Cessna CARAVAN 208 vs Pilatus PC-12
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna CARAVAN 208
- For sale now
- 29
- Median asking
- $2,250,000
- Range
- $1,466,400–$3,195,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 10
- Source marketplaces
- 10
- Model years available
- 1985–2027
Pilatus PC-12
- For sale now
- 65
- Median asking
- $4,199,900
- Range
- $2,572,000–$5,747,500
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 32
- Source marketplaces
- 6
- Model years available
- 1995–2024
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Cessna CARAVAN 208 | Pilatus PC-12 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 23 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 12 |
| Fatalities | — | 53 |
| % Fatal | — | 52% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna Caravan 208 | Pilatus PC-12 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $1,466,400 – $3,195,000 | $2,572,000 – $5,747,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Turboprop | Single Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 14 | 10 |
| Cruise Speed | 175 kts (324 km/h) | 260 kts (482 km/h) |
| Range | 1,070 nm (1,982 km) | 1,803 nm (3,339 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 30,000 ft (9,144 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 8,000 lbs (3,629 kg) | 10,450 lbs (4,740 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,585 lbs (1,626 kg) | 3,610 lbs (1,637 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 402.0 gal (1522 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 60.0 GPH (227 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $500,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $180,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $900 |
| Engines | 1 x | 1 x Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Caravan 208
Pilatus PC-12
Fuel$330/hr
Variable$900/hr
Annual Fixed$180,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$360,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna CARAVAN 208 or Pilatus PC-12?
Pick the CARAVAN 208 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,466,400 vs $2,572,000, you save ~$1,105,600.
- More seats — 14 vs 10.
- More inventory — 27 listings vs 18.
Pick the PC-12 if…
- Faster cruise — 260 kts vs 175 kts.
- Longer range — 1803 nm vs 1070 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1994 vs 1984.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna Caravan 208 or Pilatus PC-12?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Caravan 208 cruises at 175 kts with 1,070 nm range.
The PC-12 cruises at 260 kts with 1,803 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna Caravan 208: from $3,000,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna CARAVAN 208 and Pilatus PC-12?
PC-12 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B.
Seats: 14 vs 10.
Cruise: 175 vs 260 kts.
Range: 1070 vs 1803 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
PC-12: about $900/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
CARAVAN 208: 14 seats / 3,585 lb useful load.
PC-12: 10 seats / 3,610 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
PC-12: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$500,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data