Pilatus PC-12: A versatile aircraft with significant operating costs

The purchase price includes additional costs like taxes, registration fees, broker commissions (typically 3-5% of the purchase price), delivery charges from Switzerland, and potential customization expenses.

Fixed operating costs for the PC-12 involve depreciation and financing (with annual expenses ranging from $250,000 to $400,000), insurance (up to $20,000 annually), hangar storage (averaging around $30,000 annually), and regular maintenance ($50,000 to $100,000 per year).

Variable costs fluctuate based on usage. Fuel is the largest operational expense; with an average burn rate of 70 gallons per hour at $6 per gallon translating into approximately $126,000 annually for 300 flight hours. Maintenance adds another estimated cost between $75,000 to $90,000 yearly for similar flight hours.

Crew salaries typically amount to around $80,000 plus additional expenses potentially reaching up to an extra $11,000. Landing fees vary significantly depending on location but generally range from $50 to $500 per landing.

Overall annual operating costs combining fixed and variable expenses are estimated between $641,000 and $916,000 when flying between 200 to 400 hours per year according to Liberty Jet.

To mitigate these costs owners might consider purchasing pre-owned models or joining fractional ownership programs while also seeking competitive insurance rates or utilizing less congested airports.

The Pilatus PC-12 remains a popular choice due to its balance of performance capabilities against operational expenses making it an attractive investment despite substantial associated costs.