Piper M600 vs Pilatus PC-12

The Pilatus PC-12 (single-engine turboprop, ~280 kt, ~9-10 seats, large cabin with cargo door) and Piper M500/M600 (single-engine turboprop PA-46, ~262-274 kt, ~6 seats) are different-class single-turboprops — the PC-12 is the larger cabin-class machine; the Piper is the smaller cross- country turboprop.

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Piper M600 Pilatus PC-12
Piper M600
View 30 listings →
Median $2,939,000
Pilatus PC-12
View 26 listings →
Median $4,200,000
Price Range $2,179,000 – $4,414,112 $3,300,000 – $7,450,000
Category Single Engine Turboprop Single Engine Turboprop
Model Specifications
Seats 6 10
Cruise Speed 260 kts (482 km/h) 260 kts (482 km/h)
Range 1,484 nm (2,748 km) 1,803 nm (3,339 km)
Service Ceiling 30,000 ft (9,144 m) 30,000 ft (9,144 m)
Max Gross Weight 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) 10,450 lbs (4,740 kg)
Useful Load 1,822 lbs (826 kg) 3,610 lbs (1,637 kg)
Fuel Capacity 260.0 gal (984 L) 402.0 gal (1522 L)
Fuel Burn 40.0 GPH (151 L/h) 60.0 GPH (227 L/h)
TBO 3,500 hrs 3,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $350,000 $500,000
Annual Fixed $120,000 $180,000
Hourly Variable $750 $900
Engines 1 x Turboprop 1 x Turboprop

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Piper M600

Fuel$220/hr
Variable$750/hr
Annual Fixed$120,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $270,000/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 M600 or Pilatus PC-12?

Bottom line: Step up to the PC-12 when you need the larger cabin, nine-seat capacity, the cargo door and rough-strip capability. Choose the M500/M600 for materially lower acquisition cost and the six-seat cross-country mission — the practical owner-flown single-engine turboprop at PC-12-class cruise speeds. ================================================================ # SENECA × CESSNA / DIAMOND (4) ================================================================

Pick the M600 if…

  • Budget matters — from $2,179,000 vs $3,300,000, you save ~$1,121,000.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$750/hr vs $900/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 2016 vs 1994.
  • More inventory — 30 listings vs 26.

Pick the PC-12 if…

  • More seats — 10 vs 6.
  • Longer range — 1803 nm vs 1484 nm.

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 M600 or Pilatus PC-12?
It depends on your mission and budget. The M600 cruises at 260 kts with 1,484 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?
Piper M600: from $3,250,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper M600 and Pilatus PC-12?
PC-12 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B. Seats: 6 vs 10. Cruise: 260 vs 260 kts. Range: 1484 vs 1803 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
M600: about $750/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?
M600: 6 seats / 1,822 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?
M600: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000. 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