Enstrom 480b vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piaggio Avanti Evo vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Enstrom 480B and the MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer are light turbine helicopters suited to short-range missions and point-to-point access where runways are unavailable. In category, both are rotorcraft, with the 480B generally positioned as a lighter utility/training-capable platform, while the 902 is typically a larger, higher-capacity light twin aimed at law enforcement, corporate, or EMS-style roles. Their practical range is modest compared with fixed-wing aircraft, commonly a few hundred nautical miles depending on payload and reserves, and passenger capacity is limited, typically around four to six occupants including the pilot, with the 902 often accommodating more than the 480B. The Piaggio Avanti EVO is a pressurized twin‑turboprop business aircraft, offering substantially greater range—typically well over 1,000 nautical miles—and a comfortable executive cabin for roughly six to seven passengers. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a twin‑engine light jet designed for business travel and mixed mission flexibility, generally offering the longest range of the four (often around 2,000 nautical miles class) and seating commonly in the six to ten passenger range depending on configuration.
| Spec | Piaggio Avanti EVO | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Piaggio | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | Avanti EVO | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1530 | 2076 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3775 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 400 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 7,695,000 | $11,800,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 3.71 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.62 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 1,619 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 10 |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24000 | 23500 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | 6600 | — |
| Crew Rest | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | No |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes |
| Galley Location | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A–66B | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 850 | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 28 | ISA + 23 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 100 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 3435 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 47.3 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 47.1 | 55.8 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 6.1 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 5.8 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 14.9 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.1 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.5 | 3.8 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 35.2 | 90 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 17 |