The True Operating Cost of Pilatus PC-12 NGX
The Pilatus PC-12 NGX is a premium single-engine turboprop offering 9-seat capacity, exceptional payload, and proven reliability. Plan for $138,000–$180,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $1,380–$1,800 per hour. The PC-12 NGX dominates high-payload turboprop markets.
Quick Specs: Pilatus PC-12 NGX
| Specification | PC-12 NGX |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1 × Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67P (1,200 shp) |
| Fuel Burn | 52–62 gal/hr cruise |
| Cruise Speed | 210–250 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 32,000 ft |
| Useful Load | 3,600–4,200 lbs |
| Seats | 9 |
| Range | 1,800–2,400 nm |
TL;DR: Pilatus PC-12 NGX Annual Operating Cost Summary
- Fixed costs: $52,000–$68,000/year (insurance $22,000–$32,000, hangar $22,000–$28,000, annuals $8,000–$11,000, training)
- Variable costs at 100 hours: $86,000–$112,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
- Total at 100 hours: $138,000–$180,000/year (~$1,380–$1,800/hour)
- Finance an $8,500,000 PC-12 NGX: Add $123,600/month ($1,483,200/year) at 6.5% over 10 years
- At 50 hours: ~$95,000–$124,000/year (~$1,900–$2,480/hour)
- At 200 hours: ~$224,000–$292,000/year (~$1,120–$1,460/hour)
Premium Turboprop Operating Costs
Fixed Costs
- Insurance: $22,000–$32,000/year for $4.5M–$6.5M hull
- Hangar: $22,000–$28,000/year (turboprop facility)
- Annual inspection: $8,000–$11,000 labor
- Crew training: $5,000–$7,000/year
Variable Costs (per flight hour)
- Jet-A fuel: 57 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$313/hour
- Oil and lubricants: $12–$18/hour
- Engine reserves: $28–$37/hour ($97K ÷ 3,000 TBO)
- Maintenance: $45–$70/hour
- Landing fees: $40–$100/landing
- Avionics: $25–$40/hour
Jet Fuel & Operating Economics
Fuel Cost by Hours
| Annual Hours | Gallons Jet-A | Cost @ $5.50/gal | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 2,850 | $15,675 | $313 |
| 100 | 5,700 | $31,350 | $313 |
| 150 | 8,550 | $47,025 | $313 |
| 200 | 11,400 | $62,700 | $313 |
Maintenance & Engine Reserves
Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67P
- PT6A-67P: 3,000 hours TBO
- Overhaul cost: $110,000–$140,000
- Engine reserve: $125,000 ÷ 3,000 = $41.67/hour
- Reliability: Proven high-power turboprop
Premium Turboprop Maintenance
- Engine system checks: $8,000–$12,000/year
- Fuel system maintenance: $3,000–$5,000/year
- Landing gear service: $2,500–$4,000/year
- Avionics: $2,000–$3,500/year
- Budget: $80–$120/hour for all maintenance
Insurance & Storage
Premium Turboprop Insurance
- $4,500,000 hull: $22,000–$28,000/year
- $6,500,000 hull: $30,000–$38,000/year
- Business operations: +15–25% premium
Storage Costs
| Option | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Hangar | $1,800–$2,400 | $21,600–$28,800 |
| Tie-Down | $500–$800 | $6,000–$9,600 |
Annual Ownership Scenarios
Operating Cost (Not Financed)
| Hours/Year | Fixed | Variable | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $60,000 | $47,000 | $107,000 | $2,140 |
| 100 | $60,000 | $94,000 | $154,000 | $1,540 |
| 200 | $60,000 | $188,000 | $248,000 | $1,240 |
Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)
Assume $8,500,000 Pilatus PC-12 NGX, 6.5% APR, 10 years = $1,483,200/year.
| Hours/Year | Operating | Finance | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | $154,000 | $1,483,200 | $1,637,200 | $16,372 |
| 200 | $248,000 | $1,483,200 | $1,731,200 | $8,656 |
Financing the Pilatus PC-12 NGX
- Purchase price: $7,500,000–$10,000,000
- Down payment: 15–20%
- Loan amount: $6,200,000–$8,500,000
- Term: 10–15 years
- APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
- Monthly payment: $107,000–$250,000
Lender Requirements: 680+ credit, aviation experience, $1,000,000+ net worth, detailed flight plan, hull insurance $4.5M+. Lenders like JakenAviation support turboprop financing.
Pilatus PC-12 NGX vs. Competitors
- vs. Socata TBM 900: PC-12 NGX higher payload; TBM 900 faster
- vs. Daher Kodiak 900: PC-12 NGX more speed; Kodiak 900 bush utility
Get prequalified for turboprop financing »
Sources: Pilatus Aircraft Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS