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Pilatus PC 12 Turbo Prop Specifications and Charter Rates

The Pilatus PC-12 is a versatile single-engine turboprop renowned for its Swiss engineering, offering premium travel for up to nine passengers with a high-speed cruise of 285 knots and a range just over 1,700 nautical miles. Introduced in the mid-1990s, the PC-12 quickly became a favorite for private and corporate flyers thanks to its exceptional short-field performance, spacious pressurized cabin, and rugged reliability that handles everything from executive shuttle to mountain airfields with ease.


For flyers who want to reach remote destinations or access smaller airports without sacrificing comfort, the PC-12 stands out as the go-to solution. This profile details its unique capabilities, onboard experience, operational economics, and the key questions clients ask before their next charter.

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Pilatus PC 12 Overview

The PC-12 is in the turboprop category, prized for its ability to deliver jet-like comfort with unmatched operational flexibility and efficiency. It typically accommodates six to nine passengers in an executive layout, making it ideal for both business teams and families. The Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engine powers the PC-12 to a service ceiling of 30,000 feet, allowing for smooth, weather-avoiding flights on trips of two to four hours.


What sets the PC-12 apart is its ability to operate from runways as short as 2,800 feet and even unimproved strips, opening up thousands of destinations that are inaccessible to jets. Operators value its low operating costs and legendary reliability, while travelers appreciate a quiet, comfortable ride and generous baggage space for gear or luggage.


The aircraft’s advanced avionics and robust airframe have been refined over decades of production, ensuring a safe, stable, and cost-effective flight every time. For those seeking access to remote regions or smaller airfields without compromising luxury, the PC-12 remains unrivaled in its class.

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Pilatus PC 12 Specifications

The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

Aircraft class:

Turbo Prop

Passenger capacity:

Up to 8 (typical), 9 maximum

Crew:

1 pilot (optional copilot)

Range:

Approximately 1742 nautical miles (around 2004 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

285 knots (about 328 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 236 knots

Service ceiling:

30000 fee

Engines:

Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67P turboprop

Thrust:

Roughly 1200 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 1475 feet

Landing distance:

About 2783 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 85 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 40 cubic feet

First delivered:

1994

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The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

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Pilatus PC 12 Range and Performance

With a range of approximately 1,742 nautical miles, the Pilatus PC-12 is well-suited for regional and cross-country journeys throughout North America and Europe. Typical nonstop missions include Dallas to Chicago, Los Angeles to Vancouver, or Geneva to Athens, all flown without a fuel stop and with full reserves. | The PC-12’s short-field capabilities allow it to access private terminals and remote airports, giving travelers direct access to destinations that are out of reach for most jets. | A cruise speed of 285 knots ensures efficient travel, while the aircraft’s robust landing gear and single-engine reliability make it a trusted choice for mountain, island, or rural operations. With takeoff and landing requirements below 3,000 feet, it expands your options for truly bespoke private aviation.

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Pilatus PC 12 Cabin Experience and Interior

The PC-12’s pressurized cabin is one of the largest in its class, offering nearly a 5-foot cabin height and a width of over 5 feet, allowing passengers to move comfortably throughout the flight. | Seating typically includes two club sections and a forward or aft divan, with configurations available for business, leisure, or medevac roles. | The cabin is designed for both productivity and relaxation, featuring reclining executive seats, fold-out work tables, large panoramic windows, and a private lavatory. Upgraded models may also offer in-flight connectivity, entertainment, and custom finishes. | A 40-cubic-foot baggage compartment can accommodate skis, golf clubs, or ample luggage, making the PC-12 perfect for adventure or corporate missions alike.

Pilatus PC 12 Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a Pilatus PC 12 typically runs in the range of $2000 to $2800 per flight hour, though the figure you are quoted depends on several factors. Rates move with the route, the season, repositioning (or ferry) time, airport fees, crew costs, and how a specific aircraft is equipped. Peak travel periods and one-way trips that leave an aircraft far from its base tend to sit at the higher end, while round trips and flights that align with an operator's existing schedule can come in lower.

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It also helps to understand how charter pricing is structured. Most quotes are built around occupied flight hours plus those repositioning costs, landing and handling fees, taxes, and crew expenses. Because Jettly is a charter marketplace rather than an aircraft operator, you can compare live quotes from multiple FAA Part 135 and book the option that fits your route and budget.

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Empty-leg flights, the discounted repositioning trips that operators are keen to fill, can also bring the cost of a Pilatus PC 12 down significantly when the timing works in your favor. For an exact, current price on your specific trip, request a quote, and you will see real availability rather than an estimate.

