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Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24 vs Piper M600 Sls

The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft, typically used for regional transport and rugged operations. It generally offers the longest practical passenger load among these, commonly seating around 9 to 14 depending on configuration, with a range roughly in the 900–1,200 nautical mile class. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a light twin‑engine helicopter focused on vertical access and short‑hop missions rather than long range. It typically carries about 6 to 7 passengers, with range commonly around 300–400 nautical miles. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a twin‑engine light business jet aimed at fast, longer‑distance point‑to‑point travel. It usually seats about 6 to 10 passengers, with range typically around 2,000 nautical miles, making it the clear leader for speed and long legs. The Piper M600 SLS is a single‑engine turboprop personal/business aircraft, usually configured for about 4 to 6 passengers, with range commonly around 1,400 nautical miles—more than the helicopter and often more than a heavily loaded Caravan, but far less than the PC‑24.

SpecPilatus PC-24Piper M600 SLS
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 3.71$ 2.19
Min Crew11
Total Seats66
ManufacturerPilatusPiper
Aircraft NamePC-24M600
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)20761406
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.62$ 0.55
Max Cabin Seats10
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)66802200
Standard Cabin Seats64
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,619$ 603
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex)Garmin G3000
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)440274
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$11,800,000$3,081,400
Flight RulesIFR
Cabin
Cockpit22
Lavatory1 Enclosed FlushingNo
Min Crew11
Crew RestNo
Jump SeatNo
Cargo DoorYes
Total Seats65
Galley LocationFWDMID
Max Cabin Seats10
Lavatory LocationFWD
Cabin Pressure (psi)9.35.6
Galley / RefreshmentOptional Refreshment CenterRefreshment Centre
Standard Cabin Seats64
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)2350012600
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)8644
Engine
FADECYesNo
ModelFJ44-4A-QPMPT6A-42A
TBO (hrs)50003600
Flat RatingISA + 23ISA + 55
Thrust (lbs)3435
No. of Engines21
Horsepower600
Fuel Capacity (gal)260
Dimensions
Length (ft)52.229.7
Wingspan (ft)55.843.2
Aisle Step (ft)Flat Floor
Cabin Width (ft)5.64.1
Cabin Height (ft)5.14
Cabin Length (ft)2312.3
Overall Height (ft)17.411.3
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.8
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)17
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)9020
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)165