Good to know: The Pilatus PC-12 is not a business jet by definition, this is because it does not have a jet engine, instead the propeller is on the outside. The propeller is the rotating blades.

Key features of the Pilatus PC-12

PASSENGERS: 12
RANGE (Max): 1803nm
CABIN DIMENSIONS (Height, Width, Length): 4ft 10in x 5ft x 16ft 11in
SPEED: 290 knots
CARGO CAPACITY: 330 Cubic Feet
MODEL CLASS: Turbo Prop

Versatile. Safe. Reliable. Proven.

Don’t underestimate the smaller ones, this Swiss-engineered turboprop plane is extremely reliable and its versatility has even been approved by the medical industry.

According to Pilatus, the PC-12 has exceptional versatility and is capable of operating within the most rugged environments, such as the Australian outback; it is one of the few pressurized turbine-powered aircraft capable of operating from rough landing strips.

The PC-12 is equipped with trailing link gear that serves to grease your landing on even the most rough airstrips.

Operating and traveling via an aircraft has its risk, hence airlines and airports take many precautions to prevent any accidents from occuring.

Potential accidents include the risk of engine damage by foreign object debris (FOD) getting caught in the jet engine, and aircraft wheels getting caught in hidden cracks in the landing strip or landing gear damage or deterioration because of unsuitable landing surfaces.

Turboprops are at a lower risk of damage from such instances because its propeller is placed outside rather than within an enclosed jet engine.

The medical industry’s choice

The PC-12 is also the number 1 turboprop model in the market and is famous for its impressive cargo/utility door which opens up close to ¼ of the plane. This convenient airstair door located ahead of the wing and the interior has a flat floor, facilitating cargo carrying or easy loading of aeromedical equipment.

The interior configuration of the PC-12 can be changed quickly by industry standards, it can go from a 6-seater to an 8-seater in under an hour, and the seats can be removed to fit at least 2 medical stretchers/beds.

Because of this flexibility, the PC-12 is in worldwide service with organizations such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Australia’s Royal Flying Doctor.

Fun fact: Bands like to charter PC-12s because the large utility door is ideal for loading band equipment safely, and still have enough space for all band members to sit comfortably

A popular choice in Europe

The flexibility of the PC-12 is what appeals to many business aviation users. The PC-12 also operates scheduled services with many companies such as Alaska-based Iliamna Air Taxi which uses its two aircraft to provide mail, freight and passenger service to six destinations including Anchorage, Port Alsworth and Kokhanok.

Corporate fleet operators have added PC-12s into their mixed fleets, particularly to serve company locations which have nearby light aircraft strips which suit the PC-12’s short field and off-airport capabilities. Essentially, this turboprop is able to land on smaller islands which other business jets may not be able to land at because of the short and rough runways.

Growth in Asia

Theoretically Asia stands to benefit from having more PC-12s in operation because the region has many islands with shorter runways and rougher terrains, however, this design is ultimately a more Euro-centric one, it requires a separate set of mechanic experience and skills to maintain the unique turbo prop that isn’t easily found in Asia.

Not many PC-12s are operating in Asia however the first Pilatus production base, Jiangxi Express, was set up in China, Nanchang Jiangxi province in 2012.

Jiangxi Express owns 15 PC-12s and they have expressed that they will be purchasing PC-24s in the coming year, so hopefully in due time we will get to see more PIlatus turboprops operating in Asia.

A class of its own

The Swiss-engineered PC-12 has proven itself as the most versatile and valued business aircraft in the world, a design that has been tested by time and built around quality. You will be in for a treat when you request to charter a PC-12 because its interior was designed in collaboration with BMW designworks, expect comfortable fine European leather. An elevated and quality experience is a Pilatus guarantee and priority, so contact any APERTUS team member to find out how you can experience a flight on this turboprop for yourself!