Turboprops · Pilatus Aircraft
Pilatus PC-12 PC12
The Pilatus PC-12 is a single-engine turboprop from Switzerland that carries up to nine passengers. It is one of the best-selling business turboprops ever built.
PC-12s airborne over the US now
—
of all airborne aircraftplus — on the ground
Live data loads with JavaScript and refreshes every 15 seconds.
PC-12s in the air over the last 24 hours
A chart of how many PC-12s are airborne through the day loads with JavaScript.
Specifications
- ICAO code
- PC12
- First flight
- 1991
- Typical cruise
- 280 kt / 322 mph
- Service ceiling
- 30,000 ft
- Range
- 1,800 nm / 2,071 mi
- Capacity
- Up to 9 passengers
- Length
- 14.4 m / 47 ft
- Wingspan
- 16.3 m / 53 ft
Engines: 1 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67 turboprop. Family: PC-12. Figures are typical published values, rounded; real performance depends on variant, weight and conditions.
What it does in US skies
PC-12s fly air ambulance, fractional, commuter airline, cargo and private trips all over the US. They are especially common in the West, Alaska and New England, and the US Air Force flies a special-mission version called the U-28A.
Main US operators: PlaneSense, Boutique Air, Air ambulance operators, US Air Force (U-28A), Private owners.
How to recognize a PC-12
- Single large turboprop engine with a four or five-blade propeller
- T-tail and a long, straight, low wing with winglets
- Big rear cargo door on the left side
- Larger than a TBM or Caravan, with a smooth, slim cabin
How it looks on a flight tracker
Usually cruises at FL200 to FL300 at 230 to 290 knots. PlaneSense uses CNS callsigns and Boutique Air uses BTQ; many medical flights use company or MEDEVAC-style callsigns.
History
The PC-12 first flew in May 1991 and was certified in 1994. The latest PC-12 NGX arrived in 2019, and more than 2,000 have been delivered.
Where PC-12s are right now
Open this view on airplanes.live →Questions
What is the ICAO code for the Pilatus PC-12?
The ICAO aircraft type designator for the Pilatus PC-12 is PC12. Flight trackers and flight plans use this four-character code.
How fast does the PC-12 fly?
The Pilatus PC-12 typically cruises at about 280 knots true airspeed (about 322 mph). Ground speed on a tracker varies with the wind.
How high can the PC-12 fly?
Its service ceiling is about 30,000 ft.