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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 RulesVFR—IFRVFR
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)33055530—1308
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 DoorYes—Yes—
Total Seats10986
Max Cabin Seats989—
Cabin Pressure (psi)Un-Pressurized8.95.85.6
Galley / RefreshmentNoGalleyNo—
Standard Cabin Seats8764
Crew Rest—No——
Jump Seat—No——
Galley Location—FWD——
Lavatory Location—AFTFWD—
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)—2358613100—
Engine
FADECYesYesYesNo
ModelPT6A-114AFJ44-3APT6E-67XPTIO-540-AE2A
TBO (hrs)3600500050002000
Horsepower675—1200350
Flat RatingISA + 31ISA + 11ISA + 35—
No. of Engines1211
Thrust (lbs)—2820——
Fuel Burn (lbph)—624——
Fuel Capacity (gal)—703—120
Usable Fuel (gal)——402—
Fuel Type———AvGas
TBO (yrs)———12
Fuel Delivery———Fuel 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)32—4020
Aisle Step (ft)—0.4——
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)—3.14.25—
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)—12.2——
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)—65—13
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)———165