Key takeaway:
- The Pilatus PC-24 is a twin-engine business jet, designed and built in Switzerland, that can use short and unpaved runways.
- Pilatus lists a maximum cruise speed of 440 KTAS, a maximum range of 2,000 nm and a take-off distance of 3,090 ft.
- The cabin is 23 ft long, seats 6 to 8 in executive layouts or up to 10 in a commuter layout, and a cargo door comes standard.
Overview of the Pilatus PC-24
The Pilatus PC-24 is a light business jet from Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland. Pilatus calls it the "Super Versatile Jet". The idea is simple: jet speed and a roomy cabin, plus the ability to land where most business jets cannot.
Pilatus says the PC-24 can operate from short and unmade runways, including grass, gravel, earth and snow. That opens up smaller airfields closer to where you actually want to go, such as a ranch strip, an island field or a mountain town without a long paved runway.
Two Williams International FJ44-4A turbofans power the aircraft. The flight deck is the Pilatus Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE), powered by Honeywell, and it is certified for single-pilot operations.
Technical specifications and performance
These figures come from Pilatus's own technical data for the PC-24.
| Specification | Pilatus figure |
|---|---|
| Maximum cruise speed | 440 KTAS |
| Maximum range | 2,000 nm (2,040 nm at long-range power setting) |
| Maximum altitude | 45,000 ft |
| Take-off distance | 3,090 ft |
| Cabin length / width / height | 23 ft 0 in / 5 ft 7 in / 5 ft 1 in |
| Cabin volume | 498 cu ft |
| Baggage compartment | 90 cu ft |
| Cargo door | 4 ft 1 in wide, 4 ft 3 in high |
| Maximum take-off weight | 18,740 lb |
| Engines | 2 x Williams International FJ44-4A QPM |
| Seating | 6 to 8 (executive layouts), up to 10 (commuter layout) |
Pilatus quotes its range for a standard aircraft with a six-seat executive interior, NBAA IFR fuel reserves with a 100 nm alternate, 200 lb per passenger, cruise at 45,000 ft and no wind. Your real range will be shorter with more passengers, heavier bags, headwinds or indirect routing. For a longer leg, ask for a route-specific estimate before you plan around a nonstop flight.
Versatility and usage
The PC-24 was built to do several jobs well rather than one job only. Pilatus offers it for private and business flying, as an air ambulance and for special missions.
- Executive and private travel. A jet cabin for small groups, with access to shorter runways near the final destination.
- Air ambulance. Pilatus lists a dedicated air ambulance interior.
- Cargo. The standard cargo door makes it easier to load bulky items, from sports equipment to medical gear.
- Remote destinations. Unpaved-runway capability is the feature Pilatus highlights most.
Interior features and passenger experience
The cabin is 23 ft long, 5 ft 7 in wide and 5 ft 1 in high. Most adults will stoop slightly when moving through it, but once seated there is room to work, eat or rest.
Pilatus offers several layouts:
- 6 Seat Executive
- 8 Seat Double Club Executive
- 6 + 2 Executive
- Aft Divan Executive
- Double Club Divan Executive
- 10 Seat Commuter
In the divan layouts, Pilatus says the divan can be converted into a full-size bed. The 90 cu ft baggage compartment and the large cargo door help when your group travels with skis, golf bags or extra luggage.
Cost and availability
Charter prices for a PC-24 depend on the route, the flight time, where the aircraft has to position from, the date and the operator. Availability varies by region and season. Ask early if you need one for a specific date or a short-runway destination.
BLADE arranges private jet charters through BLADE Anywhere. Share your dates, airports and group size, and BLADE books the aircraft with a licensed operator. All US flights are operated by DOT/FAA-licensed direct air carriers. If a PC-24 is not available, BLADE can suggest a comparable light jet. For more on what drives the price, see private jet cost.
Some facts about what is PC-24
- The PC-24 can operate from short and unpaved runways, including grass, gravel, earth and snow.
- Pilatus lists a maximum cruise speed of 440 KTAS and a maximum range of 2,000 nm.
- Two Williams International FJ44-4A turbofans power the aircraft.
- Seating ranges from 6 to 8 in executive layouts to 10 in the commuter layout.
- The cockpit is certified for single-pilot operations.
FAQs about What Is Pc 24
What is the Pilatus PC-24?
The Pilatus PC-24 is a twin-engine light business jet from Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland. It is designed to fly at jet speeds while still using short and unpaved runways.
How many passengers can the Pilatus PC-24 accommodate?
Executive layouts seat 6 to 8 passengers. The 10 Seat Commuter layout carries up to 10.
What is the cruise speed and range of the Pilatus PC-24?
Pilatus lists a maximum cruise speed of 440 KTAS and a maximum range of 2,000 nm, or 2,040 nm at the long-range power setting. Those figures assume a six-seat interior, NBAA IFR reserves and no wind.
Can the Pilatus PC-24 be operated by a single pilot?
Yes. Pilatus says the ACE cockpit is certified for single-pilot operations. Some operators fly it with two pilots.
Can the PC-24 land on dirt or grass?
Yes. Pilatus says the PC-24 can operate on short and unmade runways, including grass, gravel, earth and snow.
What does it cost to charter a Pilatus PC-24?
The price depends on the route, flight time, positioning, date and operator. BLADE can quote a specific trip through BLADE Anywhere.