Pilatus PC-12 vs Pilatus PC-12/47

Buying a Pilatus PC-12 means choosing between the legacy PC-12 and the PC-12 NG — the same do-everything single-engine turboprop, separated mainly by the cockpit and a power bump. Both are large-cabin SETPs with the Pilatus hallmarks: a big cargo door, rugged unpaved-strip capability and the proven Pratt & Whitney PT6A. The NG (from 2008) brought a Honeywell glass cockpit, more power and a refreshed cabin. (The later PC-12 NGX, from 2019, is a separate, newer model again — not the same as the NG.) The current market — asking prices and how many are out there — is below.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Pilatus PC-12
For sale now
65
Median asking
$4,199,900
Range
$2,572,000–$5,747,500
Model years available
1995–2024
Pilatus PC-12/47
For sale now
93
Median asking
$4,250,000
Range
$2,180,000–$4,520,750
Model years available
2006–2019

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)Pilatus PC-12Pilatus PC-12/47
All events232
Serious00
Fatal122
Fatalities533
% Fatal52%100%
View full Pilatus PC-12 NTSB record →View full Pilatus PC-12/47 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Pilatus PC-12 Pilatus PC-12/47
Pilatus PC-12
View 11 listings →
Median $4,199,900
 Pilatus PC-12/47
View 15 listings →
Median $4,250,000
Price Range $2,572,000 – $5,747,500 $2,180,000 – $4,520,750
Category Single Engine Turboprop Single Engine Turboprop
Model Specifications
Seats 10 10
Horsepower 1,200 HP 1,200 HP
Cruise Speed 260 kts (482 km/h) 280 kts (519 km/h)
Range 1,803 nm (3,339 km) 1,845 nm (3,417 km)
Service Ceiling 30,000 ft (9,144 m) 30,000 ft (9,144 m)
Max Gross Weight 10,450 lbs (4,740 kg) 10,450 lbs (4,740 kg)
Useful Load 3,610 lbs (1,637 kg) 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg)
Fuel Capacity 402.0 gal (1522 L) —
Fuel Burn 60.0 GPH (227 L/h) 65.0 GPH (246 L/h)
TBO 3,500 hrs —
Overhaul Cost $500,000 —
Annual Fixed $180,000 —
Hourly Variable $900 —
Engines 1 x Turboprop 1 x Turboprop

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Pilatus PC-12

Fuel$330/hr
Variable$900/hr
Annual Fixed$180,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $360,000/yr

Pilatus PC-12/47

Fuel$358/hr

Which Should You Buy: Pilatus PC-12 or Pilatus PC-12/47?

Bottom line: Choose the legacy PC-12 to get into Pilatus's do-everything turboprop for less — the same rugged airframe, cavernous cabin and short-field versatility that built the type's reputation. Choose the PC-12 NG for the modern flight deck: its Honeywell glass cockpit with synthetic vision sharpens situational awareness, and the power increase helps in heat and at altitude. On safety both share the PC-12's strong single-engine record and PT6A reliability — the NG's advance is the avionics and the awareness they bring, not the airframe. It comes to the same trusted single, with the panel and power of the newer era, or the value of the original.

Pick the PC-12 if…

Pick the PC-12/47 if…

  • Budget matters — from $2,180,000 vs $2,572,000, you save ~$392,000.
  • Faster cruise — 280 kts vs 260 kts.
  • Longer range — 1845 nm vs 1803 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2006 vs 1994.
  • More inventory — 15 listings vs 11.

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 PC-12 and the PC-12 NG?
The NG (from 2008) added a Honeywell glass cockpit, a more powerful PT6A and an updated cabin. The airframe, big cargo door and short-field capability are shared; the panel and power are the main upgrades.
Is the PC-12 NG faster?
Modestly — the NG's extra power lifts cruise and hot-and-high performance somewhat, but both cruise in a similar range. The bigger practical change is the modern avionics.
Is a single-engine PC-12 safe for the missions it flies?
The PC-12 has an excellent single-engine record built on PT6A turbine reliability and a design meant for single-engine operations over varied terrain; it is widely used for passenger, cargo and air-ambulance work. Proper training and maintenance remain essential.
Which is better, Pilatus PC-12 or Pilatus PC-12/47?
It depends on your mission and budget. The PC-12 cruises at 260 kts with 1,803 nm range. The PC-12/47 cruises at 280 kts with 1,845 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 Pilatus PC-12 and Pilatus PC-12/47?
PC-12 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B (1200 hp). Cruise: 260 vs 280 kts. Range: 1803 vs 1845 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
PC-12: 10 seats / 3,610 lb useful load. PC-12/47: 10 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?
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