What is the annual operating cost of a Pilatus PC-12?

For 100 hours/year, expect $105,000–$130,000 in total operating costs. Pressurized single-engine turboprops offer altitude, efficiency, and versatility; costs reflect premium turboprop economics.

How much fuel does Pilatus PC-12 burn?

Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67P burns 55–70 gal/hr cruise. Jet-A at $5.50/gal ranges $302–$385/hour.

What is Pilatus PC-12 engine TBO?

PT6A-67P: 3,500 hours TBO; $65,000–$80,000 overhaul. Engine reserve $18–$23/hour.

How much does Pilatus PC-12 insurance cost?

Annual insurance: $7,500–$11,500 for $1,500,000–$1,800,000 hull with 500+ pilot hours.

Can you finance a Pilatus PC-12?

Yes. A $1,200,000 PC-12 at 6.5% APR over 10 years costs ~$17,700/month ($212,400/year).

What is Pilatus PC-12 pressurization?

Maximum altitude 30,000 ft. Full pressurization, 9-seat capacity. Excellent for high-altitude operations.

How does PC-12 compare to Cessna Caravan?

PC-12 pressurized and faster; Caravan unpressurized workhorse. PC-12 premium touring/corporate; Caravan commercial cargo.

What is Pilatus PC-12 TCO with financing?

At 100 hours/year: ~$317,000–$342,000 annually (operating + debt). By year 11 (loan paid): ~$105,000–$130,000/year.

What maintenance does PC-12 require?

Annual inspections $6,000–$9,000, pressurization maintenance $2,500–$4,000/year. Budget $70–$95/hour maintenance.

Is Pilatus PC-12 good for corporate transport?

Yes. Ideal for corporate and medical transport. Pressurization, speed, and range justify premium positioning.

The True Operating Cost of Pilatus PC-12

The Pilatus PC-12 is a premium pressurized single-engine turboprop offering nine-seat capacity, 30,000-foot altitude, and exceptional performance. Plan for $105,000–$130,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $1,050–$1,300 per hour. The PC-12 delivers pressurized comfort, speed, and reliability for corporate, medical, and serious business operators.

Quick Specs: Pilatus PC-12 NGX

Specification	PC-12 NGX
Engine	1 × Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67P (1,200 shp turboprop)
Fuel Burn	55–70 gal/hr cruise
Cruise Speed	200–230 mph
Service Ceiling	30,000 ft
Useful Load	3,200–3,600 lbs
Seats	9 (flexible)
Range	1,800–2,100 nm

TL;DR: Pilatus PC-12 Annual Operating Cost Summary

Fixed costs: $50,000–$62,000/year (insurance $7,500–$11,500, hangar $12,000–$14,000, annuals $5,000–$7,000, pressurization)
Variable costs at 100 hours: $55,000–$68,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
Total at 100 hours: $105,000–$130,000/year (~$1,050–$1,300/hour)
Finance a $1,200,000 PC-12: Add $17,700/month ($212,400/year) at 6.5% over 10 years
At 50 hours: ~$87,500–$107,000/year (~$1,750–$2,140/hour)
At 200 hours: ~$160,000–$198,000/year (~$800–$990/hour)

Premium Pressurized Turboprop Operating Costs

Fixed Costs

Insurance: $7,500–$11,500/year for $1,500,000–$1,800,000 hull with 500+ pilot hours
Hangar: $12,000–$14,000/year (premium turboprop facility)
Annual inspection: $5,000–$7,000 labor (pressurized turboprop complexity)
Pressurization maintenance: $2,500–$3,500/year

Variable Costs (per flight hour)

Jet-A fuel: 62 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$341/hour
Oil and hydraulic fluid: $10–$14/hour
Engine reserve: $18–$23/hour ($72K ÷ 3,500 TBO)
Prop maintenance: $15–$20/hour
Pressurization/systems: $30–$40/hour
Landing fees: $30–$75/landing

Jet-A Fuel & Operating Economics

Fuel Cost by Hours

Annual Hours	Gallons Jet-A	Cost @ $5.50/gal	$/Hour
50	3,100	$17,050	$341
100	6,200	$34,100	$341
150	9,300	$51,150	$341
200	12,400	$68,200	$341

Maintenance & Engine Reserves

Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67P

PT6A-67P: 3,500 hours TBO
Overhaul cost: $70,000–$85,000
Engine reserve: $20–$24/hour ($72K ÷ 3,500)
Reliability: Proven turboprop technology with excellent support

Pressurized Turboprop Maintenance

Pressurization system inspection: $1,500–$2,200/year
Propeller governor overhauls: $3,000–$4,500 per 3,500 hrs
Fuel heater maintenance: $1,000–$1,500/year
Condition monitoring: $3,000–$4,000/year
Budget: $70–$95/hour for all maintenance

Insurance & Storage

Premium Turboprop Insurance

$1,500,000 hull, 500+ hours, pressurized: $8,500–$10,000/year
$1,800,000 hull, 100–250 hours: $11,000–$13,500/year
Medical/corporate: +30–50% premium

Storage Costs

Option	Monthly	Annual
Premium Hangar	$1,000–$1,170	$12,000–$14,000
Tie-Down	$350–$500	$4,200–$6,000

Annual Ownership Scenarios

Operating Cost (Not Financed)

Hours/Year	Fixed	Variable	Total	$/Hour
50	$56,000	$31,500	$87,500	$1,750
100	$56,000	$63,000	$119,000	$1,190
200	$56,000	$126,000	$182,000	$910

Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)

Assume $1,200,000 Pilatus PC-12, 6.5% APR, 10 years = $212,400/year debt service.

Hours/Year	Operating	Finance	Total	$/Hour
100	$119,000	$212,400	$331,400	$3,314
200	$182,000	$212,400	$394,400	$1,972

Financing the Pilatus PC-12

Purchase price: $900,000–$1,600,000 (depends on year, avionics, hours)
Down payment: 15–20%
Loan amount: $850,000–$1,400,000
Term: 10–15 years
APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
Monthly payment: $13,000–$22,000

Lender Requirements: 650+ credit, commercial/ATP rated, $500,000+ annual income, business plan, hull insurance $1.5M+. Lenders like JakenAviation specialize in premium turboprop financing for corporate and medical operators.

Pilatus PC-12 vs. Competitors

vs. Cessna Grand Caravan: PC-12 pressurized and faster; Caravan unpressurized workhorse
vs. Daher TBM 900: TBM faster pressurized performance; PC-12 more spacious cabin
vs. King Air 90: King Air twin turboprop safety; PC-12 single turboprop efficiency

Get prequalified for pressurized turboprop aircraft financing »

Sources: Pilatus Aircraft Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS