Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Pilatus Pc12 Ngx
The Cessna Citation CJ4 is a light business jet, while the Pilatus PC-12 NGX is a single‑engine turboprop. As a jet, the CJ4 is optimized for faster point‑to‑point travel at higher altitudes and typically suits missions where speed and a more “jetlike” cabin experience matter most. The PC-12 NGX, by contrast, is valued for versatility, including strong short- and unimproved-field capability and efficient operation on shorter legs, making it attractive for access to smaller airports and remote destinations. In range terms, both can cover many regional and some longer nonstop trips, but the CJ4 generally offers a longer published range in typical business configurations, supporting more city pairs without fuel stops, especially at higher cruise speeds. The PC-12 NGX’s practical range is competitive for a turboprop and can be excellent depending on payload and conditions, but it is usually planned with more conservative cruise speeds. For passenger capacity, the CJ4 commonly seats around 8 to 10 occupants in an executive layout, while the PC-12 NGX typically carries about 6 to 9 in a comfortable corporate configuration, with flexibility to seat more in higher-density arrangements.
| 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 |