and keeps the engine from getting too hot.
What systems is the Pilatus PC-12 equipped with?
The Pilatus PC-12 PRO is equipped with an Electronic Propeller Engine Control System, which works as an automatic engine power computer setup, and the PT6E67XP has FADEC. Due to this, maximum efficiency is achieved, and the autothrottle reduces pilot workload.
The PC-12 PRO features an Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE) powered by the Garmin G3000 Prime. This avionics suite includes an autoland system, autothrottle, emergency descent mode, and an integrated stall warning and protection. There are angle-of-attack vanes on each wing, providing data to dual AOA systems that drive a stick shaker and pusher, and AoA data is displayed on the flight director. Exterior visibility has been refined by removing the "Direct Vision" cockpit window frame. The PC-12 NG has the Honeywell Primus Apex avionics suite as well.
How is the Pilatus PC-12 used?
The Pilatus PC-12 is used as a passenger and cargo aircraft for private and business travel. Its main use is corporate transportation, but it is also used by fractional and small regional airlines, air ambulance operators, and many government agencies, like police departments and armed forces. The PC-12 is designed for short routes and to land and take off on short-fields, like St. Barth and Nantucket. It seats six to eight people, making it perfect for a family or friends charter.
In addition to passenger transport, the PC-12 can be configured as a multimission platform, like an air ambulance or for conducting surveillance missions. One important variant is the air ambulance conversion, used for quick evacuation of injured or sick passengers. The PC-12 also has an atypically large cargo door for bulky items and palletised cargo. An optional utility door accommodates parachute drops of people and cargo. Many operators use the PC-12 for cargo operations, including military operators like the Bulgarian Air Force. North Star Air operates a combination configuration, which allows passengers and cargo on the same flight. The PC-12 can be used for relief, helping after emergencies by bringing supplies. It can leave care packages, drop urgent aid, and support jump operations. It gives aid to wilderness and austere locations because it can take off and land on runways about half a mile long or any surface. The PC-12 is used for finding and mapping fires. Fire-fighting equipment has a camera for spotting fires, and a camera ball provides intelligence.
The FBI uses the PC-12. Border security and Border Protection run PC-12 planes, and the US border and air patrol group uses the PC-12 for watching land and stopping missions. The PC-12 does surveillance and prisoner transports. Pilatus has a special set of add-ons, the spooky set, which is a spy plane setup for ISR missions.
What is the interior of Pilatus PC-12 aircraft?
The Pilatus PC-12 interior reflects Swiss craftsmanship, designed in collaboration with BMW Designworks. Every inch, from the plush seats to the polished hardwood cabinetry, showcases attention to detail. The cabin offers a length of 16 ft 11 in (5.16 m), a width of 5 ft (1.52 m), and a height of 4 ft 10 in (1.47 m), with a volume of 356 cubic feet (10.08 cubic meters). Its spacious and elegant setting includes a 40-cubic-foot baggage compartment, and the redesign blends modern luxury with future-forward trends for a timeless, sophisticated cabin.
Executive seats are engineered for full recline with boosted headroom, dressed in premium European leather and bespoke hand-stitching. The refurbished layout features four executive-style club seats facing each other with fold-out tray tables, followed by four forward-facing commuter-style seats. Integrated headrests, fold-out footrests, and leather-wrapped armrests elevate both comfort and aesthetic. Passenger seats can be reupholstered with a diamond stitching design and leather with stay-clean technology.
Seating capacity is highly flexible. The cabin can accommodate up to nine passengers, with a refreshment centre, a rear baggage area, and an enclosed lavatory. Executive arrangements include 6+2 seat, 4+4 seat configurations, or 6-seats. You can easily customize for passenger capacities between six and nine, or use the space for a four-seat combination or air ambulance operations. The forward-positioned lavatory allows almost unlimited combinations of seating and cargo space in the aft cabin, all accessible through the standard cargo door.
How does the Pilatus PC-12 differ from the PC-12/45?
Differences between the Pilatus PC-12/41 and the PC-12/45 are given in the table below.
| Difference | PC-12/41 | PC-12/45 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 9,039 lb | 9,921 lb |
| Engine | PT6A-67B | PT6A-67B |
| Range | 1,845 | 1,845 |
| Range with 4 people | 2,575 nm | 1,600 nm |
| Width | 5.5 ft | 5.5 ft |
| Height | 4.83 ft | 4.83 ft |
| Length | 16.92 ft | 16.92 ft |
| Seats | 9 | 8 |
| Propeller | 4 | 5 |
| Weight (no fuel) | 8,180 lb | 9,000 lb |
. The PC-12/41’s maximum mass is about 4,100 kilograms (about 9,039 pounds), while the PC-12/45’s maximum weight is about 10,000 pounds (about 4536 kilograms). Both models have identical horsepower because they use the same PT6A-67B engine. However, the PC12/45's plane landing wheels handle load better.
