The True Operating Cost of Pilatus PC-12
The Pilatus PC-12 is the world's most versatile single-engine turboprop offering 10-seat capacity, exceptional 3,200 lb payload, and unmatched capability. Plan for $155,000–$195,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $1,550–$1,950 per hour. The PC-12 dominates mission-critical markets with unparalleled performance and reliability.
Quick Specs: Pilatus PC-12
| Specification | PC-12 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1 × Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67P (1,200 shp) |
| Fuel Burn | 70–85 gal/hr cruise |
| Cruise Speed | 220–260 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 35,000 ft |
| Useful Load | 3,200–3,600 lbs |
| Seats | 10 |
| Range | 1,600–1,950 nm |
TL;DR: Pilatus PC-12 Annual Operating Cost Summary
- Fixed costs: $42,000–$58,000/year (insurance $8,500–$12,000, hangar $18,000–$24,000, annuals $10,000–$14,000, crew)
- Variable costs at 100 hours: $113,000–$137,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
- Total at 100 hours: $155,000–$195,000/year (~$1,550–$1,950/hour)
- Finance a $5,500,000 PC-12: Add $62,000/month ($744,000/year) at 6.5% over 12 years
- At 50 hours: ~$98,500–$126,500/year (~$1,970–$2,530/hour)
- At 200 hours: ~$227,000–$283,000/year (~$1,135–$1,415/hour)
Single Turboprop Utility Operating Costs
Fixed Costs
- Insurance: $8,500–$12,000/year for $2,000,000–$2,800,000 hull
- Hangar: $18,000–$24,000/year (utility turboprop facility)
- Annual inspection: $10,000–$14,000 labor (mission capability)
- Crew training/proficiency: $4,000–$6,000/year
Variable Costs (per flight hour)
- Jet-A fuel: 77.5 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$426/hour
- Oil and lubricants: $10–$14/hour
- Engine reserve: $19–$24/hour ($70K ÷ 3,500 TBO)
- Mission equipment: $60–$90/hour
- Avionics/systems: $75–$110/hour
- Landing fees: $50–$200/landing
Jet Fuel & Operating Economics
Fuel Cost by Hours
| Annual Hours | Gallons Jet-A | Cost @ $5.50/gal | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 3,875 | $21,312 | $426 |
| 100 | 7,750 | $42,625 | $426 |
| 150 | 11,625 | $63,937 | $426 |
| 200 | 15,500 | $85,250 | $426 |
Maintenance & Engine Reserves
Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67P Engine
- PT6A-67P: 3,500 hours TBO
- Overhaul cost: $75,000–$95,000
- Engine reserve: $85,000 ÷ 3,500 = $24.29/hour
- Reliability: Proven turboprop with excellent support
Mission Turboprop Maintenance
- Mission system checks: $4,000–$6,000/year
- Hydraulic system: $2,000–$3,000/year
- Landing gear inspection: $1,500–$2,500/year
- Cargo system maintenance: $1,000–$1,500/year
- Budget: $110–$155/hour for all maintenance
Insurance & Storage
Turboprop Insurance
- $2,000,000 hull: $8,500–$10,500/year
- $2,800,000 hull: $11,000–$14,000/year
- Mission operations: +25–40% premium
Storage Costs
| Option | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Utility Turboprop Hangar | $1,500–$2,000 | $18,000–$24,000 |
| Tie-Down | $400–$700 | $4,800–$8,400 |
Annual Ownership Scenarios
Operating Cost (Not Financed)
| Hours/Year | Fixed | Variable | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $50,000 | $56,000 | $106,000 | $2,120 |
| 100 | $50,000 | $112,000 | $162,000 | $1,620 |
| 200 | $50,000 | $224,000 | $274,000 | $1,370 |
Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)
Assume $5,500,000 Pilatus PC-12, 6.5% APR, 12 years = $744,000/year debt service.
| Hours/Year | Operating | Finance | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | $162,000 | $744,000 | $906,000 | $9,060 |
| 200 | $274,000 | $744,000 | $1,018,000 | $5,090 |
Financing the Pilatus PC-12
- Purchase price: $4,500,000–$6,500,000
- Down payment: 15–20%
- Loan amount: $3,900,000–$5,600,000
- Term: 12–15 years
- APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
- Monthly payment: $58,000–$98,000
Lender Requirements: 650+ credit, mission experience, $500,000+ annual revenue, business plan, hull insurance $2M+. Lenders like JakenAviation support mission aircraft financing.
Pilatus PC-12 vs. Competitors
- vs. King Air C90: PC-12 single-engine; King Air twin-engine and larger
- vs. Cessna Grand Caravan: PC-12 pressurized; Caravan unpressurized single
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Sources: Pilatus Aircraft Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS