Aircraft overview

The Pilatus PC-12 is a Swiss-built, single-engine turboprop utility and executive aircraft produced by Pilatus Aircraft. It first flew in 1991, entered service in the mid-1990s, and remains in production in evolved forms. Designed around a pressurized cabin, a large rear cargo door and short-field capability, the PC-12 occupies a distinctive position between traditional turboprop singles and light business jets. Its appeal in the used market comes from combining passenger, cargo, medical, private owner and corporate roles in one airframe without moving to twin-engine operating costs.

Performance & specifications

Most Pilatus PC-12 variants cruise in the mid-260 knot range, while later PC-12 NG and PC-12 NGX aircraft can cruise closer to the high-280 knot range, depending on configuration and conditions. Published maximum range is commonly around 1,500 to 1,800 nautical miles with reserves, varying by model, payload and operating profile. The aircraft is certified to 30,000 feet and is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop, with earlier aircraft using the PT6A-67B and later NG and NGX models using more powerful PT6A-67P series engines. Useful load is typically about 4,000 pounds, which is central to the PC-12’s reputation for carrying passengers, bags and mission equipment efficiently.

Cabin & avionics

The PC-12 cabin is usually arranged for six to eight passengers in executive configuration, with higher-density commuter or special-mission layouts also found. A flat floor, enclosed lavatory on many aircraft, and the large cargo door make the cabin unusually flexible for this class. Early aircraft were delivered with conventional business turboprop avionics, while the PC-12 NG introduced the Honeywell Primus Apex integrated flight deck. The PC-12 NGX uses Pilatus ACE, based on Honeywell’s Epic 2 avionics architecture. Garmin Perspective is not a standard PC-12 flight deck, although individual used aircraft may have specific upgrades or installed equipment that should be verified by serial number and records.

Buying & value

For used buyers, the main distinctions are early PC-12 and PC-12/45 aircraft, the higher gross weight PC-12/47, the PC-12 NG, and the current PC-12 NGX. Review engine status, hot-section and overhaul timing, landing gear cycles, corrosion history, cabin refurbishment quality, avionics version, service bulletin compliance and mission-specific modifications. Aircraft used for charter, air ambulance or remote operations can be excellent buys, but logbook continuity and maintenance standards matter. On PlaneFox listings, current asking prices average about EUR 3,800,000, with observed listings from roughly EUR 2,490,000 to EUR 6,040,000. The lower end generally reflects older airframes or higher time, while late NG and NGX examples command stronger values due to avionics, cabin updates and remaining engine life.