Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx
The Cessna Citation CJ4 and the Pilatus PC-12 NGX sit in different aircraft categories and are optimized for different missions. The CJ4 is a light business jet designed for higher cruise speeds and typical jet-style operations between major and regional airports. The PC-12 NGX is a single‑engine turboprop known for versatility, including strong short- and unimproved-field capability, making it well suited to remote or smaller airstrips. On range, the CJ4 generally offers a longer maximum range than the PC-12 NGX, enabling more nonstop city pairs at higher speeds, though real-world range in either aircraft depends heavily on passenger load, winds, and reserves. The PC-12 NGX provides competitive range for a turboprop but typically not as much as the CJ4 at comparable conditions. For passenger capacity, both can be configured for roughly similar cabin counts in typical executive layouts, commonly around six to nine passengers, but the PC-12’s large, flexible cabin often makes it easier to accommodate mixed missions (passengers plus cargo) while the CJ4 emphasizes a more traditional business-jet cabin experience.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Pilatus PC-12 NGX |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.37 | $ 2.78 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | CJ4 | PC-12 NGX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 2170 | 1803 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.62 | $ 0.46 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6914 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,970 | $ 793 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Honeywell Primus Apex |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 440 | 290 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $11,290,000 | $5,350,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | Optional |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | — |
| Jump Seat | No | — |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | 5.8 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24005 | 13100 |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-4A | PT6E-67XP |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 35 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 3621 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 757 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 870 | — |
| Horsepower | — | 1200 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | 402 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 53.4 | 47.25 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 50 | 53.33 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.9 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 17.2 | 16.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.5 | 14 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 4.25 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.8 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 70 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 7 | 40 |