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Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piaggio Avanti Evo vs Pilatus Pc 24

The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a twin‑engine light utility helicopter suited to short‑range, point‑to‑point missions where vertical access matters more than speed. Its typical range is roughly 300–400 nautical miles, and it generally carries about 6–8 passengers depending on configuration, making it best for city-to-site hops, EMS, utility, or VIP transfers to places without runways. The Piaggio Avanti EVO is a high‑speed, pressurized twin‑turboprop business aircraft optimized for efficient regional travel from conventional runways. It typically offers around 1,300–1,800 nautical miles of range and usually seats about 6–9 passengers, balancing cabin comfort with lower operating costs than many jets. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light business jet designed for versatility, including operations from shorter or less‑prepared runways than many jets. It typically reaches about 1,800–2,000 nautical miles of range and commonly seats around 6–10 passengers, offering the highest cruise speed and jet cabin experience among the three.

SpecPiaggio Avanti EVOPilatus PC-24
Summary
Cockpit22
Min Crew11
Total Seats86
Flight RulesIFR
ManufacturerPiaggioPilatus
Aircraft NameAvanti EVOPC-24
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)15302076
Max Cabin Seats710
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)37756680
Standard Cabin Seats66
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex)
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)400440
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
Cockpit22
LavatoryNo1 Enclosed Flushing
Min Crew11
Total Seats86
Max Cabin Seats710
Cabin Pressure (psi)99.3
Galley / RefreshmentNoOptional Refreshment Center
Standard Cabin Seats66
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)2400023500
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)6600
Crew RestNo
Jump SeatNo
Cargo DoorYes
Galley LocationFWD
Lavatory LocationFWD
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelPT6A–66BFJ44-4A-QPM
TBO (hrs)36005000
Horsepower850
Flat RatingISA + 28ISA + 23
No. of Engines22
Fuel Burn (gph)100
Thrust (lbs)3435
Dimensions
Length (ft)47.352.2
Wingspan (ft)47.155.8
Cabin Width (ft)6.15.6
Cabin Height (ft)5.85.1
Cabin Length (ft)14.923
Overall Height (ft)13.117.4
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.53.8
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)35.290
Aisle Step (ft)Flat Floor
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)17