Cessna 208 vs Pilatus PC-12

The Cessna Caravan, Pilatus PC-12 and Daher TBM are three single-engine turboprops built for very different jobs — the rugged utility Caravan, the versatile cabin-class PC-12 and the fast, sleek TBM. The Caravan is the unpressurised workhorse for cargo and floats, the PC-12 the pressurised do-everything hauler, and the TBM the pressurised speedster. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna 208

No active listings right now.

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)Cessna 208Pilatus PC-12
All events33223
Serious280
Fatal11512
Fatalities39253
% Fatal35%52%
View full Cessna 208 NTSB record →View full Pilatus PC-12 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 208 Pilatus PC-12
Cessna 208
View 26 listings →
Median $2,395,000
 Pilatus PC-12
View 11 listings →
Median $4,199,900
Price Range $1,395,000 – $3,300,000 $2,572,000 – $5,747,500
Category Single Engine Turboprop Single Engine Turboprop
Model Specifications
Seats 10 10
Horsepower 675 HP 1,200 HP
Cruise Speed 170 kts (315 km/h) 260 kts (482 km/h)
Range 1,070 nm (1,982 km) 1,803 nm (3,339 km)
Service Ceiling 25,000 ft (7,620 m) 30,000 ft (9,144 m)
Max Gross Weight 8,000 lbs (3,629 kg) 10,450 lbs (4,740 kg)
Useful Load 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg) 3,610 lbs (1,637 kg)
Fuel Capacity 335.0 gal (1268 L) 402.0 gal (1522 L)
Fuel Burn 50.0 GPH (189 L/h) 60.0 GPH (227 L/h)
TBO 3,500 hrs 3,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $400,000 $500,000
Annual Fixed $120,000 $180,000
Hourly Variable $700 $900
Engines 1 x Turboprop 1 x Turboprop

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 208

Fuel$275/hr
Variable$700/hr
Annual Fixed$120,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $260,000/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: Cessna 208 or Pilatus PC-12?

Bottom line: Choose the Caravan for rugged utility — an unpressurised hauler that thrives on cargo, floats and rough strips at the lowest operating cost. Choose the PC-12 for pressurised versatility — a large cabin and cargo door for passengers or freight in comfort. Choose the TBM for speed — a pressurised single that gets a few people somewhere fast. On safety all three rely on PT6A reliability; the Caravan is unpressurised (lower-altitude work), while the PC-12 and TBM cruise pressurised — a mission difference, not a safety gap. Rugged utility, pressurised versatility, or speed.

Pick the 208 if…

  • Budget matters — from $1,395,000 vs $2,572,000, you save ~$1,177,000.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$700/hr vs $900/hr.
  • More inventory — 26 listings vs 11.

Pick the PC-12 if…

  • Faster cruise — 260 kts vs 170 kts.
  • Longer range — 1803 nm vs 1070 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1994 vs 1984.

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 Caravan, PC-12 and TBM?
The Caravan is an unpressurised utility hauler; the PC-12 a large pressurised cabin-class single; the TBM a fast pressurised single. They serve cargo/utility, versatile transport, and speed respectively.
Which is pressurised?
The PC-12 and TBM; the Caravan is not, so it works lower and is favoured for cargo, skydiving and float operations.
Which is fastest?
The TBM — the fastest single turboprop. The PC-12 is mid; the Caravan is the slowest but the toughest utility platform.
Which is better, Cessna 208 or Pilatus PC-12?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 208 cruises at 170 kts with 1,070 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?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 208 and Pilatus PC-12?
208 engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PT-6A-114 (675 hp). PC-12 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B (1200 hp). Cruise: 170 vs 260 kts. Range: 1070 vs 1803 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
208: about $700/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?
208: 10 seats / 3,300 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?
208: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000. 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