Cessna Caravan vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan is best categorized as a rugged single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft optimized for short, unimproved strips and cost‑efficient regional hauling. Its typical range is roughly 900–1,200 nautical miles depending on load and conditions, and it commonly seats about 9 passengers in commuter configuration (with higher-density or cargo arrangements possible). The Pilatus PC‑12 NGX is a higher-performance, pressurized single‑engine turboprop in the “executive utility” class, offering more speed, comfort, and payload flexibility than the Caravan while retaining strong short‑field capability. Typical range is about 1,500–1,800 nautical miles, with seating usually 6–9 passengers in executive layouts (up to around 9–10 in commuter-style configurations, depending on rules and interior). The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light business jet, delivering jet speeds and altitude capability while still being designed for comparatively short runways, including some unpaved operations. Typical range is about 2,000 nautical miles, and it generally carries about 6–10 passengers depending on cabin layout.
| Spec | Cessna Caravan | Pilatus PC-12 NGX | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.07 | $ 2.78 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Pilatus | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | Caravan | PC-12 NGX | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1070 | 1803 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.38 | $ 0.46 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 9 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3305 | — | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 571 | $ 793 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Honeywell Primus Apex | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 186 | 290 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,355,000 | $5,350,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | Optional | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Cargo Door | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 9 | 10 |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | Un-Pressurized | 5.8 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | No | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 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 |
| Model | PT6A-114A | PT6E-67XP | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 675 | 1200 | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 31 | ISA + 35 | ISA + 23 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | 402 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | 3435 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 37.6 | 47.25 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 52.1 | 53.33 | 55.8 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.4 | 5 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | 4.9 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 12.8 | 16.9 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15 | 14 | 17.4 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | 40 | 90 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 4.25 | 3.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | — | 17 |