We Fly: Pilatus PC-12 NGX

Tuesday, June 02, 2020 at 04:11 PM ET

Verified

“The biggest impediment to selling a new PC-12…is a used PC-12. But that’s what drives us to continually improve and innovate.” Courtesy Pilatus Aircraft

Key Takeaways:

The Pilatus PC-12 NGX introduces substantial updates, including a new Pratt & Whitney PT6E-67XP engine with FADEC and autothrottle for improved performance and efficiency, alongside a significantly upgraded Honeywell Epic avionics suite for enhanced pilot experience.
The cabin features a redesign with 10% larger windows, BMW Designworks seating, and quick-release seats, maintaining the aircraft's renowned cargo versatility while increasing maintenance intervals to reduce operating costs.
New safety and operational enhancements include full flight envelope protection, TCAS II, emergency descent mode, and simplified engine management via FADEC, making the NGX more advanced and easier to fly.

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I first flew a Pilatus PC-12 Model 10 back in 2008 and found it made a nice, stable instrument platform. At 270 knots, it was no jet, but a walk through that gargantuan cabin on the ground with the massive rear cargo door open made no bones about the airplane’s ability to carry tons of stuff.

I think I called it an airborne Chevy Suburban. Pilatus chief pilot Jed Johnson offered a more descriptive tag line when I was in Broomfield, Colorado, for a December 2019 visit to Pilatus Business Aircraft, calling it a “turbine Suburban.”