Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Piper M500
The Pilatus PC-12 NGX and Piper M500 are both single‑engine turboprops, but they sit in different parts of the market. The PC-12 NGX is generally viewed as a larger, more utility‑oriented aircraft, often used for corporate travel, special missions, and operations into shorter or less‑improved runways. The M500 is positioned more squarely as a personal or owner‑pilot business aircraft with a smaller cabin and typically lower operating scale. On range, the PC-12 NGX usually offers longer legs in real‑world planning, making it better suited to farther nonstop trips with useful payload, while the M500 delivers solid cross‑country capability but is commonly planned for somewhat shorter missions. For passenger capacity, the PC-12 NGX typically accommodates more people in greater comfort, with common executive layouts around six to eight seats and flexibility for additional seating depending on configuration. The M500 is usually configured for fewer passengers, commonly around five to six seats, reflecting its smaller cabin and owner‑pilot focus.
| 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 |