Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Piaggio Avanti Evo vs Pilatus Pc 24 vs Robinson R66
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft, typically used for regional hops and rough-field work. It generally offers medium range (roughly 900–1,000+ nautical miles depending on load) and commonly carries about 9 passengers in commuter configuration. The Piaggio Avanti EVO is a twin‑turboprop business aircraft aimed at faster, longer regional trips. It typically provides longer range than the Caravan (often around 1,400–1,800 nautical miles) and usually seats about 6–8 passengers in an executive cabin. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light twin‑jet designed for business travel with the flexibility to use shorter runways. It generally has the longest range of this group (about 1,700–2,000+ nautical miles) and commonly accommodates around 8–10 passengers depending on interior. The Robinson R66 is a single‑engine turbine helicopter, best for short-range point-to-point access where runways aren’t available. Its range is typically a few hundred nautical miles (often ~300–350), and it usually carries 4 passengers plus a pilot.
| 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 |