Among seasoned private flyers, the Pilatus PC-12 is often regarded as the best aircraft in its class. Although it’s a turboprop, it offers more cabin space, seating capacity, and baggage room than many light jets. It’s especially popular for golf and ski trips, since it can easily handle several sets of clubs or ski gear even with a full passenger load. Its ability to operate on shorter runways also gives travelers access to smaller, more convenient airports, and destinations that many light jets can’t reach. If you’re looking to charter a PC-12 or explore a PC-12 rental for your next trip, check out some real reviews below of private flyers who have experienced the Pilatus PC-12 firsthand.
“I was very surprised by how much we were able to fit on the PC-12. We managed to fit eight full grown adults with eight soft sided golf bags. This was a huge win since it saved us from having to charter a supermid or larger jet just for the luggage. One of us sat on the lav seat in the back, which honestly wasn’t bad at all for the short hop. Even with the aircraft packed to full capacity it still felt surprisingly roomy compared to other light jets I’ve chartered in the past. ”
“I book the Pilatus PC-12 every year for our executive team to attend an annual summit in Colorado. The value it provides at its hourly rate is hard to beat. The cabin feels upscale enough for senior leadership yet the overall cost is far more within our budget than chartering larger jets, especially since it is only an hour and a half long trip. It gives us the perfect balance of cost & comfort”
“It’s definitely one of the more reliable aircraft we fly. Looking back on all the trips we’ve taken I honestly can’t recall a single issue with any PC-12 rental. There are far fewer mechanical hiccups or maintenance issues compared to other jets we’ve chartered in the past. Every time we charter a PC-12 I feel confident the aircraft will be ready and everything will go smoothly from start to finish.”
The year and model of the aircraft can significantly affect pricing. Newer PC-12s, such as the NGX, often have higher rates due to upgraded performance & cabin features. Fuel cost fluctuations can also influence hourly pricing throughout the year, as fuel prices are unpredictable and vary by region.
Flight length can play a major role in determining overall cost. Longer trips generally provide better value per hour, while shorter flights may appear more expensive since fixed costs such as crew minimums, landing fees, and repositioning expenses are spread over fewer flight hours.
Timing and demand can also further impact pricing. During the winter months, the PC-12 is in high demand for ski charters because it can easily accommodate multiple ski bags and gear. In Spring and Summer the demand increases for golf destinations like Scottsdale, Palm Springs, Pebble Beach, and Hilton Head where travelers value the PC-12’s spacious baggage area and ability to reach smaller regional airports near top courses.
Because it’s a turboprop that flies lower than most jets, you might notice a little more bumpiness if the air is rough.
When it comes to safety, the PC-12 is known for its outstanding reliability. It’s powered by a single turbine engine that’s been proven in millions of flight hours worldwide. The aircraft is equipped with advanced systems designed to keep flights stable and predictable, even in changing conditions.
The cabin seats up to eight passengers, with wide, leather seats arranged in a comfortable, social layout. Large windows let in plenty of natural light, and the cabin is remarkably quiet for a turboprop, allowing for easy conversation without the need to raise your voice. The aisle is roomy enough to move around comfortably, and there’s generous storage for oversized bags, golf clubs, or ski gear within easy reach
When it comes to range, the PC-12 can fly up to around 1,800 miles nonstop, depending on weather and passenger load. That’s enough for trips like New York to Miami, Los Angeles to Aspen, or Dallas to Santa Fe without stopping to refuel. It’s designed for regional and mid range travel, offering the flexibility to reach smaller airports that larger jets can’t
The PC-12 is commonly used for short to mid range trips at around 3 hours or less. Here are some common charter routes we have charted a PC-12 on:
New York → Nantucket or Boston → Bar Harbor for summer getaways
Los Angeles → Aspen or Denver → Telluride during ski season
Dallas → Santa Fe or Houston → Destin for quick leisure trips
Miami → Nassau or Palm Beach → Turks and Caicos for island hops
Renting a Pilatus PC-12 can usually be arranged on short notice. To get an accurate quote, start by sharing your departure and arrival airports, dates, number of passengers, and luggage details. This helps ensure the right aircraft and airport options are presented for your trip.
Because the PC-12 can use shorter regional runways, your charter specialist may suggest nearby airports that save time or lower repositioning costs.
Fill out the quote request below, and a charter specialist will review your trip details and gather the best available PC-12 options near you, including current pricing and aircraft availability.