Book a Pilatus PC-12
Pilatus PC-12
Very light jet
The Pilatus PC-12 is the original aircraft that redefined single-engine very light jet versatility. Combining impressive range and payload with the ability to operate from short and even unpaved runways, it set new standards for reliability and mission flexibility. Its spacious pressurized cabin and large cargo door make it ideal for passenger, cargo, or special missions. Whether for business or adventure, the PC-12 is the aircraft that started a legacy of unmatched capability.
The Aircraft That Defined a New Category
Overview
Launched in 1994, the Pilatus PC-12 marked the beginning of a new era in business and utility aviation. As the first aircraft in the PC-12 family, it combined the rugged reliability of a utility aircraft with the comfort and range expected from business aviation, a concept that was revolutionary at the time.
Powered by a single Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67B engine, the PC-12 offered impressive performance, excellent fuel efficiency, and exceptional operational flexibility. Its ability to operate from short, grass, or gravel runways opened access to thousands of airports worldwide, making it ideal for operators needing to reach remote destinations efficiently.
The aircraft’s spacious, pressurized cabin and large rear cargo door allowed for multiple mission profiles, from executive transport to cargo, medevac, and regional operations,setting it apart from other turboprops of its time. With its blend of Swiss engineering, reliability, and versatility, the PC-12 established a platform that would evolve into one of the most successful single-engine turboprop families in the world.
Spacious, Practical, and Built for Every Mission
Luxury interior
The Pilatus PC-12 was designed from the start to offer a large, pressurized cabin and mission flexibility rarely seen in single-engine turboprops of its time. Whether configured for executive travel, commuter service, cargo, or medevac, its interior combines practicality, comfort, and adaptability, making it a true multi-role aircraft.
Unusually Spacious Cabin
The PC-12 features one of the largest cabins in its class, comfortably accommodating up to nine passengers. The flat floor and generous headroom create an open, comfortable environment suitable for both business and utility missions.
Large Rear Cargo Door
A signature feature of the PC-12 is its full-size rear cargo door, allowing easy loading of luggage, freight, or medical equipment. This unique element enables rapid mission changes and simplifies operations at remote or unimproved airfields.
Flexible Cabin Configurations
The cabin can be adapted to a wide range of layouts, from executive seating to commuter configurations or special-mission setups. This versatility makes the PC-12 equally at home flying corporate travelers, delivering critical supplies, or transporting patients in medevac roles.
Key Specifications & Performance
Technical Characteristics
The Pilatus PC-12 set a new benchmark for operational versatility in the turboprop category. Its powerful single-engine performance and rugged design allow it to operate from short, grass, gravel, and even unimproved runways, granting access to thousands of airports that jets simply can’t reach. With exceptional short-field performance, impressive range, and the ability to combine passenger and cargo missions seamlessly, the PC-12 opened up a new world of operational flexibility for both business and utility operators.
Performance
Maximum Cruise Speed
≈ 260 KTAS (482 km/h), efficient cruise powered by the reliable PT6A-67B engine.
Maximum Range
≈ 1,560 NM (2,889 km), excellent endurance, ideal for regional and cross-country missions.
Service Ceiling
≈ 30,000 ft (9,144 m), enabling operations above most weather systems for improved comfort.
Takeoff Distance
≈ 2,650 ft (808 m), outstanding short-field performance allows access to remote or unimproved airstrips.
Landing Distance
≈ 1,830 ft (558 m), ideal for operations into smaller regional or private airports.
Rate of Climb
≈ 1,920 ft/min, solid climb capability for a single-engine turboprop of its era.
Capacity
Passengers
Typically 6–9 passengers, depending on the interior configuration (executive, commuter, cargo, or medevac).
Crew
Certified for single-pilot operation, with the option for a second pilot if required.
Cabin Volume
≈ 330 cu ft (9.3 m³), remarkably spacious for its category.
Cabin Dimensions
Length: 16.9 ft (5.15 m)
Width: 5 ft (1.52 m)
Height: 4.8 ft (1.45 m)
Fuel & Engines
Fuel Capacity
≈ 2,704 liters (714 US gallons), providing excellent endurance and operational range for business, cargo, or special missions.
Engines
1 Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B, renowned for its reliability and efficiency.
Flat-rated to ensure consistent performance across a wide range of operating conditions.
Thrust (each)
1,200 shp, delivering solid climb rates, efficient cruise, and the power required for short-field operations even from grass or gravel strips.
Cargo & Access
Cargo Door Size
Large rear cargo door measuring approximately 4 ft 4 in × 4 ft 4 in (1.32 m × 1.32 m), a signature feature of the PC-12, enabling easy loading of luggage, freight, or equipment.
Baggage Compartment
Generous internal baggage volume integrated into the cabin and cargo area, can accommodate up to 9 passengers’ luggage or various mission equipment.
Easily accessible and designed for quick reconfiguration between passenger and cargo operations.
Unmatched Access and Mission Versatility
Key feature
From the very beginning, the Pilatus PC-12 was engineered to operate where other business aircraft couldn’t. Its combination of exceptional short-field and unpaved runway performance with a large, fully functional rear cargo door gave operators an unprecedented level of flexibility. Whether flying passengers into remote destinations, delivering urgent cargo, or reconfiguring for special missions, the PC-12 set a new standard for real-world capability.
Short-Field and Unpaved Runway Capability
Performance & Technical Excellence
The PC-12 was designed to excel where most aircraft stop. With its rugged landing gear, powerful single PT6A engine, and low stall speeds, it can operate from short, grass, gravel, or even unimproved airstrips, bringing passengers and cargo closer to their final destination. This unique ability opens access to thousands of remote airports, enabling direct point-to-point operations and reducing travel times significantly compared to jets or twin turboprops.
Large Rear Cargo Door
Passenger Comfort & Experience
A defining feature of the PC-12 is its full-size rear cargo door, rare among single-engine business aircraft. This smart design enables easy loading of baggage, freight, medical equipment, or bulky items, allowing rapid configuration between passenger, cargo, and medevac missions. Combined with the aircraft’s spacious, flat-floor cabin, this door transforms the PC-12 into a true multi-mission platform, equally at home in business aviation, humanitarian work, or logistical support.
Alternative Jet Options
Aircraft
Pilatus PC-12/45
Very light jet
Flying in Pilatus PC-12/45
The Pilatus PC-12/45 enhances the original with higher MTOW, extended range, and greater payload flexibility, while retaining its short-field performance and spacious, versatile cabin.
Pilatus PC-24
Very light jet
Flying in Pilatus PC-24
The Pilatus PC-24 combines versatility, performance, and comfort in a unique super versatile jet, designed for short runways and diverse missions, ideal for both business and adventure travel.
King Air C90GT
Turboprop
Flying in King Air C90GT
The Beechcraft King Air C90GT combines upgraded PT6A-135A engine performance, practical cabin functionality, and legendary King Air reliability in a light turboprop aircraft, ideal for operators seeking efficiency, flexibility, and proven capability across corporate, charter, and personal missions.