Overview
The Pilatus PC-24 is a light twin-engine jet that rewrites the rules of what a business jet can do. Powered by two Williams International FJ44-4A turbofan engines producing 3,420 lbs of thrust each, the PC-24 combines jet speed and pressurized comfort with an unprecedented ability to operate from short, unpaved runways. With a maximum range of approximately 2,000 nautical miles and a top cruise speed of 440 knots, it bridges the gap between turboprops and traditional business jets.
What sets the PC-24 apart is its large cargo door, inherited from the PC-12 philosophy, which allows rapid cabin reconfiguration between executive passenger, combi, and cargo layouts. Pilatus calls it the "Super Versatile Jet," and no other aircraft in its class matches its combination of off-airport capability and jet performance.
History & Context
Pilatus announced the PC-24 program at EBACE 2013, and the prototype made its maiden flight on May 11, 2015, from the company's home airfield in Stans, Switzerland. Demand was so strong that the initial production slots of 84 aircraft sold out within 36 hours of the order book opening. EASA and FAA type certification were granted simultaneously in December 2017, with first deliveries in early 2018.
The PC-24 was conceived as the jet-powered counterpart to the PC-12 turboprop, carrying forward Pilatus's DNA of rugged versatility and Swiss engineering precision. It was specifically designed to access the thousands of smaller airports and unpaved runways that are off-limits to conventional business jets.
Development & Updates
The PC-24 features the Honeywell Primus Epic avionics suite with four large displays and advanced weather radar. The airframe incorporates lessons learned from the PC-12 NGX, including a robust trailing-link landing gear designed for rough-field operations and a flat cabin floor that facilitates rapid reconfiguration.
The large forward cargo door, measuring 50 x 51 inches, enables loading of oversized cargo, medical stretchers, or bulky equipment that no other light jet can accommodate. The cabin can be converted between configurations in under an hour, making the PC-24 equally adept at executive transport, air ambulance, and special missions.
Flight Characteristics
The PC-24 delivers jet performance with a turboprop pilot's versatility mindset. Takeoff and landing distances are remarkably short for a jet, with the aircraft capable of operating from runways as short as 2,690 feet. The robust landing gear absorbs rough surfaces confidently, and pilots report that the aircraft handles grass and gravel strips with aplomb.
In cruise at FL450, the PC-24 is smooth, quiet, and fast, with the Williams engines providing reliable thrust at high altitude. The cockpit is designed for single-pilot operations, and the Honeywell avionics reduce workload effectively. Pilots transitioning from the PC-12 find the jet familiar in philosophy, with the main differences being higher approach speeds and jet-specific procedures.
Use Cases & Target Group
The Pilatus PC-24 appeals to operators who need jet speed without sacrificing runway flexibility:
- PC-12 operators seeking a jet upgrade while retaining off-airport capability
- Air ambulance and HEMS organizations requiring pressurized jet speed
- Charter operators wanting access to small, underserved airports
- Government and special mission agencies needing versatile, rugged jet transport
- Corporate flight departments with diverse mission profiles
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Unique ability to operate from short, unpaved runways unmatched by any other business jet
- Large cargo door enables rapid reconfiguration for passenger, cargo, and medical missions
- Single-pilot certification reduces crew costs for owner-operators
- Two Williams FJ44-4A engines provide jet speed with proven reliability
- Outstanding short-field performance with takeoff distance under 2,700 feet
Weaknesses
- Range of approximately 2,000 nm is shorter than some midsize jet competitors
- Cabin width is narrower than purpose-built midsize business jets
- Premium price reflects the unique capability but exceeds typical light jets
- Maintenance requires access to Pilatus-authorized service centers
Summary & Conclusion
The Pilatus PC-24 is genuinely unique in the business jet world. No other jet can match its combination of short-field performance, unpaved runway capability, large cargo door versatility, and certified jet speed. For operators who need to reach places that conventional jets cannot, the PC-24 is not just an option; it is the only option.
Pilatus has created a jet that embodies Swiss precision and versatility, making it the definitive choice for missions that demand both performance and adaptability.
