Beechcraft King Air 350 vs Pilatus PC-12

Here at Charter Flight Group, we pride ourselves on providing the absolute best in aircraft for our valued clients. Each one provides a high level of luxury and comfort, but some aircraft are better suited for a specific flight than others. If you’re having trouble choosing from our options, we’re happy to help you find the right one for your next flight. Today in the Charter Flight Group blog, we’ll highlight two of our favorites, the Beechcraft King Air 350 and Pilatus PC-12, to help you find which one is right for you.

Beechcraft King Air 350

When a customer demands modifications to the King Air 300 model, Raytheon Beechcraft did not disappoint with the Beechcraft King Air 350. The King Air line has been in production since 1974, and the King Air 350 is an upgraded version of the 300 models. The customer favorite King Air 300 got that much better with the 350 models. An increase to 16,500 lbs for the takeoff weight capacity, as well as better landing gear for landing on unimproved runways, made this aircraft much more versatile. Extra fuel capacity also increased the range to 1556 miles. The King Air line is known for its high speed and high ceiling when compared to other light jets.

The Beechcraft King Air 350 interior has a double club layout which includes eight seats and a toilet. The comfortability of the aircraft makes it very attractive to passengers. The layout gives passengers access to a folding table where they can be productive during their flight. In addition to the nice King Air interior, winglets were added to the wingtips which have increased the aircraft’s autonomy and performance. The King Air 350 can land on both long and short runways. So if you need to land on a short runway, you take a King Air 350 and fly up to 8 passengers comfortably.

Here are some other specifications for the Beechcraft King Air 350:

Passengers: 8-9
Crew: Up to 2
General Storage: 55 cubic feet
Takeoff distance: 3300 feet
Climb Rate: 2731 fpm
Cruise Speed: 270 mph
Ceiling: 33,000 feet
Lavatory: Aft
Wing Span: 41ins

In short, this is a great charter jet for those looking to carry a little extra than the typical business trip and those who need to land in places with unimproved runways.

Pilatus PC-12

If you’re looking to travel in comfort and luxury, the Pilatus PC-12 is a favorite option. The first flight of a Pilatus took place in 1991. This compact turboprop is efficient and extremely capable of landing in remote locations with short, unfinished runways. This makes it perfect for those looking to take a small group to an exotic location. Thanks to the turboprop engine, this private jet is extremely fuel-efficient. The engine is located on the nose of the aircraft with a propeller of about 4-5 metal or material blades.

The interior of the Pilatus PC-12 is also very inviting, with a private bathroom, big windows, and a smooth floor without steps as obstacles. There is also reduced cabin noise which provides a nice flying and landing experience.

Here are some more specifications for the Pilatus PC-12:

Passengers: 6 to 8
Crew: Up to 2
Altitude: Up to 30,000 feet
Range: 1,513 nm; 1,753 m
Cruise speed: 270 knots (312 mph)
Pressurized: Yes
Lavatory: Yes
Baggage capacity: 38 cubic feet

The Pilatus is another great option for taking a small group to an extremely remote location, with the added benefit of a more efficient engine. In addition, the Pilatus has a trailing-link landing gear to soften its landings on nontraditional runways or locations such as the countryside or beaches.

When choosing between these two great options, you can get a little more space in your Beechcraft King Air 350 while you get more efficiency with the Pilatus.

The Two Compared

To conclude, both the Pilatus PC-12 and the King Air 350 aircraft are extremely popular and have similarities and differences. Looking at individual needs and the trip can help decide which aircraft is best. The biggest comparisons are detailed below:

• The King Air 350 has a slightly smaller height than the Pilatus, but the cabin length is longer.
• The PC-12 tends to have more turboprop range coverage than the King Air 350. However, not by a lot.
• The Pilatus is more fuel efficient than the King Air 350.
• The PC-12 has a lower operating cost than the King Air 350 because it weighs less and it does not have an engine.
• The Pilatus has a reduced approach speed than the King Air 350 which gives it a leg up in shorter runway approach, landing on a broader range of sites, and lower fuel use.
• The Pilatus can hold up to four bags, while the King Air can hold up to seven bags.
• The Pilatus has a larger cabin, which is better and more comfortable for taller passengers.
• Both of the aircraft can operate well on unpaved runways. The PC_12 does have specific landing gear that softens the landing and reduces the number of vibrations passengers feel.
• Only one pilot is necessary to operate both the Pilatus and King Air 350. However, some country regulations still require that two pilots are operating the plane.
• Both the PC-12 and the King Air 350 have great safety pieces of training, which have caused them to be considered some of the safest turboprop planes in the world with few accidents reported.

Choose Charter Flight Group

When you choose Charter Flight Group, you don’t have to worry about choosing which of these options is best for you and your passengers. We can help you choose the perfect jet and ensure that your flight is comfortable and stress-free. With over 30 years of experience, you can trust you’re in the best hands possible. Contact us today for more information and to book your next flight with us.