Unique Features of the Aircraft

Summary

PC-24 offers short-field performance & unpaved runway capabilities
Unique features include a large cargo door & a spacious cabin
Versatile interior, single-pilot certification, and quiet power mode.

Even before Pilatus Aircraft introduced the PC-24 jet in 2013, the aircraft captured the rapt attention of pilots and operators. The aviation world was still amazed by the single-engine PC-12 turboprop, and everyone knew that the PC-24 jet would become the “Swiss Army knife” in the general aviation toolkit.

When Pilatus introduced the PC-24 to the public in May 2013 at EBACE in Geneva, according to FlightGlobal, Pilatus chairman Oscar Schwenk said that the PC-24 “did not fit into any existing business jet category.” He added that the aircraft was the only one that combined “…the versatility of a turboprop with the cabin size of a medium-light jet and the performance of a light jet”.

A New South Wales Ambulance Pilatus PC-24 Flying near a coastal area.

Photo: Pilatus Aircraft

The PC-24 is, indeed, unlike any other private jet—a unique and versatile light business jet that stands out in its class due to several key features:

Short-field performance: The PC-24 has impressive short takeoff and landing capabilities, with a takeoff distance of 2,930 feet and a landing distance of 2,410 feet. This allows it to operate from short runways inaccessible to most other business jets.
Unpaved runway capability: Unlike most business jets, the PC-24 is designed to operate from unpaved surfaces like grass, gravel, dirt, and snow. This gives it access to over 20,000 additional airports worldwide compared to jets limited to paved runways.
Large cargo door: The PC-24 boasts an unusual utility feature not found on any other general aviation jet: An oversized cargo door measuring 51 x 49 inches. This allows easy loading of bulky items and makes the aircraft suitable for cargo and medevac missions in addition to executive transport.
Spacious cabin: At 23 feet long, 5 feet 7 inches wide, and 5 feet 1 inch tall, the PC-24’s cabin is the largest in its class. It can accommodate up to 10 passengers.
Advanced avionics: The cockpit features the Pilatus Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE) with four 12-inch displays, synthetic vision, autothrottle, and other advanced systems to reduce pilot workload.
Powerful engines: Two Williams International FJ44-4A engines provide 3,420 pounds of thrust each, giving the PC-24 a maximum cruise speed of 440 knots and a range of up to 2,000 nautical miles.
Versatile interior: The cabin can be configured in various layouts for executive, commuter, or special mission use. Recent updates include a new divan that converts to a bed.
Single-pilot certification: The PC-24 is certified for single-pilot operations, providing flexibility for owners and operators.
Quiet Power Mode: This feature allows the aircraft to power cabin systems on the ground without running the main engines, reducing noise and fuel consumption.
Single-point fueling: This feature, often omitted on light-jet designs, greatly enhances the speed and ease of servicing the aircraft on the ground.

When Pilatus introduced the PC-12 single-engine turboprop, many aviation critics expressed astonishment at the airplane’s average equipped price of $2.19 million, compared with the price of its closest competitor, the Cessna CE-208B Grand Caravan, with a price tag of $1.13 million.

From that point forward, Pilatus had acquired the reputation of being in the high-priced category. When the PC-12 debuted, with a price of $11.9 million, many Pilatus fans heaved a sigh and thought that the super-versatile aircraft checked more boxes than any other general aviation jet but was out of reach on price. But that has not appeared to handicap the PC-24 in the least. The aircraft’s unique capabilities create a value proposition for the airplane that justifies its higher price tag.

Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying

With its combination of jet performance, turboprop-like versatility, and spacious cabin, the PC-24 occupies a solo niche in the business aviation market. Its ability to access more airports than traditional business jets makes it particularly appealing to operators needing to reach remote and undeveloped locations like those providing essential passenger, cargo, and aeromedical transportation in Alaska. For the same reasons, the PC-24 has piqued interest—and orders—from organizations like Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Royal Flying Doctor Service that operates throughout the Australian bush.

PC-24 Aircraft Performance
Maximum Cruise Speed	440 kts
Max Range 4 Passengers	2,040 NM
Max Range 6 Passengers	2,000 NM
Max Altitude	45,000 ft
Takeoff Distance	3,090 ft
Landing Distance	2,410 ft
Rate-of-Climb	3,960 FPM
Time to Climb SL – FL450	27.1 min
Stall Speed	83 kts

Unique, comprehensive factory maintenance program

Pilatus created a proprietary all-inclusive maintenance package called “CrystalCare” that has proven popular with PC-24 owners. More than 70 percent of all new PC-24 customers opt for the comprehensive program. CrystalCare covers all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance and inspections, Aircraft on Ground (AOG) events, all consumable items, and typical wear items such as tires and brakes.

Thomas Bosshard, CEO of Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd, says the following of the PC-24:

We are very pleased with how the PC-24 is performing for our customers, and demand remains very high. The Super Versatile Jet was designed to provide tremendous flexibility, a quality that delivers added value to the light and midsize jet market. The feedback from our customers confirms that the PC-24 hits a sweet spot of capability that no other business jet can match. Our highest priority is making sure we provide a first-class level of service to an ever-growing number of customers who both deserve and expect no less.

Photo: Pilatus Aircraft

A New South Wales Ambulance Pilatus PC-24 Flying over water.

Super Versatile Jet: A Look At The Pilatus PC-24 Air Ambulance

New South Wales Ambulance recently introduced its first PC-24 into service.

Aviation always remains on the leading edge of innovation. Aircraft like the Pilatus PC-24 jet show that for each air transportation need, an aviation technology innovator like Pilatus Aircraft will produce a design to meet it.