Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna Citation CJ3+ is a light business jet optimized for fast, efficient point-to-point travel on paved runways. It typically offers around a 2,000‑nautical‑mile class range and is usually configured for about 6 to 9 passengers, depending on interior layout. The Pilatus PC-12 NGX is a single‑engine turboprop known for versatility and short/rough‑field capability rather than jet speed. Its range is generally in the 1,700‑nautical‑mile class, and it commonly seats about 6 to 9 passengers in executive configurations, with higher-density seating possible in utility layouts. The Pilatus PC-24 is a light jet positioned between the CJ3+ and larger midsize jets, while retaining unusually strong short‑field performance for a jet. Its range is typically in the 2,000‑nautical‑mile class, and it usually carries about 6 to 10 passengers, with a notably flexible cabin and cargo capability compared with most light jets.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ3+ | Pilatus PC-12 NGX | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.05 | $ 2.78 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Pilatus | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | CJ3+ | PC-12 NGX | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1898 | 1803 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.58 | $ 0.46 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 5530 | — | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,680 | $ 793 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Honeywell Primus Apex | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 415 | 290 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $9,915,000 | $5,350,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR | — |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | Optional | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | — | No |
| Jump Seat | No | — | No |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | FWD | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.9 | 5.8 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | No | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23586 | 13100 | 23500 |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes | Yes |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-3A | PT6E-67XP | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 35 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 2820 | — | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 624 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 703 | — | — |
| Horsepower | — | 1200 | — |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | 402 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 51.2 | 47.25 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 53 | 53.33 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 5 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.9 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.7 | 16.9 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.2 | 14 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 4.25 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 12.2 | — | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 65 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 40 | 90 |