AIR.ONE

Enstrom 480b vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24

The Enstrom 480B and MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer are light single‑engine helicopters suited to short‑to‑medium missions. The 480B is typically configured for about five occupants including the pilot, with a range on the order of roughly 300–400 nautical miles depending on load and reserves. The 902 Explorer generally carries around five to six occupants, with a broadly similar short‑range profile (roughly 250–350 nautical miles), optimized for quick hops and urban access. The Agusta/Leonardo AW189 is a larger twin‑engine medium helicopter aimed at offshore, SAR, and utility work. It commonly seats around 16–19 passengers in a high‑density cabin (fewer in VIP/EMS layouts) and offers a longer mission radius than light singles, with typical range roughly in the 450–500+ nautical mile class depending on configuration. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a twin‑jet light business aircraft rather than a helicopter, trading vertical access for much higher cruise speed and longer range. It typically seats about 6–10 passengers and can fly roughly 1,900–2,000 nautical miles.

SpecAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189Pilatus PC-24
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 15.57$ 3.71
Min Crew11
Total Seats216
Flight RulesIFR
ManufacturerLeonardoPilatus
Aircraft NameAW189PC-24
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)6512076
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.74$ 0.62
Max Cabin Seats1910
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Standard Cabin Seats196
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,413$ 1,619
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISPilatus ACE (Primus Apex)
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)155440
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$2,413,000$11,800,000
Useful Load (lbs)6680
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew11
Total Seats216
Max Cabin Seats1910
Standard Cabin Seats196
Lavatory1 Enclosed Flushing
Crew RestNo
Jump SeatNo
Cargo DoorYes
Galley LocationFWD
Lavatory LocationFWD
Cabin Pressure (psi)9.3
Galley / RefreshmentOptional Refreshment Center
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)23500
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelCT7-2E1FJ44-4A-QPM
Fuel TypeJetFuel
TBO (hrs)40005000
Horsepower1983
No. of Engines22
Flat RatingISA + 23
Thrust (lbs)3435
Dimensions
Length (ft)57.852.2
Overall Height (ft)16.617.4
Rotor Diameter (ft)48
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)395
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)85
Wingspan (ft)55.8
Aisle Step (ft)Flat Floor
Cabin Width (ft)5.6
Cabin Height (ft)5.1
Cabin Length (ft)23
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.8
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)17
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)90