Pilatus Aircraft of Stans, Switzerland, built its reputation on the PC-12 — a single-engine turboprop that became legendary for its ability to operate from virtually anywhere. When Pilatus decided to build a jet, they carried the same philosophy forward. The PC-24 is unlike any other business jet on the market: it can land on grass, gravel, and dirt strips, features a cargo door large enough to load a standard pallet, and delivers the speed and comfort of a light jet.
Key Specifications
Performance
- Range: 2,000 nm (3,704 km)
- Maximum speed: 440 ktas
- Maximum altitude: 45,000 ft
- Engines: 2x Williams International FJ44-4A-QPM
- Thrust: 3,420 lbs per engine
- Takeoff distance: 2,930 ft
Dimensions
- Cabin length: 23 ft 0 in (7.01 m)
- Cabin width: 5 ft 6 in (1.69 m)
- Cabin height: 5 ft 1 in (1.55 m)
- Baggage capacity: 90 cu ft
- Passengers: Up to 11
- Cargo door: 51 x 50 in
Unpaved Runway Capability
The PC-24's headline feature is its ability to operate from unpaved surfaces — grass, gravel, and even compact dirt runways. No other business jet currently in production can do this. This capability opens up thousands of airports and airstrips that are inaccessible to conventional jets.
What makes this possible:
- Reinforced landing gear: Designed from the outset for rough-field operations
- Engine protection: Engine inlets positioned to minimize FOD (Foreign Object Damage) ingestion from unpaved surfaces
- Short-field performance: The PC-24 needs only 2,930 feet to take off and approximately 2,510 feet to land — comparable to many turboprops
- Trailing-link landing gear: Absorbs rough surfaces while providing smooth landings on paved runways
Practical Applications
- Mining and resource companies accessing remote sites
- Agricultural businesses operating from rural strips
- Safari operators in Africa
- Mountain communities with short, unpaved runways
- Military and government operations requiring versatility
- Air ambulance services reaching remote locations
The Cargo Door
The PC-24 features a large cargo door on the left side of the aft fuselage — measuring 51 by 50 inches — that is unique among business jets. This door allows:
- Loading of standard-sized cargo pallets and containers
- Medical stretcher access for air ambulance configuration
- Loading oversized luggage, sports equipment, and bulky items
- Quick reconfiguration between passenger and cargo modes
The flat cabin floor and straight cabin walls were designed to facilitate cargo loading and maximize usable interior volume. The PC-24 can be configured as a pure passenger aircraft, a combi (mixed passenger/cargo), or a dedicated cargo carrier — sometimes switching between configurations in under 30 minutes.
The Cabin
Despite its utilitarian capabilities, the PC-24 offers a refined passenger experience:
- Cabin length: At 23 feet, the PC-24 has one of the longest cabins in the light jet category — comparable to many midsize jets
- Flat floor: The completely flat floor is a rarity in light jets and adds to the spacious feel
- Multiple configurations: From 6-seat executive layouts to 10-seat commuter configurations
- Lavatory: A full enclosed lavatory in the aft cabin
- Pressurization: Maximum cabin altitude of 8,000 ft at FL450
- Noise levels: Competitive with other light jets despite the versatile design
Swiss Quality
Pilatus builds every PC-24 at its factory in Stans, Switzerland, and the craftsmanship is evident throughout. Swiss precision manufacturing shows in:
- Tight panel gaps and excellent fit and finish
- High-quality materials throughout the interior
- Robust systems designed for reliability in demanding environments
- Attention to detail in every aspect of the aircraft
Pilatus maintains strict quality control by producing every aircraft in-house rather than outsourcing to suppliers. This vertical integration ensures consistency across every serial number.
The Flight Deck
The PC-24 features the Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE) by Honeywell:
- Four 12-inch high-resolution displays
- Dual FMS with WAAS/LPV approach capability
- Integrated weather radar
- Traffic and terrain awareness systems
- Single-pilot certified
- Intuitive ergonomics designed for reduced pilot workload
Pricing and Operating Costs
Acquisition
- New list price: Approximately $11.5 million (2026)
- Pre-owned: Limited availability due to high demand; early models from $8-10 million
Annual Operating Costs (Estimated, 300 hours/year)
- Fuel: $250,000 - $320,000
- Maintenance: $170,000 - $260,000
- Crew: $260,000 - $380,000
- Insurance: $35,000 - $60,000
- Hangar and management: $80,000 - $170,000
- Total: $795,000 - $1,190,000
Who Is the PC-24 For?
- PC-12 upgraders: Owners who love the PC-12's versatility but want jet speed and altitude
- Remote operations: Any mission requiring access to unpaved or short runways
- Air ambulance operators: The cargo door and flat floor make it ideal for medical configuration
- Versatility seekers: Buyers who need one aircraft to serve multiple roles — executive travel, cargo, and remote access
- Special mission operators: Government, military, and humanitarian organizations
Limitations
- Cabin width: At 5 ft 6 in, the cabin is wider than many light jets but narrower than midsize competitors
- Range: 2,000 nm is competitive but not class-leading
- Speed: At 440 ktas, slightly slower than the Phenom 300E
- Availability: Strong demand and limited production rates mean wait times for new aircraft
