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Pilatus PC-12

The Pilatus PC-12 is a Swiss single-engine turboprop aircraft designed by Pilatus Aircraft for business, utility, passenger, cargo, and special-mission roles.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Pilatus PC-12 is a Swiss single-engine turboprop aircraft designed by Pilatus Aircraft. It is used for business, utility, passenger, cargo, and special-mission roles. The aircraft is widely used in North American business aviation and special-mission flying, including charter, medevac, and regional operations common in Canada.

Design and development

The PC-12 was developed by Pilatus Aircraft as a versatile single-engine turboprop. It first flew on 31 May 1991 and received certification on 30 March 1994, entering service later that year. The aircraft is certified for single-pilot operation and features a pressurised cabin.

Operational use

The PC-12 is used in executive transport, shuttle service, cargo, and air ambulance roles. Its cabin size and rear cargo access have made it popular in both civil and special-mission markets. The aircraft has short takeoff and landing capability and can operate from unimproved strips.

Performance and configuration

Sources describe the PC-12 as having a range of roughly 1,500 to 1,800 nautical miles depending on configuration and a cruise speed around 280 to 290 knots. Later variants use the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67P engine, rated at 1,200 shaft horsepower. The aircraft is known for short-field performance.

Variants

The PC-12 family includes several variants, including the PC-12 NG and the current PC-12 PRO designation for the PC-12/47G. Later versions use more powerful PT6A-series engines.

Key facts

  • The PC-12 is a single-engine turboprop for multiple roles including business, cargo, and medical evacuation.
  • It is certified for single-pilot operation and has short takeoff and landing capability.
  • The aircraft has a pressurised cabin and flexible interior layout.
  • Later variants use the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67P engine rated at 1,200 shaft horsepower.
  • It is widely used in North America for charter, medevac, and regional operations.
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Canadian context

The PC-12 is relevant to Canadian readers because it is widely used in North American business aviation and special-mission flying, including charter, medevac, and regional operations that are common in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Pilatus PC-12?
A Swiss single-engine turboprop aircraft used for business, passenger, cargo, and special-mission operations.
Who makes the PC-12?
Pilatus Aircraft, a Swiss aircraft manufacturer.
When did the PC-12 first fly?
It first flew on 31 May 1991.
When did it enter service?
The PC-12 entered service in 1994.
How many passengers can it carry?
Configurations vary, but sources commonly describe seating for up to 9 passengers.
Is it a single-pilot aircraft?
Yes. The PC-12 is certified for single-pilot operation.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilatus_PC-12
    Supports: General type, engine family, and overview of the aircraft.
  2. Flugzeuginfo.net — https://www.flugzeuginfo.net/acdata_php/acdata_pc12_en.php
    Supports: Aircraft type, passenger capacity, and mission roles.
  3. AOPA — https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/aircraft-and-ownership/aircraft-guide/aircraft/pilatus-pc-12
    Supports: Cabin flexibility, utility role, and sales/popularity context.
  4. Skybrary — https://skybrary.aero/aircraft/pc12
    Supports: In-service date, powerplant, and general aircraft characteristics.
  5. Plane & Pilot Magazine — https://planeandpilotmag.com/pilatus-pc-12/
    Supports: Engine model and technical specifications.
  6. Aviation Week — https://aviationweek.com/business-aviation/aircraft-overview/aircraft-overview-pilatus-pc-12-0
    Supports: Certification date, current designation, and production overview.
  7. German Wikipedia — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilatus_PC-12
    Supports: First flight, introduction to service, and production count context.