Beechcraft King Air 250 vs Pilatus PC-12/45
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Beechcraft King Air 250
- For sale now
- 20
- Model years available
- 2011–2020
Pilatus PC-12/45
- For sale now
- 24
- Model years available
- 1995–2016
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 250 | Pilatus PC-12/45 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 15 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 8 |
| Fatalities | — | 34 |
| % Fatal | — | 53% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft King Air 250 | Pilatus PC-12/45 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $3,853,800 – $4,840,200 | $2,486,000 – $3,737,500 |
| Category | Multi Engine Turboprop | Single Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 12 |
| Horsepower | 850 HP | 1,200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 310 kts (574 km/h) | 261 kts (483 km/h) |
| Range | 1,720 nm (3,185 km) | 1,604 nm (2,971 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 35,000 ft (10,668 m) | 30,000 ft (9,144 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 9,920 lbs (4,500 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg) | 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 105.0 GPH (397 L/h) | 65.0 GPH (246 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,600 hrs | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $400,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $200,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $1,100 | — |
| Engines | 2 x Turboprop | 1 x Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft King Air 250
Fuel$578/hr
Variable$1,100/hr
Annual Fixed$200,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$420,000/yr
Pilatus PC-12/45
Fuel$358/hr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft King Air 250 or Pilatus PC-12/45?
Pick the King Air 250 if…
- Faster cruise — 310 kts vs 261 kts.
- Longer range — 1720 nm vs 1604 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2011 vs 1996.
Pick the PC-12/45 if…
- Budget matters — from $2,486,000 vs $3,853,800, you save ~$1,367,800.
- More seats — 12 vs 10.
- More inventory — 25 listings vs 21.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Beechcraft King Air 250 or Pilatus PC-12/45?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The King Air 250 cruises at 310 kts with 1,720 nm range.
The PC-12/45 cruises at 261 kts with 1,604 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Pilatus PC-12/45: from $2,995,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft King Air 250 and Pilatus PC-12/45?
PC-12/45 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B (1200 hp).
Seats: 10 vs 12.
Cruise: 310 vs 261 kts.
Range: 1720 vs 1604 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
King Air 250: about $1100/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 250: 10 seats / 3,300 lb useful load.
PC-12/45: 12 seats / 4,000 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 250: 3,600-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000.
PC-12/45: 3,500-hour TBO.
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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data