Pilatus PC-12 vs Piper M600

The Pilatus PC-12 and the Piper M600 are two single-engine turboprops at different ends — the large-cabin PC-12 and the compact, owner-flown M600. The PC-12 is the do-everything hauler; the M600 a smaller, lower-cost owner-flown turboprop with a modern wing and, on SLS models, emergency autoland. Where each trades now 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
Piper M600
For sale now
27
Median asking
$2,939,000
Range
$2,339,500–$3,832,056
Model years available
2016–2026

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-12Piper M600
All events23—
Serious0—
Fatal12—
Fatalities53—
% Fatal52%—
View full Pilatus PC-12 NTSB record →View full Piper M600 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Pilatus PC-12 Piper M600
Pilatus PC-12
View 11 listings →
Median $4,199,900
 Piper M600
View 28 listings →
Median $2,939,000
Price Range $2,572,000 – $5,747,500 $2,339,500 – $3,832,056
Category Single Engine Turboprop Single Engine Turboprop
Model Specifications
Seats 10 6
Horsepower 1,200 HP 600 HP
Cruise Speed 260 kts (482 km/h) 274 kts (507 km/h)
Range 1,803 nm (3,339 km) 1,484 nm (2,748 km)
Service Ceiling 30,000 ft (9,144 m) 30,000 ft (9,144 m)
Max Gross Weight 10,450 lbs (4,740 kg) 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg)
Useful Load 3,610 lbs (1,637 kg) 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg)
Fuel Capacity 402.0 gal (1522 L) 260.0 gal (984 L)
Fuel Burn 60.0 GPH (227 L/h) 40.0 GPH (151 L/h)
TBO 3,500 hrs 3,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $500,000 $350,000
Annual Fixed $180,000 $120,000
Hourly Variable $900 $750
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

Piper M600

Fuel$220/hr
Variable$750/hr
Annual Fixed$120,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $270,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Pilatus PC-12 or Piper M600?

Bottom line: Choose the PC-12 for space and versatility — a large cabin, a big cargo door and the payload for people or freight. Choose the M600 for owner-flown value — compact, lower-cost and easy single-pilot, with a modern wing and Garmin Emergency Autoland on SLS models. On safety both lean on single-PT6A reliability; the M600 SLS adds Garmin autoland, the PC-12 leans on its proven record — both strong. Do-everything cabin, or owner-flown value with autoland.

Pick the PC-12 if…

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

Pick the M600 if…

  • Budget matters — from $2,339,500 vs $2,572,000, you save ~$232,500.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$750/hr vs $900/hr.
  • Faster cruise — 274 kts vs 260 kts.
  • Newer design — production from 2016 vs 1994.
  • More inventory — 28 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 M600?
The PC-12 is a large, versatile single-engine turboprop; the M600 a compact, lower-cost owner-flown one with a modern wing and (SLS) autoland. The PC-12 carries far more; the M600 is cheaper and simpler.
Which carries more?
The PC-12 — a much larger cabin and cargo door. The M600 is a compact six-seat turboprop for owner-pilots.
Does the M600 have autoland?
Yes — M600 SLS models include Garmin Emergency Autoland. The PC-12 does not offer it on most models.
Which is better, Pilatus PC-12 or Piper M600?
It depends on your mission and budget. The PC-12 cruises at 260 kts with 1,803 nm range. The M600 cruises at 274 kts with 1,484 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper M600: from $3,200,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Pilatus PC-12 and Piper M600?
PC-12 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B (1200 hp). Seats: 10 vs 6. Cruise: 260 vs 274 kts. Range: 1803 vs 1484 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
PC-12: about $900/hr variable cost. M600: about $750/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. M600: 6 seats / 2,400 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. M600: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000. 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