Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Embraer Legacy 650 E vs Pilatus Pc 24 vs Robinson R66
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft suited to short, rugged fields. It typically carries about 9–14 passengers depending on configuration, with a practical range roughly around 900–1,200 nautical miles. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a twin‑engine light business jet designed for versatility and short/rough runway access; it generally seats about 6–10 passengers, with an approximate range around 2,000 nautical miles. The Embraer Legacy 650E is a large‑cabin long‑range business jet aimed at comfort and endurance, commonly seating about 10–14 passengers, and offering roughly 3,900–4,000 nautical miles of range. The Robinson R66 is a single‑engine turbine helicopter, typically carrying 4–5 occupants, with a much shorter range in the neighborhood of 300–350 nautical miles, but with the advantage of vertical access and point‑to‑point flexibility. Overall, the Legacy 650E leads on range and cabin size, the PC‑24 balances jet speed with operational flexibility, the Caravan prioritizes utility and payload on austere strips, and the R66 trades range and speed for helicopter access.
| Spec | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|
| Summary | |
| Cockpit | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | |
| Cockpit | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No |
| Jump Seat | No |
| Cargo Door | Yes |
| Total Seats | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23500 |
| Engine | |
| FADEC | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 |
| Dimensions | |
| Length (ft) | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 90 |