Ownership and flying my own airplanes was something I took great pride in. It’s a powerful, versatile aircraft — and for a while, it gave me the flexibility I wanted. But as time went on, the realities of ownership started to outweigh the convenience. That’s when I made the shift to LIVT, and looking back, it was the right call for more reasons than one. Here’s why.
1. No More Maintenance Headaches
When you own a PC-12, you’re not just a passenger — you’re a part-time operations manager. Scheduled inspections, surprise repairs, parts delays… it all lands on your plate. And even when the plane isn’t flying, it’s still costing you.
With LIVT, I no longer worry about maintenance, downtime, or logistics. The aircraft is ready when I need it — clean, fueled, and fully staffed. I simply show up and fly.
2. Goodbye to HR Hassles
Hiring a qualified crew is one thing. Keeping them on-call, compliant, and trained year-round is another — especially when your flight hours don’t justify full-time staff.
LIVT handles all of that. I don’t deal with payroll, scheduling, or last-minute replacements. Every flight comes with professional crew ready to deliver, every time.
3. Service That Surprises You (In the Best Way)
I expected LIVT to be convenient. What I didn’t expect was how much they’d elevate the entire travel experience. From the moment I book to the moment I land; every detail is handled with care — often better than I could have managed myself as an owner.
They’ve exceeded expectations not just in flying, but in making private travel feel private again.
In Summary
The Pilatus PC-12 is an outstanding aircraft, no doubt. But owning one is a full-time commitment — in money, in time, and in energy. Switching to LIVT gave me the freedom to keep the benefits of private aviation without the weight of ownership. No more maintenance stress, no more staffing puzzles, and service that consistently goes above and beyond.
It’s not just about flying smarter — it’s about living smarter.
About the Author
As a former Pilatus PC-12 owner, I spent years managing, flying, and maintaining my own aircraft — gaining firsthand insight into the costs and complexities of ownership. I’ve logged over 9000 hours in my career flying to destinations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, The Caribbean, Central America and more, from major cities to remote airstrips. This perspective comes from real-world experience, both in the cockpit and on the ground.What Does It Cost to Own a Pilatus PC-12? A Comprehensive Guide
The Pilatus PC-12 is a cost-effective aircraft with low operating costs, making it a popular choice for executive travel and various missions.
Understanding the estimated costs of ownership is crucial for potential buyers and operators of the PC-12.
The Pilatus PC-12 is a leading aircraft in its class of single-engine turboprops, known for its reliability and performance.
Its cost effectiveness and ability to operate from short runways make it an ideal choice for many operators.
The Pilatus PC-12 is a significant investment, with high resale value and strong demand, making it a worthwhile financial decision for discerning buyers.
The financial implications of purchasing a Pilatus PC-12 include the acquisition cost, which typically ranges from $2.0 million to $2.2 million, and additional costs for customizations.
The upfront cost of a Pilatus PC-12 can vary depending on the model year, condition, and configuration.
Estimated costs of ownership include fixed costs, such as hangar fees and insurance, and variable costs, such as fuel and maintenance.
The total fixed costs for a Pilatus PC-12 can range from $200,000 to $300,000 per year, depending on factors such as location and usage.
The total variable costs, including fuel, maintenance, and other expenses, can range from $500 to $1,000 per flight hour.
Financial implications of financing a Pilatus PC-12 include annual financing expenses and depreciation, which are significant factors to consider when evaluating the total cost of ownership.
Buying a new Pilatus PC-12 NGX has a starting price of approximately $6.25 million.
Another option is to lease a Pilatus PC-12, which offers flexibility and efficiency for those who prefer not to purchase outright.
The current market for Pilatus PC-12 aircraft for sale shows a high demand from buyers seeking economical options, indicating a market shift towards purchasing these increasingly popular aircraft.
Fixed costs, such as hangar fees, insurance, and maintenance, are essential expenses for PC-12 owners and operators.
The average annual fixed costs for a Pilatus PC-12 can range from $200,000 to $300,000, depending on the overall condition and usage of the aircraft.
Insurance premiums, which are a significant component of fixed costs, can vary depending on factors such as the pilot’s experience and the aircraft’s value.
Hangar fees, which can range from $10,000 to $50,000 per year, are another significant fixed cost for PC-12 owners. Hangar storage costs for the Pilatus PC-12 average around $30,000 annually.
Operating costs, including fuel, maintenance, and other expenses, are a significant component of the total cost of operation for owning a Pilatus PC-12.
The operating cost per flight hour can range from $500 to $1,000, depending on factors such as fuel prices, maintenance requirements, and the frequency and distance of flights.
The Pilatus PC-12 is known for its fuel efficiency, with a typical fuel consumption of 70 gallons per hour, which significantly impacts hourly flight costs.
