Pilatus PC-12 with Pratt & Whitney PT6 Engine
The Pilatus PC-12 is a single-engine turboprop passenger and cargo aircraft. It is used mainly for corporate transport and regional airliner operators, though it is also used by government and the medical field. It popularity and versatility has earned it a place in other roles such as cargo, air ambulance, and government special mission applications. The Pilatus PC-12 has gained a reputation for outstanding performance, reliability, and operational flexibility. Its ability to land on shorter runways and its low operating costs certainly make it a top choice for aircraft.
The PC-12 is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 turboprop engine, much like other Pilatus aircraft, and also like the SOCATA 700/850. It is certified for single-pilot operations, but it is also possible to have a second flight crew member. It has a 330 cubic foot pressurized passenger cabin with seating for up to 9 passengers.
The Switzerland based company provides many services to their customers including continual support, and even custom trip analyses, cash flow analyses, and comparison reports for those contemplating making a purchase. The aircraft can also be customized depending on what is desired by the purchaser or pilot.
Incidents with Pilatus PC-12
- Number built: 1200
- Incidents recorded: 29
- Fatalities: 75
There have been a total of 29 recorded incidences with the Pilatus PC-12, according to the Aviation Safety Network. One major accident occurred on March 22, 2009 when the aircraft crashed on approach to the Bert Mooney Airport in Butte, Montana. Investigations concluded that ice in the fuel system had prevented the normally balanced flow of fuel from the wings. All 14 people on board were killed, seven of whom were young children. Despite this high profile crash, the Pilatus PC-12 is generally regarded as safer than dual engine aircraft of similar size. Since their start of production, single engine turboprops have not had a single fatality due to engine failure.
- http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=59012
- http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=17022
- http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=24618
- http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=826
| Role of the Pilatus PC-12 | Passenger and cargo aircraft |
| Manufacturer of the Pilatus PC-12 | Pilatus Aircraft |
| First flight of the Pilatus PC-12 | 31 May 1991 |
| Introduction of the Pilatus PC-12 | 1994 |
| Status of the Pilatus PC-12 | In production |
| Pilatus PC-12 Production | 1994-present |
| Number of Pilatus PC-12s built | 1,200 (by Late 2012) |
| Unit cost of the Pilatus PC-12 | $3.3 million |
| Variants of the Pilatus PC-12 | PC-12/41, PC-12/45, PC-12/47, PC-12/47E, PC-12M Spectre, U-28A |
| Crew of the Pilatus PC-12 | 1-2 pilots |
| Capacity of the Pilatus PC-12 | 9 passengers standard, 6-8 executive |
| Length of the Pilatus PC-12 | 14.40 m (47 ft 3 in) |
| Wingspan of the Pilatus PC-12 | 16.23 m (53 ft 3 in) |
| Height of the Pilatus PC-12 | 4.26 m (14 ft 0 in) |
| Wing Area of the Pilatus PC-12 | 25.81 m² (277.8 ft²) |
| Empty Weight of the Pilatus PC-12 | 2,761 kg (5,867 lb) |
| Max Takeoff Weight of the Pilatus PC-12 | 4,740 kg (10,450 lb) |
| Powerplant of the Pilatus PC-12 | × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B or -67P turboprop, 895 kW (1,200 shp) |
| Pilatus PC-12 Maximum landing | 4,700 kg (10,450 lb) |
| Pilatus PC-12 Maximum payload full fuel | 539 kg (1,189 lb) |
| Tail wingspan of the Pilatus PC-12 | 5.20 m (17 ft 1 in) |
| Propeller of the Pilatus PC-12 | Hartzell HC - E4A - 3D/E10477K – 4 blade aluminum |
| Pilatus PC-12 Propeller diameter | 2.67 m (8 ft 9 in) |
| Pilatus PC-12 Propeller RPM | 1,700 rpm |
Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/37467370@N08/
By Peter Bakema [GFDL 1.2 (http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html) or GFDL 1.2 (http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html)], via Wikimedia Commons