Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Enstrom 480b vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX, Enstrom 480B, and Pilatus PC-24 sit in very different aircraft categories. The Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft optimized for short, rough-field work and straightforward regional transport. The Enstrom 480B is a piston helicopter focused on vertical lift missions such as local transport, training, patrol, and utility work rather than point‑to‑point speed and range. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a twin‑engine light business jet designed for fast, longer-range travel with airline-like cruise speeds while still retaining strong short‑runway capability for a jet. In range terms, the PC‑24 generally offers the longest legs, typically on the order of roughly 1,800–2,000+ nautical miles depending on payload and reserves. The Grand Caravan EX is midrange for its class, commonly around roughly 900–1,200 nautical miles depending on configuration. The Enstrom 480B is shortest, typically a few hundred nautical miles. Passenger capacity follows the same pattern: Grand Caravan EX commonly seats up to about 9–14, the PC‑24 typically carries around 6–10, and the Enstrom 480B usually seats about 4–5.
| 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 |