Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Pilatus Pc 24 vs Piper M600 Sls vs Robinson R66
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft optimized for short, rugged routes; it typically trades speed for payload, carrying about 9–14 passengers depending on configuration, with a practical range around 800–1,000 nm. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light twin‑engine business jet aimed at faster, longer trips; it commonly seats about 6–10 passengers in an executive cabin and offers roughly 1,800–2,000+ nm range, making it the clear leader for point‑to‑point speed and distance. The Piper M600 SLS is a single‑engine turboprop personal/business aircraft positioned between them; it generally seats about 5–6 passengers with a range near 1,200–1,500 nm, favoring efficient owner‑flown travel. The Robinson R66 is a turbine helicopter in a different category entirely, typically carrying about 4–5 occupants with a much shorter range around 300–400 nm, but providing unique vertical‑lift access where runways are unavailable.
| Spec | Pilatus PC-24 | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.71 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Pilatus | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | PC-24 | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 2076 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.62 | $ 0.55 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6680 | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,619 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 440 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $11,800,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | — |
| Jump Seat | No | — |
| Cargo Door | Yes | — |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 |
| Galley Location | FWD | MID |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | — |
| Lavatory Location | FWD | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9.3 | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Optional Refreshment Center | Refreshment Centre |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23500 | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 8644 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | FJ44-4A-QPM | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3600 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 23 | ISA + 55 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 3435 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 |
| Horsepower | — | 600 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 260 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 52.2 | 29.7 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 55.8 | 43.2 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.6 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 5.1 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 23 | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 17.4 | 11.3 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.8 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 17 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 90 | 20 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 165 |