Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Piper M600 Sls
The Cessna Citation CJ3+ is a light business jet, while the Pilatus PC-12 NGX and Piper M600 SLS are single‑engine turboprops, with the PC-12 aimed at utility and executive missions and the M600 positioned as a high-end personal/business turboprop. In typical real-world planning, the CJ3+ generally offers the longest range and the highest cruise speeds, making it better suited to longer nonstop trips and tighter schedules. The PC-12 NGX is usually close behind on range and is valued for operational flexibility, including strong short/rough-field capability and a large cabin and cargo door. The M600 SLS typically has the shortest range of the three but remains efficient for regional trips. For passenger capacity, the CJ3+ commonly seats around six to nine depending on configuration, the PC-12 NGX typically accommodates about six to nine in executive layouts and can be arranged for more in commuter-style seating, and the M600 SLS is generally configured for about five to six passengers plus a pilot.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ3+ | Pilatus PC-12 NGX | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.05 | $ 2.78 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Pilatus | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | CJ3+ | PC-12 NGX | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1898 | 1803 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.58 | $ 0.46 | $ 0.55 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 5530 | — | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,680 | $ 793 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Honeywell Primus Apex | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 415 | 290 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $9,915,000 | $5,350,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR | IFR |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | Optional | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | — | — |
| Jump Seat | No | — | — |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 5 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — | MID |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | — |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | FWD | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.9 | 5.8 | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | No | Refreshment Centre |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23586 | 13100 | 12600 |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 8644 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | FJ44-3A | PT6E-67XP | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 3600 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 35 | ISA + 55 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 2820 | — | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 624 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 703 | — | 260 |
| Horsepower | — | 1200 | 600 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | 402 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 51.2 | 47.25 | 29.7 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 53 | 53.33 | 43.2 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 5 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.7 | 16.9 | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.2 | 14 | 11.3 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 4.25 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 12.2 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 65 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 40 | 20 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 165 |