Beechcraft King Air 260 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx
The Beechcraft King Air 260 and the Pilatus PC-12 NGX are both pressurized turboprops aimed at business, charter, and utility flying, but they emphasize different strengths. The King Air 260 is a twin‑engine aircraft, which many operators value for redundancy and strong short‑field performance, and it is typically configured as an executive aircraft with a comfortable cabin for about six to eight passengers (with optional seating arrangements that can vary by mission). The PC-12 NGX is a single‑engine turboprop designed around versatility and efficiency, commonly seating about six to nine passengers, and it is well known for its large cargo door and ability to handle mixed passenger/freight or special‑mission roles. On range, the PC-12 NGX generally offers the longer legs, typically around 1,800 nautical miles depending on payload and conditions, making it attractive for longer nonstop trips. The King Air 260’s typical range is shorter, roughly around 1,700 nautical miles, also varying with load, speed, and reserves.
| Spec | Beechcraft King Air 260 | Pilatus PC-12 NGX |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.30 | $ 2.78 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Beechcraft | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | KingAir 250 | PC-12 NGX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1420 | 1803 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.72 | $ 0.46 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3760 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,333 | $ 793 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Honeywell Primus Apex |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 310 | 290 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,450,000 | $5,350,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Flushing | Optional |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.5 | 5.8 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 15293 | 13100 |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-52 | PT6E-67XP |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 1200 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 37 | ISA + 35 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 544 | — |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | 402 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 43.8 | 47.25 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 57.9 | 53.33 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.5 | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.9 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 16.7 | 16.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.8 | 14 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 4.1 | 4.25 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.7 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 55 | 40 |