Aircraft guide
Pilatus PC-12 Charter Cost and Specs
Part of the Turboprop category. Browse all aircraft models.
At a glance
Seating, speed, range, and cost
Typical passengers
Usually six to eight passengers depending on the interior.
Cruise speed
~280 kt
Planning range
~1000 nm
Hourly cost range
$1,600 to $3,200
Charter planning
How this type shows up on quotes
- The PC-12 is a common turboprop on short fields and regional corridors where the large cargo door matters—golf bags, bikes, or bulky luggage that will not fit a VLJ.
- Single-engine turboprop economics sit in the same hourly band as twin turboprops on this site; confirm operator insurance and client policies if your company restricts single-engine charter.
- Not a substitute for jet speed on three-hour-plus legs. Operators swap to light jet when block time and passenger count exceed turboprop comfort.
Methodology
Methodology and sources
Every figure on this page is a planning estimate, not a quote. We do not track live aircraft availability or market prices.
This model page uses the same category hourly band as other aircraft in its class. The notes here describe how this type is typically used in charter; a specific tail, year of manufacture, and operator can price above or below the band.
A final invoice can move up or down based on aircraft availability, repositioning, taxes, federal excise tax and segment fees, landing and FBO or handling fees, crew overnights and duty limits, de-icing, fuel surcharges, international permits and customs, and peak demand.
Use the range to compare aircraft, routes, or access models before you speak with a licensed operator or broker.
Sources and reference points
Estimates here are cross-checked against public and industry reference material for structure and terminology, not scraped from live charter pricing feeds.
- 14 CFR Part 135 (eCFR)
Federal operating rules for on-demand charter and commuter operations in the United States.
- FAA
U.S. aviation safety, certification, and operator oversight relevant to private and charter flying.
- NBAA (National Business Aviation Association)
Industry context on business aviation operations, access models, and planning.
- IRS Form 720 (excise tax filings)
How federal excise taxes on transportation are reported; many domestic charters include FET on the invoice.
- NBAA aircraft operating information
High-level industry framing for how aircraft categories are used in business aviation.
- FAA airport operations
How airports are run; landing, ramp, and FBO handling fees are set locally, not by this site.
Category hourly bands and aircraft notes reflect typical charter market structure and published aircraft class characteristics—not quotes for a specific tail. Drafting may use AI-assisted tools. A human reviews every page before publish: airport codes, distances, regulatory references, and the rule that estimates are not quotes. We strip templated filler phrases at render time on route pages and block new content that reuses them in CI. Editorial policy.
Last reviewed May 2026. Pricing assumptions are broad planning ranges and should be confirmed with a licensed operator or broker.
Use
What this aircraft is used for
The Pilatus PC-12 is a single engine turboprop prized for its versatility, short field ability, and efficient operating cost on regional trips.
Commonly configured for six to eight passengers with a large cargo door for bulky baggage.
Best uses
Best route types
- Short regional trips
- Access to small or remote airports
- Cost conscious flights that do not need jet speed
Tradeoffs
Limitations to keep in mind
- Slower than jets, so longer flights take more time
- Single engine design, though it has a strong safety record in service
- Limited range for long trips
Comfortable for short and medium regional legs.
Alternatives
Similar aircraft and categories
Common questions
Why is the PC-12 so popular?
It combines low operating cost, a roomy cabin for a turboprop, short field capability, and access to small airports, which suits a wide range of regional trips.
Is a single engine turboprop safe for charter?
The PC-12 has a strong safety record and is widely operated in charter. As always, choose a reputable operator and confirm their standards.
How many passengers does a PC-12 seat?
Typically six to eight, with a large door that helps with oversized baggage.
Routes this aircraft commonly flies
- New York to NantucketShort hop from Teterboro to ACK: minimum hours, summer ramp limits, turboprop versus jet, and when private beats the ferry.
- New York to The HamptonsPlanning charter cost range, aircraft fit, and routing notes for New York to The Hamptons.
- Los Angeles to Las VegasPlanning charter cost range, aircraft fit, and routing notes for Los Angeles to Las Vegas.
Estimate a trip on this aircraft
- Charter CostFree private jet flight cost calculator: estimate charter cost from flight time, aircraft category, trip type, and extras. Planning ranges only—not quotes.
- Aircraft Hourly RateSee planning hourly rate ranges by aircraft category and estimate a flight cost from hours, with a reference table across all categories.
- Split CostSee per person and per group cost when a group shares a single private charter, including host subsidies.
- AircraftCompare aircraft categories by passengers, speed, range, and planning hourly cost.
Last reviewed May 2026. Estimates use planning assumptions that we revisit periodically.