Cessna 208B Grand Caravan vs Pilatus PC-12
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 208B Grand Caravan
No active listings right now.
Pilatus PC-12
- For sale now
- 65
- Median asking
- $4,199,900
- Range
- $2,572,000–$5,747,500
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 32
- Source marketplaces
- 6
- 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 208B Grand Caravan | Pilatus PC-12 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 23 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 12 |
| Fatalities | — | 53 |
| % Fatal | — | 52% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 208B Grand Caravan | Pilatus PC-12 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $1,395,000 – $3,700,000 | $2,572,000 – $5,747,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Turboprop | Single Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 14 | 10 |
| Horsepower | 675 HP | 1,200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 175 kts (324 km/h) | 260 kts (482 km/h) |
| Range | 912 nm (1,689 km) | 1,803 nm (3,339 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 30,000 ft (9,144 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 8,750 lbs (3,969 kg) | 10,450 lbs (4,740 kg) |
| Useful Load | 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) | 3,610 lbs (1,637 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 335.0 gal (1268 L) | 402.0 gal (1522 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 55.0 GPH (208 L/h) | 60.0 GPH (227 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $400,000 | $500,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $130,000 | $180,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $750 | $900 |
| Engines | 1 x Turboprop | 1 x Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 208B Grand Caravan
Fuel$302/hr
Variable$750/hr
Annual Fixed$130,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$280,000/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 208B Grand Caravan or Pilatus PC-12?
Pick the 208B Grand Caravan if…
- Budget matters — from $1,395,000 vs $2,572,000, you save ~$1,177,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$750/hr vs $900/hr.
- More seats — 14 vs 10.
- More inventory — 46 listings vs 6.
Pick the PC-12 if…
- Faster cruise — 260 kts vs 175 kts.
- Longer range — 1803 nm vs 912 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1994 vs 1986.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna 208B Grand Caravan or Pilatus PC-12?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 208B Grand Caravan cruises at 175 kts with 912 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 208B Grand Caravan and Pilatus PC-12?
208B Grand Caravan engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PT6A-114A (675 hp).
PC-12 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B (1200 hp).
Seats: 14 vs 10.
Cruise: 175 vs 260 kts.
Range: 912 vs 1803 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
208B Grand Caravan: about $750/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?
208B Grand Caravan: 14 seats / 4,000 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?
208B Grand Caravan: 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