Pilatus PC-12

[C-150Pilot]

Have any of you guyz flown the PC-12? How is it like compare to other aircraft of its size?

[Guest]

If you have the ability to go and fly a pc12 for a company that will use them for what they are intended for then they are fine.
I'm talking from one international to the bush in the north, or such, it's a far more capable machine than any other in it's class cessna or beech. 260kts + . 3900 lbs usable, 700' TO/Ldg, 1500' to 50'. and only 400lbs/hr fuel burn.

take your BE200, you'll burn 600 per hour + and still only have the payload of the 12. Accuisition of a new PC12 is cheaper than the BE20 by almost 2 mil. and the PC12 costs about 1/2 of the DOC of the BE

Compared with the TBM they are almost the same cost, the 700 goes a bit faster by 20kts. costs about 200,000 us less but doesn't have the short field performance,pax capacity or the capability as the 12 does.

The meridian is just a doctors plane that, although it does it's job well, why not just buy a 1/2 share in a 12. it's very expensive for what it is.... or isn't

No King air driver can beat it.
It is the ultimate pilots aircraft with the reliability of the PT6 and the superb glide capability if it all goes tits up. glass panel, and go anywhere capability. the floating trailing link gear is superb in the unprepared fields and can make any landing respectable

Didn't the RCMP sell their BE's and trade them in for PC12's. they are by far the best users of this aircraft who put them through their paces every day and come home happy

HOWEVER
if you are looking to build time for a career, then it may not be the best aircraft to move onto.
They haven't been as much of a success in canada as they have in the rest of the world.
It seems that so many people are looking for that special 3000 TT and 1000 multi. then you're not going to find it with the PC12.

Also, the BE series of aircraft are much cheaper to acquire than the PC12, but the PC12 holds it's value longer. just a quick look at aircraft.com note the depreciation costs of a PC12 compared to the 200, the 200 costs more to own and to run in the long run.

I think that they are under estimated by BE drivers, but once they can spend some time in them using them what they were built for. then you can't find a more capable machine

If given a choice to fly a PC 12 or a BE35, I'll take the PC12 any day of the week

[tripleseven]

If your looking to improve your resume, you'd be a fool to choose the piece of crap 12 over a B350. Single engine (although a nice one) vs >12500 twin turbine w/EFIS? Also, the 350 operates under 704 rules, which may be helpful if you want to fly something bigger someday.

[chief]

A 12 over a 350? hmmmmm, ok, sure

[Guest]

777,
I will agree with you that the BE35 would be a better aircraft for those career minded pilots, But how many 350's are there north of the 49th. of which most of them are corprate machines.

The fact that the 350 opperates under 704 hinders it in the way that it can't get into nearly as many strips as the PC12 both for TC ASDA and ballenced field length regs. the PC12 can get into any field legally over 1500' if not shorter at MTOW or MLW.

THe acquisition cost of the 35 is also prohibitave. $5.5+US million for a new one. if you're looking for a corprate machine, you might as well choose a BAe800. used albeit, DOC (mileage) is compareable, payload is much better, speed is 425+ and LCF is higher , both are 2 crew and they both fall under 704 regs.

For a personal aircraft, which most of us own one for, it's the best thing out there in that price range. the single engine aspect is far overrated.

[guest (777)]

I didn't say anything about buying or paying for one, I'm only talking about flying one. If you have never been involved with 704/705 ops, you wouldn't know first hand anything about 2nd seg climb requirements. I've flown airtaxi, commuter and airline and I'd take the apparent safety and higher training standards of a certified twin any day over a single or less than 12500 twin.

[Guest]

If you haven't tried paying for one you wouldn't know the first thing about financing, fuel costs and other sorts. flying both aircraft are great but without any money left in your pockets at the begining of the day then the only action you will see is from the ground looking up; because you're broke, your company is bankrupt, and everyone is out of work.
all this because you had to fly a twin at plus 12500#

Have a nice day on the ground

[nwyjq5kq9yav]

you would do yourself a favour by avoiding a PC12. I have heard they arent the most practical of aircraft. $3M for a retractable low wing caravan with luxury seats. But of course this is only my opinion, but i highly discourage this aircraft.

[Guest]

Unless your flying it around 150 hrs/month, go with the 200 yes, yes I know it's more expensive if you buy it new. Your in Canada now nobody buys a brand new 200 here. and a half decent 200 goes for 1.3-2.1 mil more useful in the rocks. can get medevac contracts etc.... if your a rich docctor or lawyer buy the 12 less chance of rolling it inverted when one engine kaks

[J31]

777,
I will agree with you that the BE35 would be a better aircraft for those career minded pilots, But how many 350's are there north of the 49th. of which most of them are corprate machines..

18 and it looks like a slight majority of the 350’s north of the 49th are operated commercially and more operators are getting them.

777,The fact that the 350 opperates under 704 hinders it in the way that it can't get into nearly as many strips as the PC12 both for TC ASDA and ballenced field length regs. the PC12 can get into any field legally over 1500' if not shorter at MTOW or MLW.

The Beech 350 can operate under CAR’s 704 but it appears that most commercial operators are operating under CAR’s 703. Funny the Beech 200 is operated under both 703 and 704! So the B350 can go into strips with out meeting ASDA and net takeoff. Of course the Beech will not go into as short of strips as the PC12.