Pilatus PC-12 vs Piper Cheyenne
The Pilatus PC-12 (single-engine turboprop, ~280 kt, pressurised cabin-class) and Piper Cheyenne (twin-turboprop, ~280 kt, pressurised) are direct cabin-class turboprop competitors — single vs twin.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Pilatus PC-12 | Piper Cheyenne |
|---|---|---|
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|
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| Price Range | $3,300,000 – $7,450,000 | $495,000 – $1,514,887 |
| Category | Single Engine Turboprop | Multi Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 8 |
| Cruise Speed | 260 kts (482 km/h) | 240 kts (444 km/h) |
| Range | 1,803 nm (3,339 km) | 1,400 nm (2,593 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 30,000 ft (9,144 m) | 31,000 ft (9,449 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 10,450 lbs (4,740 kg) | 9,050 lbs (4,105 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,610 lbs (1,637 kg) | 2,900 lbs (1,315 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 402.0 gal (1522 L) | 365.0 gal (1382 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 60.0 GPH (227 L/h) | 55.0 GPH (208 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $500,000 | $300,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $180,000 | $100,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $900 | $650 |
| 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
Piper Cheyenne
Fuel$302/hr
Variable$650/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$230,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Pilatus PC-12 or Piper Cheyenne?
Bottom line: Choose the PC-12 for single-engine economics, modern systems, the unique cargo door and class-leading dispatch reliability. Choose the Cheyenne only when twin-engine redundancy matters more than operating cost — accepting the Cheyenne's out-of-production status and thinner support.
Pick the PC-12 if…
- More seats — 10 vs 8.
- Faster cruise — 260 kts vs 240 kts.
- Longer range — 1803 nm vs 1400 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1994 vs 1974.
Pick the Cheyenne if…
- Budget matters — from $495,000 vs $3,300,000, you save ~$2,805,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$650/hr vs $900/hr.
- More inventory — 24 listings vs 18.
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 Piper Cheyenne?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The PC-12 cruises at 260 kts with 1,803 nm range.
The Cheyenne cruises at 240 kts with 1,400 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Cheyenne: from $1,514,887.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Pilatus PC-12 and Piper Cheyenne?
PC-12 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B.
Seats: 10 vs 8.
Cruise: 260 vs 240 kts.
Range: 1803 vs 1400 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
PC-12: about $900/hr variable cost.
Cheyenne: about $650/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.
Cheyenne: 8 seats / 2,900 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.
Cheyenne: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$300,000.
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