Cessna Caravan vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Piper M500
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan is the most utilitarian of the three, optimized for short, rough-field work and high-volume payloads. Typical range is roughly 900–1,200 nautical miles depending on load and reserves, and it commonly carries about 9 passengers in commuter configuration (more in specialized/limited-use seating), with a large cargo door and flexible interiors. The Pilatus PC-12 NGX sits in the “premium single-engine turboprop” category, combining strong short-field capability with higher cruise speed and a more refined cabin. Range is typically about 1,600–1,800 nautical miles, and it usually seats 6–9 passengers in executive layouts, with generous baggage and cabin volume. The Piper M500 is positioned as an owner-flown, pressurized single-engine turboprop emphasizing efficiency and manageable operating costs over maximum cabin size. Range is commonly around 1,000–1,300 nautical miles, and seating is typically 5–6 passengers in a smaller, more personal cabin than the PC-12 or Caravan.
| Spec | Cessna Caravan | Pilatus PC-12 NGX | Piper M500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.07 | $ 2.78 | $ 3.11 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Pilatus | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | Caravan | PC-12 NGX | M500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1070 | 1803 | 1000 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.38 | $ 0.46 | $ 0.78 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 9 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3305 | — | 1698 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 571 | $ 793 | $ 579 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Honeywell Primus Apex | Garmin G1000 NXi |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 186 | 290 | 260 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,355,000 | $5,350,000 | $2,122,600 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | Optional | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Cargo Door | Yes | Yes | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 9 | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | Un-Pressurized | 5.8 | 5.5 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | No | Refreshment Centre |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 13100 | 12600 |
| Galley Location | — | — | MID |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 8244 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | PT6A-114A | PT6E-67XP | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 5000 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 675 | 1200 | 500 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 31 | ISA + 35 | ISA + 55 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | 402 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 170 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 37.6 | 47.25 | 29.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 52.1 | 53.33 | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.4 | 5 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | 4.9 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 12.8 | 16.9 | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15 | 14 | 11.3 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | 40 | 20 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 4.25 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 165 |