Cessna Caravan vs Cessna Grand Caravan Ex vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna Caravan (208) and Grand Caravan EX (208B) are rugged single‑engine turboprops typically used for utility and short‑haul regional work. They’re generally flown in the 9–14 passenger range depending on interior and mission, with practical ranges commonly around 900–1,200 nautical miles. The Grand Caravan EX is the stretched, higher‑power evolution, usually offering slightly better hot‑and‑high performance and payload capability than the standard Caravan, with broadly similar stage lengths. The Pilatus PC‑12 NGX is a higher‑end single‑engine turboprop in the owner‑flown/corporate category. It typically carries about 6–9 passengers in executive layouts (more in commuter configurations) and offers longer legs, commonly around 1,500–1,800 nautical miles. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light business jet, faster and more premium, generally seating about 6–10 passengers depending on layout. Its range is typically around 2,000 nautical miles class, trading turboprop rough‑field utility for jet speed, altitude, and cabin refinement.
| Spec | Cessna Caravan | Cessna Grand Caravan EX | Pilatus PC-12 NGX | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.07 | $ 3.15 | $ 2.78 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Cessna | Pilatus | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | Caravan | Grand Caravan EX | PC-12 NGX | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1070 | 964 | 1803 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.38 | $ 0.39 | $ 0.46 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 9 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3305 | 3332 | — | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 571 | $ 614 | $ 793 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G1000 NXi | Honeywell Primus Apex | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 186 | 195 | 290 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,355,000 | $2,695,000 | $5,350,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | No | Optional | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Cargo Door | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Total Seats | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 9 | 10 |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | Un-Pressurized | Un-Pressurized | 5.8 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | No | No | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | FWD | FWD |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 13100 | 23500 |
| Crew Rest | — | — | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | — | — | No |
| Galley Location | — | — | — | FWD |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-114A | PT6A-140 | PT6E-67XP | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 4000 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 675 | 867 | 1200 | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 31 | ISA + 24 | ISA + 35 | ISA + 23 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 335 | — | — |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | — | 402 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | — | 3435 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 37.6 | 41.6 | 47.25 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 52.1 | 52.1 | 53.33 | 55.8 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.4 | 5.4 | 5 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.9 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 12.8 | 16.8 | 16.9 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15 | 15.1 | 14 | 17.4 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | 32 | 40 | 90 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 4.25 | 3.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | — | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | — | — | 17 |