Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Enstrom 480b vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility airplane optimized for short, rough-field work. It typically offers a moderate range on the order of roughly 900–1,200 nautical miles and commonly carries about 9–14 passengers depending on interior and regulatory limits. The Enstrom 480B is a light single‑engine piston helicopter aimed at training and light utility roles; its range is comparatively short, roughly a few hundred nautical miles, and it generally seats 4–5 people. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a twin‑engine light helicopter with a NOTAR anti‑torque system, positioned for law enforcement, EMS, and corporate missions; it usually seats around 8–10 occupants and has a midrange helicopter radius, often roughly 300–450 nautical miles. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a twin‑engine light business jet designed for speed and flexible runway performance; it delivers the longest range here at roughly 2,000+ nautical miles and typically seats about 6–10 passengers in executive layouts.
| 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 |