The PC12/41 has a propeller to propeller with five blades upgrade, and this propeller improvement raises gross weight to 9,900 pounds (4,490 kilograms). The upgrade needs compliance with safety rules from the aviation authorities, and the propeller fitting needs certification. Both the PC12/41 and PC12/45 have approval for flight into known icy weather and are under aviation rule 23. The PC12/41’s limit is 1,845 kilometers (1,146.4 miles), and the PC12/45’s longest distance is 1,845 kilometers (1,146.4 miles). With 4 people, the PC12/41’s range is about 1,600 miles (2,575 kilometers), while the PC12/45’s range with 4 people is 994 miles (1,600 kilometers). The PC12/41 seats 9 people while the PC12/45 seats 8 people. The maximum zero fuel weight for the PC12/41 is about 8,180 pounds, and the heaviest the PC12/45 can be without gas is about 4.5 tons. The PC12/45 has GPS, a cockpit screen, and collision avoidance system.
How does the Pilatus PC-12 differ from the PC-12 NGX?
The differences between the Pilatus PC-12 and the PC-12 NGX are given in the table below.
| Feature | PC-12 | PC-12 NGX |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | PT6-67P | PT6E-67XP |
| Control | Manual | FADEC |
| Speed | 285 knots | 290 knots |
| Propeller | Standard | Low-speed |
| Avionics | Honeywell Apex | Honeywell ACE |
| Auto-throttle | No | Yes |
| Controller | Buttons | Touchscreen |
| Windows | Standard | 10% larger |
| Seats | Partial recline | Full recline |
| Air system | Old | New |
| Noise | More | Less |
| MOR lever | Yes | No |
| Condition lever | Yes | No |
| Power lever | Multiple | Single |
| TBO | 4,000 hours | 5,000 hours |
| Maintenance | 300 hours | 600 hours |
| Fuel additive | Required | Not required |
| Start | Manual | Automatic |
| Climb power | 36.95 PSI | 34.5 PSI |
| Overhaul | 3,500 hours | 5,000 hours |
| Source | Piper | Aerospace |
The PC-12 NGX, released in 2019, is successor to the Pilatus PC-12. On the latest PC-12 NGX, engines were switched to the PT6E-67XP, which has full authority digital engine control. So the older PC-12's manual override lever and condition lever are not required because these functions are now managed by the EPECS. The pilot has a single power control lever (PCL), which is why it has no flat spots or lags. With the NGX, Pilatus introduced the autothrottle as an option. Its PT6E-67XP includes a low-speed propeller mode to lower cabin noise. The cruise speed increased to 290 knots, five knots faster than earlier PC-12 models. Although the engine has the same 1,200-shaft-horsepower, its digital torque limiting permits up to 10 percent more thrust in climb and cruise. That is why the TBO intervals are now 43 percent longer at 5,000 hours, HSI only on condition, and other engine maintenance intervals are doubled. Scheduled maintenance was extended to 600 flight hours and time between overhaul increased from 4,000 to 5,000 hours. Changes to the fuel system yield another advantage: Prist, an anti-icing fuel additive, is not required. The start process is automatic, due to the EEC.
Honeywell avionics were updated with auto-throttle, touchscreen, and cursor control. The display screens have higher contrast and resolution than the PC-12's earlier Honeywell Apex displays. There is a new night mode, a visual approach mode, and Honeywell's Smart Runway and Smart Landing. A new touch-screen controller and thumbwheel for vertical speed adjustments replaced the up and down push-buttons of previous models. In the cabin, Pilatus took the already-large cabin windows of the PC-12 and made them 10 percent larger. The new NGX interior features a refined seat design, allowing seats to fully recline when not against a bulkhead. The fully reclining seats were inspired by BMW. Due to a redesigned seat base, there is one inch more headroom. All seats have quick-release attach points whereas before, only the last two seats were quick release. A new cabin air distribution system was fitted, and the air conditioning system puts out more volume of air at less velocity, which reduces noise level compared to the flood mode of earlier PC-12s.
What is the price of a Pilatus PC-12?
The price of a Pilatus PC-12 typically ranges from $2,000,000 to $6,000,000. A new PC-12NG has a list price of about $4.05 million and a typically equipped executive version will cost around $4.8 million. The luxury cabin price is about $4.8 million, and the price gap between basic traveling and luxury cabin is about $750,000. For the PC-12 NGX, the base price of the introductory version is $6.25 million, and a brand new starting price is $6.5 million to $7.5 million. A fully fitted complete PC-12 NGX is about $8 million. The Pilatus PC12 PRO’s price is approximately $6,900,000.
The average purchase price of a pre-owned Pilatus PC-12 NG is $3,500,000. A 2008 model costs between $2.5 and $2.8 million, while older models cost around $1.8 million. For a three-year-old PC-12 NGX with 600 to 900 total hours flown, the resale price is $4.5 million to $5.6 million. It holds onto 70% to 80% of its original cost, and the PC-12 typically holds up to 70% of its value over 5 years.
Pilatus PC-12’s rental cost goes from $2000 to $3500 per hour, and the lease price is $2000 per hour. Adding the Blackhawk upgrade costs nearly $1 million. The combined price of a PC-12 and Blackhawk upgrade begins at $2.8 million and ends at $5.7 million. The PC-12 costs a third cheaper than competitors.
Expert behind this article
Jim Goodrich
Jim Goodrich is a pilot, aviation expert and founder of Tsunami Air.
