Cessna F406 Caravan II vs Pilatus PC-12
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna F406 Caravan II
- For sale now
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 1
- Model years available
- 1987–1987
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 F406 Caravan II | 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 F406 Caravan II | Pilatus PC-12 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | — | $2,572,000 – $5,747,500 |
| Category | Multi Engine Turboprop | Single Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 10 |
| Cruise Speed | 209 kts (387 km/h) | 260 kts (482 km/h) |
| Range | 1,153 nm (2,135 km) | 1,803 nm (3,339 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 30,000 ft (9,144 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 10,361 lbs (4,700 kg) | 10,450 lbs (4,740 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 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 Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna F406 Caravan II
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 F406 Caravan II or Pilatus PC-12?
Pick the F406 Caravan II if…
Pick the PC-12 if…
- Faster cruise — 260 kts vs 209 kts.
- Longer range — 1803 nm vs 1153 nm.
- More inventory — 18 listings vs 1.
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 F406 Caravan II or Pilatus PC-12?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The F406 Caravan II cruises at 209 kts with 1,153 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?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna F406 Caravan II and Pilatus PC-12?
PC-12 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B.
Cruise: 209 vs 260 kts.
Range: 1153 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?
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