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 significant technological advancements, including a FADEC-controlled Pratt & Whitney PT6E-67XP engine with autothrottle and an updated Honeywell Epic avionics suite for enhanced performance and simplified pilot operation.
The aircraft features a redesigned cabin with larger windows, BMW Designworks-created seating, and improved environmental controls, alongside extended engine overhaul times (5,000 hours) and reduced maintenance for lower operating costs.
Maintaining its reputation as a versatile "turbine Suburban," the NGX offers robust cargo and utility capabilities combined with luxury amenities, proving highly successful with its entire 2020 production already sold.

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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.”