Pilatus PC-12 Guide: Cost, Specs, Performance & Features

There’s a reason the Pilatus PC‑12 has become the go‑to aircraft for air ambulance crews, cargo operators, and executives who value flexibility over flash. This Swiss single‑engine turboprop seats up to nine passengers, cruises at 470 km/h, and can land on short airstrips where most planes can’t—a machine that has quietly dominated its niche for more than three decades.

Engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A‑67P · Max Passengers: 9 · Cruise Speed: 470 km/h (292 mph) · Range (IFR Reserves): 1,845 km (1,146 mi) · Price Range (Used): $1.95M – $7.45M

Six key facts, one pattern: every figure points to a machine built for real‑world missions—not just paper specs.

How much does a Pilatus PC‑12 cost?

Factors influencing price

• Base price for a new PC‑12 PRO exceeds $5 M, though exact figures vary with options (YouTube ownership discussion (low confidence)).
• Used models range from $1.95 M to $7.45 M on the Controller.com marketplace, depending on year, avionics, engine time, and interior condition.
• Price depends heavily on avionics upgrades, interior materials, and whether the engine is near overhaul.

New vs used PC‑12 pricing

The gap between new and used can be dramatic: a fully loaded NGX or PRO commands a premium, while older PC‑12s with high‑time engines trade at the lower end. The implication: buyers who can wait for a well‑maintained 2000s‑era PC‑12 get the same airframe and engine class for half the cost.

This price range reflects the PC‑12’s strong resale value and demand across multiple sectors.

How many passengers can a PC‑12 hold?

Standard seating configuration

• Typical configuration seats 6‑9 passengers (Air Charter Service).
• Executive layout often seats 6‑8 with a forward lavatory (Haute Aviation).
• High‑density utility version can carry up to 10 including crew.

High‑density options

For cargo or medevac missions, seats can be swapped out and the flat‑floor cabin (Altivation Aircraft) allows quick reconfiguration. The catch: more seats means less baggage space and range, so operators trade off accordingly.

This trade‑off is common in aircraft that serve both executive and utility roles.

Can a single pilot fly a Pilatus PC‑12?

Single‑pilot certification

• Yes, certified for single‑pilot operation under FAR Part 23 (KCAC Aviation reprint of FLYING article).
• Advanced cockpit automation (ACE in the PRO) reduces workload significantly (FLYING Magazine).
• Type rating is not required by FAA but is recommended for insurance purposes (industry consensus).

Pilot training requirements

Most operators insist on a type rating for insurance, but an experienced single‑engine pilot can transition with a week‑long course. Why this matters: the lower crew cost makes the PC‑12 competitive against twin‑engine aircraft that require two pilots.

Does the PC‑12 have a lavatory?

Forward lavatory configuration

• Many PC‑12s feature a forward lavatory with a flushing toilet (Haute Aviation).
• Optional lavatory adds weight but increases comfort on flights over 2 hours (Air Charter Service).
• Alternate configurations may skip the lavatory for maximum seating.

Privacy and convenience

The lavatory door and noise isolation make it usable in flight. The pattern: operators who fly longer sectors almost always spec the lavatory; those doing short hops often omit it for weight savings.

What are the range and speed of a Pilatus PC‑12?

Maximum range with IFR reserves

• IFR range approximately 1,845 km (1,146 mi) for early models (Oriens Aviation).
• PC‑12 PRO maximum range is listed up to 1,765 nm with 4 passengers (Oriens Aviation).
• Range varies with payload, altitude, and wind (common aviation knowledge).

Cruise speed at typical altitudes

• Maximum cruise speed 470 km/h (292 mph) or 285 knots (Altivation Aircraft).
• At 30,000 ft the PRO achieves up to 290 KTAS (FLYING Magazine).

For a PC‑12 owner planning a trip from Denver to the Valley of Fire State Park, the range easily covers the 800‑km leg with reserves. The implication: the PC‑12 can reach most of the continental U.S. non‑stop without refueling.

Seven specifications, one theme: the PC‑12 is built for short‑field utility as much as for speed.

What owners and pilots say

The PC‑12 PRO redefines versatility with a spacious, pressurized cabin and advanced avionics.

— Pilatus Aircraft (official product description)

The PC‑12 NGX was the first production turboprop with a dual‑channel electronic propeller and engine control system.

— Twin & Turbine (specialist aviation publication)

For prospective buyers, the choice boils down to mission profile. If you fly short hops with 6‑8 passengers and value cabin comfort, the PC‑12 PRO with lavatory is hard to beat. If you’re a first‑time owner looking at a $2 M budget, a well‑maintained early‑2000s PC‑12 delivers 90% of the capability. For a charter operator in the U.S. market, the decision is clear: invest in a PC‑12 for its unmatched versatility, or accept higher operating costs with a light jet.

Frequently asked questions