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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.

SpecPiaggio Avanti EVOPilatus PC-24
Summary
Cockpit22
Min Crew11
Total Seats86
Flight RulesIFR
ManufacturerPiaggioPilatus
Aircraft NameAvanti EVOPC-24
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)15302076
Max Cabin Seats710
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)37756680
Standard Cabin Seats66
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex)
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)400440
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
Cockpit22
LavatoryNo1 Enclosed Flushing
Min Crew11
Total Seats86
Max Cabin Seats710
Cabin Pressure (psi)99.3
Galley / RefreshmentNoOptional Refreshment Center
Standard Cabin Seats66
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)2400023500
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)6600
Crew RestNo
Jump SeatNo
Cargo DoorYes
Galley LocationFWD
Lavatory LocationFWD
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelPT6A–66BFJ44-4A-QPM
TBO (hrs)36005000
Horsepower850
Flat RatingISA + 28ISA + 23
No. of Engines22
Fuel Burn (gph)100
Thrust (lbs)3435
Dimensions
Length (ft)47.352.2
Wingspan (ft)47.155.8
Cabin Width (ft)6.15.6
Cabin Height (ft)5.85.1
Cabin Length (ft)14.923
Overall Height (ft)13.117.4
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.53.8
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)35.290
Aisle Step (ft)Flat Floor
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)17