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Cessna Caravan vs Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Piper M350

The Cessna Caravan is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft optimized for short/rough fields and cargo flexibility. It typically carries about 9 passengers and offers moderate range (roughly 900–1,200 nm depending on load and reserves), trading speed for rugged capability and low operating complexity. The Pilatus PC‑12 NGX is a higher‑performance single‑engine turboprop positioned as an executive/utility crossover. It usually seats 6–9 passengers in comfort and has long range for the class (about 1,500–1,800 nm), with better speed and cabin refinement than the Caravan. The Cessna Citation CJ3+ is a light twin‑engine business jet focused on fast point‑to‑point travel. It commonly accommodates 6–9 passengers and provides similar or slightly longer range than the PC‑12 in many missions (around 1,800–2,000+ nm), with markedly higher cruise speeds but greater operating cost and runway needs than turboprops. The Piper M350 is a pressurized single‑engine piston aircraft aimed at owner‑pilots. It typically seats 4–6 passengers and has midrange capability (about 1,000–1,300 nm), slower than turboprops and jets but generally less expensive to acquire and operate.

SpecCessna CaravanCessna Citation CJ3+Pilatus PC-12 NGXPiper M350
Summary
Cockpit2222
DOC / nm$ 3.07$ 4.05$ 2.78$ 1.34
Min Crew111
Total Seats10986
Flight RulesVFRIFRVFR
ManufacturerCessnaCessna CitationPilatusPiper
Aircraft NameCaravanCJ3+PC-12 NGXM350
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)1070189818031343
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.38$ 0.58$ 0.46$ 0.22
Max Cabin Seats989
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)330555301308
Standard Cabin Seats8764
Direct Operating Cost$ 571$ 1,680$ 793$ 285
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G1000 NXiGarmin G3000Honeywell Primus ApexGarmin G1000 NXi
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)186415290213
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$2,355,000$9,915,000$5,350,000$1,195,000
Cabin
Cockpit2222
LavatoryNo1 Enclosed Belted FlushingOptional
Min Crew111
Cargo DoorYesYes
Total Seats10986
Max Cabin Seats989
Cabin Pressure (psi)Un-Pressurized8.95.85.6
Galley / RefreshmentNoGalleyNo
Standard Cabin Seats8764
Crew RestNo
Jump SeatNo
Galley LocationFWD
Lavatory LocationAFTFWD
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)2358613100
Engine
FADECYesYesYesNo
ModelPT6A-114AFJ44-3APT6E-67XPTIO-540-AE2A
TBO (hrs)3600500050002000
Horsepower6751200350
Flat RatingISA + 31ISA + 11ISA + 35
No. of Engines1211
Thrust (lbs)2820
Fuel Burn (lbph)624
Fuel Capacity (gal)703120
Usable Fuel (gal)402
Fuel TypeAvGas
TBO (yrs)12
Fuel DeliveryFuel Injected
Dimensions
Length (ft)37.651.247.2529
Wingspan (ft)52.15353.3343
Cabin Width (ft)5.44.854.1
Cabin Height (ft)4.54.84.94
Cabin Length (ft)12.815.716.912.3
Overall Height (ft)1515.21411.4
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)324020
Aisle Step (ft)0.4
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.14.25
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)12.2
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)6513
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)165