Pilatus PC-12

Pilatus · Switzerland · first flew 1991 · light aircraft

A fast, roomy single-engine turboprop, the Pilatus PC-12 is prized for executive transport, air ambulance and utility work the world over.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × turboprop, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	Single large nose turboprop on a sleek low-wing fuselage
T — Tail	T-tail

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

Single large nose turboprop on a sleek low-wing fuselage
Distinctive T-tail
Winglets and a roomy single-engine cabin

Look for a sleek low-wing single with one big nose-mounted propeller, a clean T-tail and winglets. The combination of size, single turboprop and T-tail distinguishes it from twin turboprops and piston singles alike.

Specifications

The Pilatus PC-12 has a length of 14.4 m (47 ft).
It has a wingspan of 16.23 m (53 ft).
Its maximum speed is 537 km/h (334 mph).
Typical crew: 1 or 2 pilots.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Switzerland's Pilatus first flew the PC-12 in 1991, pairing a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 turboprop with a pressurised cabin and a large rear cargo door. Its blend of jet-like comfort, low running costs and short-field ability made it a best-seller. Continuous upgrades have refined it into the modern PC-12 NGX.

Variants

Successive models include the PC-12/45, /47 and the much-improved PC-12 NG and NGX, each with more power and avionics. Configurations range from plush executive to medevac and combi freight.

Where you'll see it

In Britain the PC-12 is a common business-aviation and air-ambulance type, seen at Farnborough, Biggin Hill and regional airfields. Its single turboprop hum and T-tail make it a frequent visitor to executive aprons.

Related aircraft

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