Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piaggio Avanti Evo vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility airplane best suited to short, rugged routes; it typically offers about 900–1,200 nm of range and carries roughly 9–14 passengers depending on interior and regulations. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a light twin‑engine helicopter optimized for vertical access and short regional hops; its practical range is around 300–400 nm with about 6–8 passengers. The Piaggio Avanti EVO is a high‑speed twin‑turboprop executive aircraft, positioned between utility turboprops and light jets; it commonly provides roughly 1,400–1,800 nm of range with about 6–9 passengers. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light business jet emphasizing speed, cabin flexibility, and operations from relatively short or semi‑prepared runways; it typically ranges about 1,800–2,000 nm and seats about 6–10 passengers in most configurations. Overall, the 902 leads on access (vertical), the Caravan on payload/field utility, the Avanti on turboprop speed and efficiency, and the PC‑24 on jet performance and range.
| Spec | Piaggio Avanti EVO | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Piaggio | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | Avanti EVO | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1530 | 2076 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3775 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 400 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 7,695,000 | $11,800,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 3.71 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.62 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 1,619 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 10 |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24000 | 23500 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | 6600 | — |
| Crew Rest | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | No |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes |
| Galley Location | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A–66B | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 850 | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 28 | ISA + 23 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 100 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 3435 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 47.3 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 47.1 | 55.8 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 6.1 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 5.8 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 14.9 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.1 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.5 | 3.8 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 35.2 | 90 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 17 |