Maintenance costs, which can range from $50,000 to $100,000 per year, are another significant operating expense for PC-12 owners.
The variable costs of operating a Pilatus PC-12 range from $750 to $1,000 per hour.
Understanding the operating cost of a Pilatus PC-12 is crucial for owners and operators who want to manage their expenses effectively.
The operating cost per flight hour is a key metric for evaluating the cost effectiveness of the aircraft.
Understanding takeoff and landing distances is essential as they impact operational planning and costs, including airport fees and fuel consumption.
Factors such as fuel prices, maintenance requirements, and pilot training can all impact the operating cost of the PC-12. The distance flown also affects variable costs and overall operating expenses.
A thorough understanding of these factors can help owners and operators make informed decisions about their aircraft.
Creating an annual budget is essential for PC-12 owners and operators who want to manage their expenses effectively.
The budget should include estimates of fixed costs, such as hangar fees and insurance, as well as variable costs, such as fuel and maintenance.
The annual budget should also take into account factors such as market depreciation, which can impact the value of the aircraft. Depreciation for the Pilatus PC-12 typically accounts for 10–15% of the aircraft’s value annually.
Additionally, consider the financial implications of financing a Pilatus PC-12, including annual financing expenses and depreciation. Understanding these costs is crucial for making informed financial decisions.
A well-planned budget can help owners and operators save money and ensure the long-term viability of their aircraft, protecting their investment in the Pilatus PC-12.
The Pilatus PC-12 is a cost-effective aircraft that offers a range of benefits to owners and operators.
The Pilatus PC-12 has gained a reputation for versatility and dependability since its introduction, underscoring its established standing in the aviation market.
Its low operating costs, reliability, and performance make it an ideal choice for executive travel and various missions, especially when compared to the higher operating costs of a midsize jet like the Cessna Citation Latitude.
The PC-12 is also known for its ability to operate from short runways, making it a versatile aircraft that can access a wide range of destinations.
The landing capabilities of the Pilatus PC-12, including its short landing distances and the relatively low landing fees it incurs, further enhance its appeal to operators.
Its seating capacity, which can range from 6 to 9 passengers, makes it an ideal choice for small groups and families.
The Pilatus PC-12 is a high-performance single-engine turboprop aircraft that offers a unique blend of speed, range, and efficiency. With a maximum operating altitude of 30,000 feet and a normal cruise speed of 290 KTS (334 MPH), the PC-12 is capable of flying long distances with ease. Its impressive range of 1,803 nautical miles (2,075 statute miles) makes it an ideal choice for executive travel, cargo transport, and other missions that require a high degree of flexibility.
One of the standout features of the PC-12 is its low operating costs. With a total cost per hour of approximately $1,560, it is a cost-effective aircraft for owners and operators. This efficiency is further enhanced by its fuel consumption, which averages around 70 gallons per hour. The PC-12’s performance, combined with its cost-effectiveness, makes it a popular choice among those who need a reliable and versatile aircraft.
The Pilatus PC-12 is a versatile aircraft that can be configured to meet a variety of specific needs. Its spacious cabin, measuring 4 feet 10 inches high, 5 feet wide, and 16 feet 11 inches long, can comfortably accommodate up to 8 passengers. This makes it an ideal choice for executive travel, providing ample space and comfort for business trips or family vacations.
In addition to its passenger capacity, the PC-12 boasts a cargo capacity of 40 cubic feet, making it suitable for cargo transport and other missions that require a high degree of flexibility. The aircraft’s ability to operate from short runways further enhances its versatility, allowing operators to access remote or hard-to-reach destinations with ease. Combined with its low operating costs, the PC-12 is an attractive option for operators who need a reliable and adaptable aircraft for a variety of missions.
Regular maintenance and upkeep are crucial to ensuring the safety and reliability of the Pilatus PC-12. The aircraft’s engine, manufactured by Pratt & Whitney, is renowned for its reliability and efficiency. However, like all aircraft, the PC-12 requires regular maintenance to ensure it remains airworthy and operates at peak performance.
This includes routine inspections, repairs, and replacements of parts, as well as training for pilots and maintenance personnel. The total variable cost for maintaining the PC-12 is approximately $471,060 per year. By managing these maintenance costs effectively, owners and operators can help minimize downtime and ensure their aircraft remains safe and reliable.
The total fixed costs for the PC-12 are around $230,908 per year, which includes expenses such as hangar fees, insurance, and depreciation. Hangar fees alone can range from $10,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on the location. Insurance premiums, another significant component of fixed costs, can vary based on factors such as the pilot’s experience and the aircraft’s value.
Overall, the PC-12 is a cost-effective aircraft that offers a unique blend of performance, efficiency, and reliability. Its reputation for being a reliable and capable aircraft makes it an attractive option for buyers and operators looking for a versatile and dependable aircraft.
