Piper Cheyenne vs Pilatus PC-12
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 | Piper Cheyenne | Pilatus PC-12 |
|---|---|---|
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|
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| Price Range | $495,000 – $1,514,887 | $3,300,000 – $7,450,000 |
| Category | Multi Engine Turboprop | Single Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 8 | 10 |
| Cruise Speed | 240 kts (444 km/h) | 260 kts (482 km/h) |
| Range | 1,400 nm (2,593 km) | 1,803 nm (3,339 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 31,000 ft (9,449 m) | 30,000 ft (9,144 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 9,050 lbs (4,105 kg) | 10,450 lbs (4,740 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,900 lbs (1,315 kg) | 3,610 lbs (1,637 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 365.0 gal (1382 L) | 402.0 gal (1522 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 55.0 GPH (208 L/h) | 60.0 GPH (227 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $300,000 | $500,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $100,000 | $180,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $650 | $900 |
| Engines | 2 x Turboprop | 1 x Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Cheyenne
Fuel$302/hr
Variable$650/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$230,000/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: Piper Cheyenne or Pilatus PC-12?
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 Cheyenne if…
- Budget matters — from $495,000 vs $3,300,000, you save ~$2,805,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$650/hr vs $900/hr.
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.
- More inventory — 26 listings vs 24.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Piper Cheyenne or Pilatus PC-12?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Cheyenne cruises at 240 kts with 1,400 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 Piper Cheyenne and Pilatus PC-12?
PC-12 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B.
Seats: 8 vs 10.
Cruise: 240 vs 260 kts.
Range: 1400 vs 1803 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Cheyenne: about $650/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?
Cheyenne: 8 seats / 2,900 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?
Cheyenne: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$300,000.
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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data