Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Piper M600 Sls vs Piper Seneca
The Pilatus PC-12 NGX and Piper M600 SLS are single‑engine turboprops, while the Piper Seneca is a piston twin, typically positioned more as an entry‑level light twin for shorter regional missions. In category and mission flexibility, the PC‑12 NGX is the most utility‑oriented, with a larger cabin and strong short/rough‑field capability compared with the more personal, owner‑flown focus of the M600 SLS. For range, the PC‑12 NGX generally leads, supporting longer nonstop trips; the M600 SLS is also a true cross‑country aircraft but usually trails the PC‑12; the Seneca’s typical practical range is shorter than both turboprops and more sensitive to payload, altitude, and weather. For passenger capacity, the PC‑12 NGX can be configured for the most seats and cabin volume (often up to around 8–10 including crew depending on layout), the M600 SLS commonly carries about 5–6 including the pilot in typical club seating, and the Seneca is usually arranged for about 6 occupants, though comfort and baggage capacity are more limited than the PC‑12.
| Spec | Pilatus PC-12 NGX | Piper M600 SLS | Piper Seneca |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.78 | $ 2.19 | $ 1.69 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Pilatus | Piper | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | PC-12 NGX | M600 | Seneca |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1803 | 1406 | 828 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.46 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.28 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 4 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 793 | $ 603 | $ 337 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Honeywell Primus Apex | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G1000 NXi |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 290 | 274 | 200 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $5,350,000 | $3,081,400 | $1,095,000 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 2200 | 1331 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | Optional | No | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | — |
| Cargo Door | Yes | — | — |
| Total Seats | 8 | 5 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — | — |
| Lavatory Location | FWD | — | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 5.8 | 5.6 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | Refreshment Centre | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 4 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 13100 | 12600 | — |
| Galley Location | — | MID | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 8644 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | No | No |
| Model | PT6E-67XP | PT6A-42A | TSIO-360-RB |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3600 | 1800 |
| Horsepower | 1200 | 600 | 220 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 35 | ISA + 55 | — |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | 402 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 260 | 122 |
| Fuel Type | — | — | AvGas |
| Fuel Delivery | — | — | Fuel Injected |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 47.25 | 29.7 | 28.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 53.33 | 43.2 | 39 |
| 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 | 10 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 4.25 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 40 | 20 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 165 | — |