How Does the Performance of the Pilatus PC-12 Compare to Other Private Jets in its Class

1. How Does the Performance of the Pilatus PC-12 Compare to Other Private Jets in its Class? In the world of private and business aviation, jet aircraft traditionally reign supreme for their unmatched combination of speed, range, and climb performance. However, one rugged and versatile turboprop has been challenging the distinctions between turbine aircraft categories. The Pilatus PC-12 private jet may not be a jet, but its exceptional capabilities put it in an elite class of its own when sized up against other turbine private planes. Speed Performance One of the primary reasons jet aircraft have remained in higher demand over turboprops for private travel is their ability to cruise at much higher speeds, in many cases approaching the speed of sound. The PC-12 can't come anywhere close to those velocity levels, but its top speed sits squarely among the fastest civilian turboprops. PC-12 Maximum Cruise Speed: 322 knots (370 mph / 596 km/h) This places the PC-12's high-speed cruise on par with other respected single-engine turbine aircraft like the Piper M600 turboprop (322 KTAS) and the Cirrus Vision SF50 single-engine jet (322 KTAS as well). However, the PC-12 manages to outpace many light jets on the lower end of the speed spectrum: ● Embraer Phenom 100: 390 KTAS ● HondaJet: 416 KTAS ● Cessna CitationJet: 389 KTAS On longer flights favoring higher altitudes and more economical cruise settings, the PC-12 still maintains a respectable 285 KTAS for excellent speed over very light jets like the Eclipse 500 (265 KTAS). So while it won't keep up with the fastest light jets cruising in the 400-500 knot range, the PC-12's top speed puts it solidly between the fastest turboprops and slowest jets in a desirable middle ground. More importantly, the PC-12 achieves these high cruise speeds extraordinarily efficiently thanks to its advanced turbine engine and aerodynamic design. Read More Articles: Audubon's Birds of America: Notable Species & Significance

2. Fuel Efficiency & Range The PC-12's 1,200 shaft horsepower Pratt & Whitney PT6 turbine engine provides superb thrust while sipping fuel relatively slowly. On average, the airplane burns around 340 pounds of fuel per hour during high-speed cruise settings. Compare this to typical fuel flows for light jets: ● Embraer Phenom 100: 780 lbs/hr ● Cessna Citation M2: 944 lbs/hr ● Learjet 75: 1,601 lbs/hr Nearly all light business jets burn anywhere from two to five times more fuel per hour than the PC-12 when flying at similar altitudes and weights. This massive difference in fuel efficiency translates directly into much greater range capabilities. PC-12 Maximum Range: 1,892 nautical miles Only a handful of light jets can exceed the PC-12's nearly 2,000 nautical mile range, such as: ● Citation CJ4 - 2,165 nm ● HondaJet - 1,437 nm ● Phenom 300 - 2,268 nm However, the PC-12 crushes the range of many other light jets commonly flown for private air travel: ● CirrusVision Jet SF50 - 1,185 nm ● Citation M2 - 1,550 nm ● Embraer Phenom 100 - 1,315 nm The PC-12 combines excellent fuel efficiency with the ability to carry a substantial 5,100 pounds of fuel onboard. This gives the turboprop true transcontinental U.S. range unladen or the flexibility to fly upwards of 1,100-1,300 nm with a full load of passengers and cargo. When surveying the light private jet landscape, the PC-12 essentially delivers range and efficiency on par with jets costing two to three times as much to operate per hour. Its combination of speed and range capabilities is truly remarkable compared to aircraft in its weight class. Takeoff & Landing Performance While many private jets are limited to operations at airports with longer runways, the PC-12 gives owners the ability to access much smaller runways and airports that jets simply cannot use. This is a vital capability for based and private travel to remote destinations. The PC-12's short-field performance is one of its standout attributes: ● Takeoff distance (sea level): 2,600 feet ● Landing distance (sea level): 2,045 feet

3. These runway performance figures are unheard of for turbojet aircraft of any size. They are more on par with high-performance single-engine piston aircraft and turboprops like the Cessna Caravan (2,110 ft takeoff, 1,680 landing). The PC-12's large wing and powerful engine give it a distinct advantage over jets when it comes to short takeoffs and landings at smaller airports and runways. In contrast, here are the balanced field runway requirements for a sample of light jets in the PC-12's cabin size and weight class: ● Embraer Phenom 100: 3,650 ft ● Cessna Citation M2: 3,250 ft ● HondaJet: 3,700 ft ● Cirrus Vision Jet: 2,820 ft With over 1,000 feet more runway needed to get airborne and on the ground compared to the PC-12, most light jets simply cannot operate at airports with runways shorter than around 4,000-4,500 feet. The Pilatus' STOL performance widens the mission capabilities enormously versus traditional jets. The PC-12's superb runway performance also provides increased safety margins for operations in hot-and-high conditions or at airports with terrain obstructions. Owners can access remote dirt, grass, or gravel landing strips that would be strictly off-limits to light jets. Passenger Comfort & Capabilities Though classified as a single-engine turbine, the PC-12 has cabin size, comfort amenities, and customization options rivaling many light jets. The standard production model holds up to nine passengers in a large, flat-floor cabin with an internal diameter creating standup headroom of 4.8 feet. For Part 135 corporate shuttle operations and other special missions, the PC-12 can be configured to hold up to 11 passengers if desired. Large club-seating, galleys, lavatories, and spacious in-flight accessible baggage areas set the PC-12 apart from most other single-engine turbine aircraft in passenger comfort and size. Additionally, the PC-12 offers excellent short-field and rough-terrain capabilities that simply don't exist among light jets or other turboprops. The rugged and powerful aircraft can land on unimproved, gravel or dirt runways with ease to access extremely remote locations. This versatility avoids having passengers disembark at larger airports and taking additional ground transportation to final off-the-beaten-path destinations. When considering the PC-12's comfort, interior flexibility, and operating capabilities, it performs more like a small regional airliner or corporate shuttle than a personal/utility airplane. These traits create a private travel experience close to jet-caliber on an airplane that can handle much more challenging airports and landing areas.

4. Read More Articles: Types of Qiraat in Quran Payload & Range Performance The final major performance aspect where the PC-12 punches well above its turboprop weight class is in total payload and full-fuel range capabilities. For a single-engine airplane, the Pilatus achieves an incredible combination of people and luggage/cargo hauling including: ● Max Payload with Full Fuel: 1,164 lbs (1 pilot + 5 pax + bags) ● Max Payload, 500 nm Mission: 2,272 lbs For perspective, most light jets can only carry around 800-1,000 lbs of payload with maximum fuel reserves before exceeding certified weight limits. The PC-12 offers substantially more payload with full fuel for longer trips compared to competitors. Wrap Up However, it's important to note that the Pilatus PC-12 private jet may not match the speed or luxury amenities offered by some private jets. For travelers prioritizing speed and luxury, a traditional private jet may be a better choice. Ultimately, the suitability of the PC-12 depends on the specific needs and preferences of the operator or owner. At LIVT, we stand out in the private aviation industry by offering a regional flight model that provides members with a choice of destinations within a set 800nm service area. Site Articles: How Does the Performance of the Pilatus PC-12 Compare to Other Private Jets in its Class?