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Turboprops compared

Pilatus PC-12 NGX vs Piper PA-31 Chieftain

Both are turboprops. The Pilatus PC-12 NGX seats 1 more passenger (8 vs 7). The Pilatus PC-12 NGX flies 1,639 km (885 nm) farther: 3,339 km against 1,700 km. The Pilatus PC-12 NGX cruises 137 km/h faster. The Pilatus PC-12 NGX has the taller cabin (1.47 m vs 1.20 m).

Pilatus PC-12 NGX exteriorTurboprops

Pilatus PC-12 NGX

Pilatus

Pax
8
Range
3,339km

from $2,500/hr, average market rate before fees

Piper PA-31 Chieftain exteriorTurboprops

Piper PA-31 Chieftain

Piper

Pax
7
Range
1,700km

from $1,300/hr, average market rate before fees

Specifications side by side

The better figure in each row is in gold. Hourly rates are estimates including crew and fuel, before taxes and airport fees.

SpecificationPilatus PC-12 NGXPA-31 Chieftain
Passengers8 (better)7
Range3,339 km1,803 nm (better)1,700 km918 nm
Cruise speed537 km/h290 kt (better)400 km/h216 kt
Cabin height1.47 m4.8 ft (better)1.20 m3.9 ft
Cabin width1.52 m5.0 ft (better)1.25 m4.1 ft
Cabin length5.16 m16.9 ft (better)4.00 m13.1 ft
Baggage40 cu ft (better)30 cu ft
Engines12
Wi-FiYes (better)No
Est. hourly rate$2,500/hr$1,300/hr (better)

Which should you charter?

Pick the Pilatus PC-12 NGX if you need the extra 1,639 km (885 nm) of range, you are a group of 8, headroom matters (the cabin is 27 cm taller) and you want more room to spread out (the cabin is 1.2 m longer).

On paper the PA-31 Chieftain does not lead on any of the figures above. Pick it when one is based closer to your departure airport, which cuts positioning cost and often the total price.

The PA-31 Chieftain is estimated at $1,300/hr against $2,500/hr for the Pilatus PC-12 NGX, about $1,200 less per hour. Charters are billed by flight time, so the faster Pilatus PC-12 NGX saves about 38 minutes per 1,000 km flown. Real quotes depend on the operator, the aircraft's age and how far it has to fly to reach you.

Example trip: the Pilatus PC-12 NGX can fly London (LTN) to Lisbon (LIS) nonstop, 1,606 km. The PA-31 Chieftain would need a fuel stop on that route.

Nonstop means within 90% of published range, before winds, payload and fuel reserves; the operator confirms each route.

Pilatus PC-12 NGX detailsPiper PA-31 Chieftain detailsGet a quote for either jet

Pilatus PC-12 NGX vs PA-31 Chieftain: common questions

Which has more range, the Pilatus PC-12 NGX or the Piper PA-31 Chieftain?
The Pilatus PC-12 NGX has more range: 3,339 km (1,803 nm) against 1,700 km (918 nm) for the Piper PA-31 Chieftain, a difference of 1,639 km.
Which is cheaper to charter, the Pilatus PC-12 NGX or the Piper PA-31 Chieftain?
The Piper PA-31 Chieftain has the lower estimated rate ($1,300/hr against $2,500/hr). Final prices depend on the route, dates and positioning.
Which has the bigger cabin, the Pilatus PC-12 NGX or the Piper PA-31 Chieftain?
The Pilatus PC-12 NGX has the bigger cabin, 1.47 m high, 1.52 m wide and 5.16 m long. The Piper PA-31 Chieftain cabin is 1.20 m high, 1.25 m wide and 4.00 m long.
Which carries more passengers, the Pilatus PC-12 NGX or the Piper PA-31 Chieftain?
The Pilatus PC-12 NGX carries more: up to 8 passengers against 7 for the Piper PA-31 Chieftain.

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