The PC-12 is a single-engine, low-wing, multi-mission utility aircraft by Switzerland’s Pilatus Aircraft. It is crewed by one or two, and can seat up to nine passengers. Pilatus began the PC-12 project in the late 1980s, with the company focusing primarily at the business market to create a long-range, efficient transport aircraft with a comfortable, large, pressurized cabin.

The PC-12 took its first flight on May 31, 1991 and was introduced in 1994. Since then, over 1,700 have been produced, making it the most successful aircraft in its single-engine, turbine-powered class.

The PC-12 has proven remarkably versatile, throughout the world. While not a STOL (short take-off and landing) craft, it can operate out of relatively short field and unimproved airstrips. It serves the business, regional airliner, and even cargo markets in a number of countries. It is also used extensively for a number of specialty applications, notably health care, military, and law enforcement. The U.S. Air Force version, called the U-28A “Draco,” is a multi-role special operations craft that leverages the airframe’s power, long loiter time, ruggedness, and proven reliability to perform intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance gathering, communications hub, command and control, and general support missions, among others.

The PC-12 measures 47 feet, 3 inches in length, has a wingspan of 53 feet, 5 inches, and has a T-tail empennage. It is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67P turboprop engine that delivers up to 1,200 horsepower to a Hartzell 5-blade, constant-speed, reversible propeller.

The PC-12 has a range of 2,120 miles, a cruise speed of 328 miles per hour, climbs at 1,900 feet per minute, and has a ceiling of 30,000 feet above sea level. It can take-off within 2,600 feet of runway and requires 2,200 feet of runway to land.

The PC-12 is a marvel of versatility and reliability—and an aviator’s favorite due to its performance, power, and advanced flight controls and avionics. The aircraft can operate out of a range of fields from modern to dirt strips, and it can fly through almost any condition, day or night.