Cessna Grand Caravan Ex vs Diamond Aircraft Da62 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx
The Cessna Grand Caravan EX is best characterized as a rugged utility single‑engine turboprop aimed at short to medium regional hops and frequent operations into shorter or less‑improved runways. It typically carries about 9 to 14 passengers depending on configuration, with range generally in the roughly 900 to 1,200 nautical mile class. The Diamond Aircraft DA62 sits in a different category as a modern twin‑engine piston aircraft optimized for efficient personal, business, or light charter travel. It commonly seats 5 to 7 passengers and, while efficient, usually offers a shorter overall reach than the turboprops, often around roughly 1,000 nautical miles depending on payload and reserves. The Pilatus PC‑12 NGX is a higher‑performance single‑engine turboprop positioned as a premium single‑pilot business and utility aircraft. It typically accommodates about 6 to 9 passengers in executive layouts, and it generally leads this group on range, often around roughly 1,500 to 1,800 nautical miles, with higher cruise speeds and a more refined cabin than the Caravan.
| Spec | Cessna Grand Caravan EX | Diamond Aircraft DA62 | Pilatus PC-12 NGX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.15 | $ 1.18 | $ 2.78 |
| Min Crew | 1 | — | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 5 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Diamond Aircraft | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | Grand Caravan EX | DA62 | PC-12 NGX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 964 | 1283 | 1803 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.39 | $ 0.24 | $ 0.46 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 5 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3332 | 1565 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 3 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 614 | $ 225 | $ 793 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G1000 NXi | Honeywell Primus Apex |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 195 | 190 | 290 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,695,000 | $1,290,000 | $5,350,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | — | Optional |
| Min Crew | 1 | — | 1 |
| Cargo Door | Yes | — | Yes |
| Total Seats | 10 | 5 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 5 | 9 |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | Un-Pressurized | — | 5.8 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | — | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 3 | 6 |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | FWD |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 13100 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-140 | AE330 | PT6E-67XP |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 1800 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 867 | 180 | 1200 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 24 | — | ISA + 35 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 335 | 89 | — |
| Fuel Type | — | Diesel / Jet Fuel | — |
| Fuel Delivery | — | Fuel Injected | — |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | 86 | 402 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 41.6 | 30.1 | 47.25 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 52.1 | 47.8 | 53.33 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.4 | — | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | — | 4.9 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 16.8 | — | 16.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.1 | 9.3 | 14 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | — | 40 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 4.25 |