Beechcraft King Air 200 vs Pilatus PC-12

The Pilatus PC-12, Daher TBM and Beechcraft King Air 200 are three ways to fly a turboprop — single-engine space, single-engine speed, or twin-engine redundancy. The PC-12 is the do-everything single-engine hauler, the TBM the fastest single-engine turboprop, and the King Air 200 the proven twin-turboprop workhorse. Today's prices and counts for each are below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Beechcraft King Air 200
For sale now
95
Median asking
$1,495,000
Range
$253,500–$3,170,000
Model years available
1971–2013
Pilatus PC-12
For sale now
65
Median asking
$4,199,900
Range
$2,572,000–$5,747,500
Model years available
1995–2024

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Beechcraft King Air 200Pilatus PC-12
All events—23
Serious—0
Fatal—12
Fatalities—53
% Fatal—52%
View full Beechcraft King Air 200 NTSB record →View full Pilatus PC-12 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Beechcraft King Air 200 Pilatus PC-12
Beechcraft King Air 200
View 39 listings →
Median $1,495,000
 Pilatus PC-12
View 11 listings →
Median $4,199,900
Price Range $253,500 – $3,170,000 $2,572,000 – $5,747,500
Category Multi Engine Turboprop Single Engine Turboprop
Model Specifications
Seats 9 10
Horsepower 850 HP 1,200 HP
Cruise Speed 272 kts (504 km/h) 260 kts (482 km/h)
Range 1,580 nm (2,926 km) 1,803 nm (3,339 km)
Service Ceiling 35,000 ft (10,668 m) 30,000 ft (9,144 m)
Max Gross Weight 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) 10,450 lbs (4,740 kg)
Useful Load 4,045 lbs (1,835 kg) 3,610 lbs (1,637 kg)
Fuel Capacity 544.0 gal (2059 L) 402.0 gal (1522 L)
Fuel Burn 80.0 GPH (303 L/h) 60.0 GPH (227 L/h)
TBO 3,600 hrs 3,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $380,000 $500,000
Annual Fixed $180,000 $180,000
Hourly Variable $950 $900
Engines 2 x Turboprop 1 x Turboprop

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Beechcraft King Air 200

Fuel$440/hr
Variable$950/hr
Annual Fixed$180,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $370,000/yr

Pilatus PC-12

Fuel$330/hr
Variable$900/hr
Annual Fixed$180,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $360,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft King Air 200 or Pilatus PC-12?

Bottom line: Choose the PC-12 for space and versatility — a large cabin, a big cargo door and rugged single-engine capability behind a proven PT6A. Choose the TBM for speed — the fastest single-engine turboprop, sleek and efficient for getting a few people somewhere fast. Choose the King Air 200 for twin-engine redundancy — two PT6As, a stand-up cabin and the dispatch reliability that makes it a charter and corporate favourite. On safety the key divide is engines: the King Air offers two, the PC-12 and TBM lean on single-PT6A reliability and a proven single-engine record — different margins, all strong. Space, speed, or the security of a second engine.

Pick the King Air 200 if…

  • Budget matters — from $253,500 vs $2,572,000, you save ~$2,318,500.
  • Faster cruise — 272 kts vs 260 kts.
  • More inventory — 39 listings vs 11.

Pick the PC-12 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$900/hr vs $950/hr.
  • More seats — 10 vs 9.
  • Longer range — 1803 nm vs 1580 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1994 vs 1974.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the PC-12, TBM and King Air 200?
The PC-12 and TBM are single-engine turboprops — the PC-12 bigger and more versatile, the TBM faster — while the King Air 200 is a twin-engine turboprop with two PT6As and engine-out redundancy.
Which is fastest?
The TBM — it's the fastest single-engine turboprop. The King Air 200 and PC-12 cruise a bit slower but offer, respectively, twin redundancy and a much larger cabin.
Which has two engines?
The King Air 200 — its twin PT6As give engine-out redundancy. The PC-12 and TBM are single-engine, relying on PT6A reliability and single-engine handling.
Which is better, Beechcraft King Air 200 or Pilatus PC-12?
It depends on your mission and budget. The King Air 200 cruises at 272 kts with 1,580 nm range. The PC-12 cruises at 260 kts with 1,803 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft King Air 200: from $995,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft King Air 200 and Pilatus PC-12?
PC-12 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B (1200 hp). Seats: 9 vs 10. Cruise: 272 vs 260 kts. Range: 1580 vs 1803 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
King Air 200: about $950/hr variable cost. PC-12: about $900/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
King Air 200: 9 seats / 4,045 lb useful load. PC-12: 10 seats / 3,610 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
King Air 200: 3,600-hour TBO, overhaul ~$380,000. PC-12: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$500,000. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data