AIR.ONE

Cessna 172 Skyhawk vs Cessna Citation M2 vs Diamond Aircraft Da42 Vi vs Diamond Aircraft Da62 vs Embraer Phenom 100ev vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Piper M500 vs Robinson Helicopters R22 Beta Ii

The Cessna Skyhawk is a simple single‑engine piston trainer/tourer: typically 2–4 people, with short to moderate range suited to regional hops. The Diamond DA42 VI is a twin‑engine piston aircraft that carries about 4 passengers (plus pilot) with a moderate range and strong efficiency, while the larger Diamond DA62 seats more (commonly 5–7) and generally offers longer, more practical touring range than the DA42. Moving into turboprops, the Piper M500 is a pressurized single‑engine turboprop usually configured for 5–6 passengers with solid mid‑to‑long range. The Pilatus PC‑12 NGX is a larger, high‑utility single‑engine turboprop that commonly carries 6–9 passengers and offers long range with flexible cabin and baggage capability. In light jets, the Cessna Citation M2 and Embraer Phenom 100EV are entry‑level business jets; both typically seat about 4–6 passengers with fast, moderate‑to‑long range, with the 100EV often competitive at the upper end of this class. The Robinson R22 Beta II is a two‑seat piston helicopter with comparatively short range, focused on training and local missions.

SpecCessna SkyhawkCessna Citation M2Diamond Aircraft DA42 VIDiamond Aircraft DA62Embraer Phenom 100EVPilatus PC-12 NGXPiper M500ROBINSON R22 Beta II
Summary
DOC / nm$ 0.95$ 3.45$ 1.11$ 1.18$ 2.84$ 2.78$ 3.11$ 1.80
Total Seats48457862
Flight RulesVFR—IFRIFR—IFRIFRVFR
ManufacturerCessnaCessna CitationDiamond AircraftDiamond AircraftEmbraerPilatusPiperRobinson Helicopters
Aircraft Name172 SkyhawkM2DA42 VIDA62Phenom 100EVPC-12 NGXM500R22 Beta II
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)6401400127312831,17818031000250
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.24$ 0.58$ 0.28$ 0.24$ 0.71$ 0.46$ 0.78$ 0.90
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Direct Operating Cost$ 118$ 1,395$ 211$ 225$ 1,152$ 793$ 579$ 173
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G1000 NXiGarmin G3000Garmin G1000 NXiGarmin G1000 NXiProdigy Touch (G3000)Honeywell Primus ApexGarmin G1000 NXiGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)12440419019040629026096
Base Aircraft Price (USD) $415,000 $5,150,000 $869,000 $1,290,000 $4,250,000$5,350,000$2,122,600$ 312,000
Cockpit—2—2222—
Min Crew—1——111—
Max Cabin Seats—7—579——
Useful Load (lbs)—3810129815653451—1698490
Standard Cabin Seats—6—3564—
Cabin
Total Seats48456852
Cockpit—2—2222—
Lavatory—1 Enclosed Belted Flushing——1 FlushingOptionalNo—
Min Crew—1——111—
Crew Rest—No——No———
Jump Seat—No——No———
Max Cabin Seats—7—569——
Lavatory Location—AFT——AFTFWD——
Cabin Pressure (psi)—8.5——8.35.85.5—
Galley / Refreshment—No——NoNoRefreshment Centre—
Standard Cabin Seats—6—3464—
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)—22027——212801310012600—
Cargo Door—————Yes——
Galley Location——————MID—
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)——————8244—
Engine
FADECNoYesYesYesYesYesNoNo
ModelIO-360-L2AFJ44-1AP-21AE300AE330PW617F1-EPT6E-67XPPT6A-42AO-360
Fuel TypeAvGas—Diesel / Jet FuelDiesel / Jet Fuel———AvGas
TBO (hrs)20003500180018003500500036002000
TBO (yrs)12——————12
Horsepower200—168180—1200500131
Fuel DeliveryFuel Injected—Fuel InjectedFuel Injected———Carbureted
No. of Engines12222111
Fuel Capacity (gal)4249279.489——170115
Flat Rating—ISA + 7——ISA + 8ISA + 35ISA + 55—
Thrust (lbs)—1965——1730———
Fuel Burn (lbph)—516——543———
Usable Fuel (gal)——76.486—402——
Dimensions
Length (ft)27.242.628.130.142.147.2529.628.5
Wingspan (ft)36.147.344.547.840.453.3343.2—
Cabin Width (ft)3.44.8——5.154.1—
Cabin Height (ft)44.8——4.94.94—
Cabin Length (ft)11.911——1116.912.3—
Overall Height (ft)9148.29.314.31411.38.8
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)30———1040201.5
Aisle Step (ft)—0.4——0.3———
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)—3.1——3.64.25——
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)—8.8——9———
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)—46——60———
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)——————165—
Rotor Diameter (ft)———————25.2