Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft typically used for short-to-medium regional hops and rugged airstrip operations. Its practical range is generally around 900–1,200 nautical miles depending on payload and reserves, and it commonly seats about 9 passengers (with higher-density configurations possible). The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a twin‑engine helicopter optimized for vertical access, urban operations, and point-to-point missions where runways aren’t available. Its range is much shorter than the fixed‑wing aircraft, typically a few hundred nautical miles (roughly 250–350 nm), and it usually carries around 6–8 passengers depending on configuration. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light business jet designed for fast regional and transcontinental missions, including operations from shorter runways than many jets. Its typical range is about 1,800–2,000 nautical miles, and it usually carries 6–10 passengers in executive layouts. In summary, the 902 prioritizes access, the Caravan prioritizes utility and economy, and the PC‑24 prioritizes speed and longer range.
| 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 |