Cessna Denali vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Piper M500
The Pilatus PC-12 NGX and Piper M500 are both single‑engine turboprops, but they target different missions. The PC-12 NGX is generally positioned as a larger, more utility‑oriented aircraft, commonly used for executive travel, air ambulance, and mixed passenger/cargo work, while the M500 is typically framed as a lighter personal and business turboprop emphasizing owner‑pilot ease of use and efficiency. On range, the PC-12 NGX usually offers greater flexibility for longer legs and more real-world payload at distance, whereas the M500 provides solid cross‑country capability but is more often operated with fewer passengers or lighter loads to maximize reach. Passenger capacity also differs. The PC-12 NGX cabin is larger and is commonly configured for about six to eight passengers (with some layouts accommodating more depending on seating and mission equipment). The M500 is typically configured for fewer occupants, commonly around five to six seats total including the pilot, reflecting its smaller cabin and lighter overall class.
| Spec | Pilatus PC-12 NGX | Piper M500 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.78 | $ 3.11 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Pilatus | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | PC-12 NGX | M500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1803 | 1000 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.46 | $ 0.78 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 793 | $ 579 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Honeywell Primus Apex | Garmin G1000 NXi |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 290 | 260 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $5,350,000 | $2,122,600 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 1698 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | Optional | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Cargo Door | Yes | — |
| Total Seats | 8 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — |
| Lavatory Location | FWD | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 5.8 | 5.5 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | Refreshment Centre |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 13100 | 12600 |
| Galley Location | — | MID |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 8244 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | PT6E-67XP | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 1200 | 500 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 35 | ISA + 55 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | 402 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 170 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 47.25 | 29.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 53.33 | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.9 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 16.9 | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14 | 11.3 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 4.25 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 40 | 20 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 165 |