Pilatus PC-12 Classic early seriesPhoto: Sbscottw (talk) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · representative variant
Indicative 2001 market price€2.41m€2.88m
Estimated annual cost at 80 h€295k
Five-year cash outlay€4.09m

Key figures

Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.

Seats8
Realistic payload with mission fuel630 kg
Advertised range892 nm
Practical planning radius (4 people)598 nm
Cruise speed268 kt
Runway need~700 m
PressurisedYes
FuelJet A-1
Fixed annual base€131k
Direct cost per flight hour1200

The ownership trade-off

The PC-12 combines 8-seat turboprop capability with about 892 NM reported range and about 268 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.

Cost picture at different usage

  • 40 hours/year: about €247k per year ( €6163 per flight hour all-in)
  • 80 hours/year: about €295k per year ( €3681 per flight hour all-in)
  • 120 hours/year: about €343k per year ( €2854 per flight hour all-in)
  • 180 hours/year: about €415k per year ( €2303 per flight hour all-in)

Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €250k per year at 80 hours. Condition, engine time remaining and avionics matter more than the year itself — price the aircraft in front of you, not the model.

Where it fits well

  • 268 kt cruise supports fast regional travel.
  • 892 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 598 nm with 4 occupants.
  • 630 kg realistic payload proxy and 8 seats define the usable cabin mission.

Limitations to price honestly

  • The PC-12 combines 8-seat turboprop capability with about 892 NM reported range and about 268 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
  • €131k fixed annual planning base before flying a single hour.
  • Approximate 700 m take-off requirement must be checked against runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading.

Recommended missions

  • Family and small-group touring with a weight-and-balance check for every trip.
  • Short and medium regional trips, accepting fuel stops when conditions require.
  • Time-sensitive business travel where dispatch reliability justifies the cost.

Similar aircraft to consider