Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna Citation CJ4 and Embraer Phenom 300E are light jets optimized for fast point-to-point travel with typical ranges around 2,000 nautical miles and usually seating about 6–9 passengers depending on layout; the Phenom 300E is often cited as slightly faster and very commonly configured for 7–9, while the CJ4 is frequently arranged for 7–8. The Pilatus PC-24 is a “super versatile” light jet designed to mix jet speed with rougher-field capability, typically carrying about 6–10 passengers with a range generally in the ~2,000 nm class. The Daher TBM 960 and Pilatus PC-12 NGX are single‑engine turboprops: they trade jet speed for lower operating costs, excellent short/soft-field access, and strong useful load, with ranges commonly around ~1,700–1,900 nm. In passenger terms, the TBM 960 is usually a 4–6 passenger aircraft (plus pilot), while the PC‑12 NGX is typically 6–9 passengers and can be configured for more utility-focused missions. Overall, jets (CJ4, Phenom 300E, PC-24) emphasize speed; turboprops (TBM 960, PC‑12 NGX) emphasize access and efficiency.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Daher TBM 960 | Embraer Phenom 300E | Pilatus PC-12 NGX | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.37 | $ 2.25 | $ 3.88 | $ 2.78 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 6 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Daher TBM | Embraer | Pilatus | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | CJ4 | TBM 960 | Phenom 300E | PC-12 NGX | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 2170 | 1730 | 2,010 | 1803 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.62 | $ 0.56 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.46 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | — | 10 | 9 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6914 | 2908 | 6914 | — | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,970 | $ 744 | $ 1,758 | $ 793 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Garmin G3000 | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Honeywell Primus Apex | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 440 | 330 | 464 | 290 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $11,290,000 | $4,450,000 | $9,650,000 | $5,350,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR | — | IFR | — |
| Aircraft Type | — | Turbo Prop | — | — | — |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | No | 1 Enclosed Flushing | Optional | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | — | No | — | No |
| Jump Seat | No | — | No | — | No |
| Total Seats | 9 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | MID | FWD | — | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | — | 9 | 9 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | — | AFT | FWD | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | 6.2 | 9.4 | 5.8 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | — | Galley | No | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24005 | 14390 | 25560 | 13100 | 23500 |
| Cargo Door | — | — | — | Yes | Yes |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-4A | TBM 960 | Canada PW535E1 | PT6E-67XP | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 49 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 35 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 3621 | — | 3360 | — | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | — | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 757 | — | 757 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 870 | — | — | — | — |
| Horsepower | — | 850 | — | 1200 | — |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | — | — | 402 | — |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 53.4 | 35.3 | 51.2 | 47.25 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 50 | 42.1 | 52.16 | 53.33 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | — | 0.3 | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 4 | 5.1 | 5 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.1 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 17.2 | 13.4 | 17.2 | 16.9 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.5 | — | 16.75 | 14 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | — | 3.6 | 4.25 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.8 | — | 14.8 | — | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 70 | — | 74 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 7 | — | 10 | 40 | 90 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 123 | — | — | — |