Pilatus PC-12 vs Beechcraft King Air 250
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Pilatus PC-12 | Beechcraft King Air 250 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $3,300,000 – $7,450,000 | $3,799,000 – $4,895,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Turboprop | Multi Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 10 |
| Horsepower | — | 850 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 260 kts (482 km/h) | 310 kts (574 km/h) |
| Range | 1,803 nm (3,339 km) | 1,720 nm (3,185 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 30,000 ft (9,144 m) | 35,000 ft (10,668 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 10,450 lbs (4,740 kg) | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,610 lbs (1,637 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 402.0 gal (1522 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 60.0 GPH (227 L/h) | 105.0 GPH (397 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | 3,600 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $500,000 | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $180,000 | $200,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $900 | $1,100 |
| Engines | 1 x Turboprop | 2 x Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePilatus PC-12
Fuel$330/hr
Variable$900/hr
Annual Fixed$180,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$360,000/yr
Beechcraft King Air 250
Fuel$578/hr
Variable$1,100/hr
Annual Fixed$200,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$420,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Pilatus PC-12 or Beechcraft King Air 250?
Pick the PC-12 if…
- Budget matters — from $3,300,000 vs $3,799,000, you save ~$499,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$900/hr vs $1100/hr.
- Longer range — 1803 nm vs 1720 nm.
Pick the King Air 250 if…
- Faster cruise — 310 kts vs 260 kts.
- Newer design — production from 2011 vs 1994.
- More inventory — 27 listings vs 26.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Pilatus PC-12 or Beechcraft King Air 250?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The PC-12 cruises at 260 kts with 1,803 nm range.
The King Air 250 cruises at 310 kts with 1,720 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft King Air 250: from $3,799,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Pilatus PC-12 and Beechcraft King Air 250?
PC-12 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B.
Cruise: 260 vs 310 kts.
Range: 1803 vs 1720 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
PC-12: about $900/hr variable cost.
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?
PC-12: 10 seats / 3,610 lb useful load.
King Air 250: 10 seats.
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?
PC-12: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$500,000.
King Air 250: 3,600-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000.
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