The Pilatus PC–12 is one of the most successful turboprop designs in the world. The airplane’s calling card has always been its versatility. It’s equally capable of carrying oil-drilling equipment to remote strips or carrying your family to a vacation in Costa Rica—or both. This big bird is capable of departing a short, unimproved runway, climbing quickly into the flight levels, cruising at nearly 280 knots for 1,500 to 1,800 nm, and arriving in style. Its speed range makes it capable of smoothly blending with faster commercial traffic at major hubs, or slowing up to land at Smallville Municipal Airport in the middle of nowhere.

The “dash” designations such as the PC–12/47 (“Dash 47”) indicate the model of the aircraft as it developed over the years. The dash suffix designations refer to the aircraft’s maximum takeoff weights (MTOWs) in kilograms. The 47s have MTOWs of 4,700 kg. The next evolutionary step was announced as the Next Generation, or “NG,” the PC–12/47E model, which has improved avionics, a more powerful engine, a faster climb rate and slightly faster top speed.