Cessna Caravan vs Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Piper M600 Sls
The Cessna Caravan is a rugged single‑engine turboprop optimized for utility and short/rough-field work. It typically carries about 9–14 people depending on configuration, with a practical range around 900–1,000 nautical miles. The Pilatus PC‑12 NGX is a higher-end single‑engine turboprop that emphasizes speed, comfort, and flexibility; it usually seats about 6–10 passengers and commonly offers roughly 1,500–1,800 nautical miles of range. The Piper M600 SLS is a smaller, owner‑flown single‑engine turboprop with advanced avionics and automation; it generally carries about 4–6 passengers and has a range around 1,200–1,400 nautical miles. The Cessna Citation CJ3+ is a light business jet, trading turboprop versatility for higher cruise speed and altitude; it typically seats about 6–9 passengers and offers roughly 1,800–2,000 nautical miles of range. Overall, the Caravan prioritizes payload and access, the PC‑12 balances versatility with upscale travel, the M600 targets efficient personal/business use, and the CJ3+ focuses on faster point‑to‑point business transport.
| Spec | Cessna Caravan | Cessna Citation CJ3+ | Pilatus PC-12 NGX | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.07 | $ 4.05 | $ 2.78 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | — | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Cessna Citation | Pilatus | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | Caravan | CJ3+ | PC-12 NGX | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1070 | 1898 | 1803 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.38 | $ 0.58 | $ 0.46 | $ 0.55 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 8 | 9 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3305 | 5530 | — | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 571 | $ 1,680 | $ 793 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G3000 | Honeywell Primus Apex | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 186 | 415 | 290 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,355,000 | $9,915,000 | $5,350,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | Optional | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Cargo Door | Yes | — | Yes | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 8 | 9 | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | Un-Pressurized | 8.9 | 5.8 | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | Galley | No | Refreshment Centre |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 |
| Crew Rest | — | No | — | — |
| Jump Seat | — | No | — | — |
| Galley Location | — | FWD | — | MID |
| Lavatory Location | — | AFT | FWD | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 23586 | 13100 | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | — | 8644 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | PT6A-114A | FJ44-3A | PT6E-67XP | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 5000 | 5000 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 675 | — | 1200 | 600 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 31 | ISA + 11 | ISA + 35 | ISA + 55 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 2820 | — | — |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | 624 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 703 | — | 260 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | — | 402 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 37.6 | 51.2 | 47.25 | 29.7 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 52.1 | 53 | 53.33 | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.4 | 4.8 | 5 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 12.8 | 15.7 | 16.9 | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15 | 15.2 | 14 | 11.3 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | — | 40 | 20 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | 0.4 | — | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.1 | 4.25 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 12.2 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 65 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | — | 165 |