Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Piper M500 vs Piper M600 Sls vs Piper Seneca
The Pilatus PC-12 NGX and the Piper M500 and M600 SLS are single‑engine turboprops, while the Piper Seneca is a twin‑engine piston aircraft. In category terms, the PC-12 NGX is typically viewed as the most utility‑oriented and upscale of the group, designed for executive transport and rugged mission flexibility; the M500 and M600 SLS are pressurized personal/business turboprops, with the M600 SLS positioned above the M500 in speed, avionics automation, and overall capability. The Seneca sits in a different niche as a lighter, twin‑piston platform often used for personal travel, training, and light charter. For range, the PC-12 NGX generally offers the longest legs among these options, the M600 SLS and M500 are also strong cross‑country performers but usually shorter than the PC‑12, and the Seneca typically has the shortest range of the four. For passenger capacity, the PC-12 NGX commonly carries the most people in practical cabin comfort, the M600 SLS and M500 usually seat fewer, and the Seneca typically accommodates around five to six occupants depending on configuration.
| Spec | Pilatus PC-12 NGX | Piper M500 | Piper M600 SLS | Piper Seneca |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.78 | $ 3.11 | $ 2.19 | $ 1.69 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Pilatus | Piper | Piper | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | PC-12 NGX | M500 | M600 | Seneca |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1803 | 1000 | 1406 | 828 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.46 | $ 0.78 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.28 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — | — | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 793 | $ 579 | $ 603 | $ 337 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Honeywell Primus Apex | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G1000 NXi |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 290 | 260 | 274 | 200 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $5,350,000 | $2,122,600 | $3,081,400 | $1,095,000 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 1698 | 2200 | 1331 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | Optional | No | No | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
| Cargo Door | Yes | — | — | — |
| Total Seats | 8 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — | — | — |
| Lavatory Location | FWD | — | — | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 5.8 | 5.5 | 5.6 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | Refreshment Centre | Refreshment Centre | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 13100 | 12600 | 12600 | — |
| Galley Location | — | MID | MID | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 8244 | 8644 | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | No | No | No |
| Model | PT6E-67XP | PT6A-42A | PT6A-42A | TSIO-360-RB |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3600 | 3600 | 1800 |
| Horsepower | 1200 | 500 | 600 | 220 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 35 | ISA + 55 | ISA + 55 | — |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | 402 | — | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 170 | 260 | 122 |
| Fuel Type | — | — | — | AvGas |
| Fuel Delivery | — | — | — | Fuel Injected |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 47.25 | 29.6 | 29.7 | 28.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 53.33 | 43.2 | 43.2 | 39 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5 | 4.1 | 4.1 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.9 | 4 | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 16.9 | 12.3 | 12.3 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14 | 11.3 | 11.3 | 10 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 4.25 | — | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 40 | 20 | 20 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 165 | 165 | — |