Beechcraft King Air 250 vs Pilatus PC-12

The Beechcraft King Air 250 and the Pilatus PC-12 are two cabin-class turboprops with a key difference — two engines or one. The King Air 250 is the winglet-equipped twin-turboprop with engine-out redundancy; the PC-12 the versatile single-engine hauler with a large cabin and lower operating cost. Where each trades now is below.

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
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 250Pilatus PC-12
All events—23
Serious—0
Fatal—12
Fatalities—53
% Fatal—52%
View full Beechcraft King Air 250 NTSB record →View full Pilatus PC-12 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Beechcraft King Air 250 Pilatus PC-12
Beechcraft King Air 250
View 21 listings →
Median $4,347,000
 Pilatus PC-12
View 10 listings →
Median $4,199,900
Price Range $3,853,800 – $4,840,200 $2,572,000 – $5,747,500
Category Multi Engine Turboprop Single Engine Turboprop
Model Specifications
Seats 10 10
Horsepower 850 HP 1,200 HP
Cruise Speed 310 kts (574 km/h) 260 kts (482 km/h)
Range 1,720 nm (3,185 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 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg) 3,610 lbs (1,637 kg)
Fuel Capacity — 402.0 gal (1522 L)
Fuel Burn 105.0 GPH (397 L/h) 60.0 GPH (227 L/h)
TBO 3,600 hrs 3,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $400,000 $500,000
Annual Fixed $200,000 $180,000
Hourly Variable $1,100 $900
Engines 2 x Turboprop 1 x Turboprop

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Beechcraft 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

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 250 or Pilatus PC-12?

Bottom line: Choose the King Air 250 for twin-engine redundancy and performance — two PT6As, composite winglets for hot-and-high capability and a proven cabin. Choose the PC-12 for single-engine versatility and value — a large cabin, a big cargo door and lower operating cost than a twin. On safety the key divide is engines: the King Air offers two for engine-out redundancy, the PC-12 leans on proven single-PT6A reliability and a strong record — different margins, both strong. Twin redundancy, or single-engine versatility and value.

Pick the King Air 250 if…

  • Faster cruise — 310 kts vs 260 kts.
  • Newer design — production from 2011 vs 1994.
  • More inventory — 21 listings vs 10.

Pick the PC-12 if…

  • Budget matters — from $2,572,000 vs $3,853,800, you save ~$1,281,800.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$900/hr vs $1100/hr.
  • Longer range — 1803 nm vs 1720 nm.

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 King Air 250 and PC-12?
The King Air 250 is a twin-engine turboprop with winglets and engine-out redundancy; the PC-12 a single-engine turboprop with a large cabin and lower operating cost. Two engines versus one is the core difference.
Which has two engines?
The King Air 250 — its twin PT6As add redundancy valued for charter and over-water work. The PC-12 is single-engine.
Which costs less to operate?
Generally the PC-12 — one engine means lower fuel and maintenance than the King Air's two, which buys redundancy and hot-and-high performance.
Which is better, Beechcraft King Air 250 or Pilatus PC-12?
It depends on your mission and budget. The King Air 250 cruises at 310 kts with 1,720 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 Beechcraft King Air 250 and Pilatus PC-12?
PC-12 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B (1200 hp). Cruise: 310 vs 260 kts. Range: 1720 vs 1803 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
King Air 250: about $1100/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 250: 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?
King Air 250: 3,600-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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data