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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.

SpecPilatus PC-24
Summary
Cockpit2
DOC / nm$ 3.71
Min Crew1
Total Seats6
ManufacturerPilatus
Aircraft NamePC-24
CertificationFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)2076
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.62
Max Cabin Seats10
OEM VerificationVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)6680
Standard Cabin Seats6
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
Cockpit2
Lavatory1 Enclosed Flushing
Min Crew1
Crew RestNo
Jump SeatNo
Cargo DoorYes
Total Seats6
Galley LocationFWD
Max Cabin Seats10
Lavatory LocationFWD
Cabin Pressure (psi)9.3
Galley / RefreshmentOptional Refreshment Center
Standard Cabin Seats6
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)23500
Engine
FADECYes
ModelFJ44-4A-QPM
TBO (hrs)5000
Flat RatingISA + 23
Thrust (lbs)3435
No. of Engines2
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