Cessna Caravan vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna 208 Caravan and the Pilatus PC-24 serve very different roles despite both being popular utility aircraft. In category, the Caravan is a single‑engine turboprop designed primarily for rugged, economical short-haul transport and utility missions, while the PC-24 is a twin‑engine light business jet aimed at faster executive travel with jet performance and cabin comfort, yet with an emphasis on operating from shorter or less‑prepared runways than many jets. On range, a typical Caravan setup is best suited to regional sectors, generally around the low‑ to mid‑1,000 nautical mile class depending on payload and conditions, whereas the PC-24 is built for longer legs, commonly around the 2,000 nautical mile class, again depending on passenger load, reserves, and cruise profile. For passenger capacity, the Caravan is often configured to carry more people in a utilitarian cabin, commonly around 9 to 14 passengers depending on interior and regulations, while the PC-24 typically seats fewer in standard executive layouts, often about 6 to 10, prioritizing space and speed over maximum headcount.
| Spec | Cessna Caravan | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.07 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | Caravan | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1070 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.38 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3305 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 571 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 186 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,355,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Cargo Door | Yes | Yes |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 10 |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | Un-Pressurized | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 |
| Crew Rest | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | No |
| Galley Location | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 23500 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-114A | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 675 | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 31 | ISA + 23 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 3435 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 37.6 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 52.1 | 55.8 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.4 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 12.8 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15 | 17.4 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | 90 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 17 |