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.
Before I talk further about why switching to LIVT has made my life better, I first desire to provide with more detail on what is included in aircraft ownership
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 $3.5 million to $5.0 million used , 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 $300,000 to $400,000 per year, depending on factors such as location and usage.
The total variable costs, including fuel, maintenance, and other expenses, can range from $750 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, while used aircraft vary from 4.0 million and up, depending on year and specific aircraft conditions.
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.
For those not ready to buy, Pilatus PC12 charter services and private plane memberships provide convenient alternatives to enjoy the aircraft’s benefits without full ownership.
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.
For travelers seeking flexibility without ownership, private flight memberships and private airline memberships offer access to Pilatus PC12 charters and other aircraft with cost-effective options
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.
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.
For those interested in occasional use without ownership, private jet membership programs and private plane memberships provide excellent access to the Pilatus PC12’s capabilities.
Notes: The Pilatus PC-12 6 place executive configuration & can easily be configured to an 8 place configuration.
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.
On the flip side, choosing faster jets such as the Phenom 300 or Phenom 100 involves higher costs per hour of travel saved up to $10,307 and $8,279 respectively for each hour saved. Meaning that for 9 to 10 hours of savings over the entire program you will spend $103,070 to $74,511 for this luxury of time.
These figures highlight just how expensive it can be to prioritize speed alone, especially when that speed only trims minutes off a single leg.
Ultimately, the TVM comparison reinforces the value of being strategic—not just fast. It proves that time is money, but money is also time well spent when the trade-off is optimized.
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 to $450,000.00 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.
Owning your own aircraft means taking full responsibility for the safety of all passengers, which can be quite demanding. Although the Pilatus PC-12 boasts one of the best safety records in its class, ownership still comes with concerns. Even with a professional pilot at the controls, as the owner, you must stay involved in decision-making, which requires both time and energy.Â
Managing safety-related costs wisely—without cutting corners—is essential, and you need to remain vigilant to avoid being overcharged by maintenance providers. Additionally, overseeing the aircraft manager’s performance demands ongoing attention and effort.Â
In contrast, LIVT operates like a private airline membership, regulated under the FAA’s strict Part 135 air carrier rules, ensuring safety standards equal to those of commercial airlines. For a detailed look at the exceptional safety record of the Pilatus PC-12, stay tuned for our upcoming article dedicated to this topic.
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 they take care of the rest.
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.
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.
The Pilatus PC12 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.
All private jet membership programs come with its advantages and disadvantages. Although direct Pilatus PC12 charters are an option, they can be unreliable, pricier, and the quality of service can differ. LIVT’s private jet membership programs eliminate all the hassle and concerns.
It’s not just about flying smarter… it’s about living smarter.
The aviation insights shared in this article are grounded in the extensive real-world experience of a seasoned industry professional. With over 26 years in the private aviation sector, the author brings a deep, firsthand understanding of both operational and strategic considerations that impact aircraft selection, cost efficiency, and performance.
As a professional pilot for more than 28 years, he has logged over 9,000 flight hours across a wide range of aircraft types, operating in diverse environments—from domestic routes across the United States to international missions in varied and often challenging conditions. His flight experience spans everything from turboprops to midsize jets, providing a broad perspective on real-world aircraft capabilities and mission suitability.
In addition to his aviation background, the author holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Marketing, giving him a unique ability to analyze aviation programs not just from a pilot’s perspective, but through a strategic financial lens. This dual expertise allows him to bridge the gap between operational performance and economic impact… delivering insights that are both technically sound and financially informed.
This combination of deep flight experience and financial acumen forms the foundation of this article’s analysis, ensuring readers receive practical, data-backed insights they can trust when evaluating private aviation options.