Who Should Charter the Pilatus PC 12?

The Pilatus PC 12 fits a wide set of missions, which is part of why it stays busy. It is a strong match for:

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Small executive teams traveling together to a meeting, site visit, or conference

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Regional and many transcontinental business trips that need to be completed in a single day

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Families or groups of up to eight heading to a vacation or event

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Travelers carrying bulkier baggage, such as golf clubs or ski gear

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Anyone who values flexible airport access and a stand-up cabin over the lowest possible price

While the PC-12 is not designed for long transoceanic flights or ultra-long range, it excels at short- to mid-range journeys, particularly where access to remote or private airstrips is required. For groups of up to nine, with the need for comfort, flexibility, and operational savings, the PC-12 is a top-tier charter choice.

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How the Pilatus PC 12 Compares to Other Turbo Prop

The Pilatus PC-12 traces its origins to the early 1990s, when Swiss manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft set out to create a rugged, versatile turboprop that combined executive comfort with exceptional field performance. The first prototype flew in 1991, and by 1994, the PC-12 entered service to immediate acclaim among both private and commercial operators.


Its groundbreaking design—offering a spacious pressurized cabin, single-pilot operation, and the legendary reliability of the PT6A engine—quickly established new standards for utility and luxury in the turboprop market. Continuous improvements, including advanced avionics and cabin refinements, have kept the PC-12 at the forefront of its class for nearly three decades, with over 2,000 delivered worldwide.


Today, the PC-12 is a mainstay for charter providers, corporations, and governments, prized for its unmatched flexibility, safety, and cost efficiency. Its enduring reputation is built on Swiss precision and a relentless commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

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Pilatus PC 12 History and Background

The Pilatus PC-12 traces its origins to the early 1990s, when Swiss manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft set out to create a rugged, versatile turboprop that combined executive comfort with exceptional field performance. The first prototype flew in 1991, and by 1994, the PC-12 entered service to immediate acclaim among both private and commercial operators.


Its groundbreaking design—offering a spacious pressurized cabin, single-pilot operation, and the legendary reliability of the PT6A engine—quickly established new standards for utility and luxury in the turboprop market. Continuous improvements, including advanced avionics and cabin refinements, have kept the PC-12 at the forefront of its class for nearly three decades, with over 2,000 delivered worldwide.


Today, the PC-12 is a mainstay for charter providers, corporations, and governments, prized for its unmatched flexibility, safety, and cost efficiency. Its enduring reputation is built on Swiss precision and a relentless commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Pilatus PC 12 Carry?

The Pilatus PC-12 typically seats six to eight passengers in an executive configuration, with some versions accommodating up to nine. Standard layouts include two club sections and a divan, making it ideal for workgroups or families seeking comfort and flexibility.

What Is the Range of the Pilatus PC 12?

The Pilatus PC 12 has a range of approximately 1742 nautical miles, or roughly 2004 statute miles. That is enough to fly most regional routes and many transcontinental trips nonstop, with the longest coast-to-coast legs occasionally needing a brief fuel stop depending on winds and load.

How Fast Does the Pilatus PC 12 Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 285 knots (about 328 mph), with a long-range cruise near 236 knots. The aircraft's 30000-foot service ceiling lets it fly above most weather and traffic for a smoother, more direct trip.

How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Pilatus PC 12?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $2000 and $2800 per flight hour, depending on the route, season, repositioning, and fees. Because Jettly is a marketplace, you can compare live quotes from multiple Part 135 operators and book the best option for your trip; empty-leg flights can lower the cost further.

Does the Hawker Pilatus PC 12 Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes. The PC-12 features a pressurized stand-up cabin, a private lavatory, and a spacious baggage area of around 40 cubic feet, allowing passengers to move about and store gear with ease.

Is the Pilatus PC 12 Good for Transcontinental Flights?

For most regional and cross-country flights, absolutely. The PC-12 easily covers city pairs like Dallas to Chicago or Los Angeles to Vancouver nonstop, although for longer legs or full passenger loads, a quick fuel stop may occasionally be necessary.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including Pilatus PC 12 jets operated by vetted FAA Part 135 Part 135 carriers. Compare live quotes, check real availability, and book with full concierge support, whether you are planning a single regional hop or a recurring travel schedule.

Enter your route and dates to get instant pricing on the Pilatus PC 12, or speak with our team about empty-leg deals and membership options that can bring your cost per trip down even further.

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