Thinking about the PC-24 operating cost as you consider the Pilatus PC-24 for your flying needs?
Renowned for its impressive versatility and exceptional performance, the PC-24 is a standout choice for many operators.
However, understanding all the costs involved is crucial before making a purchase.
What factors will truly impact your budget, and how can you make an informed decision to align with your financial goals?
Key Takeaways
- The average price for a pre-owned Pilatus PC-24 is $10.6 million
- Annual operating costs range from $925,000 to $1.5 million, depending on flight hours
- Total variable costs average $1.08 million, while fixed costs are around $641,500 per year
- The PC-24 has a total annual budget of approximately $1.72 million, or $3,827 per flight hour
- Careful cost management and tax planning are crucial for PC-24 owners
Overview of the Pilatus PC-24
The Pilatus PC-24 is a versatile super light jet that has made a big splash in private aviation. It stands out with its impressive specs and strong market position. This has made it a favorite among jet owners and operators.
The PC-24’s design focuses on a spacious cabin. It’s 5’1″ high, 5’8″ wide, and 23’0″ long. This gives room for up to 8 passengers. It also has a big baggage capacity of 90 cubic feet, perfect for both work and leisure trips.
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Cabin Height | 5’1″ |
| Cabin Width | 5’8″ |
| Cabin Length | 23’0″ |
| Baggage Capacity | 90 cu. ft. |
The PC-24’s performance is top-notch. It has a balanced field length of 2,810 feet and a landing distance of 2,355 feet. This makes it great for landing at many airports, giving owners and operators more options.
In the market, the PC-24 is seen as a super light jet. It has a fleet size of 189 aircraft, placing it in the midsize jet market. It competes with other popular models in this category.
The PC-24 is powered by two Williams FJ44-4A engines. These engines give the aircraft the power it needs. The avionics suite is the advanced Honeywell Primus Epic 2.0 system. This ensures pilots have the latest technology and functionality.
“The Pilatus PC-24 is a true game-changer in the super light jet market, offering a winning combination of performance, cabin comfort, and operational flexibility.”
Initial Purchase Price of the PC-24
The Pilatus PC-24, a versatile private jet from Switzerland, has caught a lot of attention. It starts at an initial price of $8.9 million. This has made it a favorite among both aircraft fans and business leaders.
Looking at recent trends, the PC-24’s price varies. It can range from $9,695,000 to $15,000,000. This depends on the model year and how many hours it has flown. The average hours flown by these jets is around 1,000. Some have flown as little as 140 hours, while others have flown up to 2,240 hours.
| Aircraft Model | Purchase Price Range | Average Flight Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Pilatus PC-24 | $9,695,000 – $15,000,000 | 1,000 hours |
The PC-24’s mix of versatility and performance has made it a hit in the light jet market. Orders for it sold out fast. In fact, Pilatus received 84 orders in just a few hours, showing how much people want this jet.
“The Pilatus PC-24 sold out its orders for the next five years in a matter of hours, receiving a total of 84 orders.”
As the PC-24’s price and market trends change, it’s key for potential buyers to keep up. They should think about their needs and budget when looking at this aircraft.
Financing Options for the PC-24
Acquiring the Pilatus PC-24 offers many financing choices. These include traditional loans, leasing, and fractional ownership. These options make flying private more accessible.
Leasing the PC-24 is a popular choice. It lets you enjoy private jet benefits without a huge upfront cost. You can choose between dry leases, where you handle everything, or wet leases, where the lessor does.
| Financing Scenario | Details |
|---|---|
| Loan Example | A $6,000,000 loan over 120 months with $25,000 per month in interest results in a $300,862.29 per-period payment. |
Fractional ownership programs are another option. They allow several people to share a PC-24’s costs. This is great for those who need private jet access but don’t use it all the time.
“The Pilatus PC-24’s innovative design, operational flexibility, and attractive financing options make it a compelling choice for businesses and individuals seeking a versatile private jet solution.”
Choosing the right financing is crucial. It’s important to weigh the costs and benefits of each option. By understanding your choices, you can make the best decision for your needs.
Direct Operating Costs of the PC-24
The Pilatus PC-24 is known for its great performance and features. But, it’s important to know the costs of owning and flying it. These costs include fuel, maintenance, and pilot salaries.
The PC-24 uses 191 gallons of fuel per hour. With fuel at $5.00 per gallon, flying costs $955 per hour.
Maintenance for the PC-24 is also a big expense. It costs $528 per hour for labor and parts. Plus, engine reserves add another $359 per hour.
Pilot salaries are a big part of the costs too. A PC-24 pilot’s yearly salary is about $390,390. This adds to the cost of owning the plane.
| Cost Category | Cost per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (191 gallons at $5.00/gallon) | $955.00 |
| Maintenance Labor and Parts | $528.00 |
| Engine Reserves | $359.00 |
| Pilot Salaries (Annual) | $390,390 |
| Total Direct Operating Cost per Hour | $1,842.00 |
In summary, the PC-24’s operating costs are high. Fuel, maintenance, and pilot salaries add up to $1,842 per hour. Anyone thinking of owning a PC-24 needs to think about these costs carefully.
Indirect Operating Costs of the PC-24
When you own a Pilatus PC-24, you face more than just the cost of flying. You also have to think about hangar rental, insurance, and depreciation. These costs add up and are key to figuring out how much owning a light business jet really costs.
Hangar fees for the PC-24 are about $50,600 a year. This money goes towards keeping the plane safe and in top shape. It’s a way to protect your investment from the weather and keep it running smoothly.
Insurance is another big expense. You’ll need to pay around $18,521 a year for hull insurance. Liability insurance to cover accidents adds another $35,000. These policies are vital for protecting the plane and its owners.
Depreciation is also a big deal for PC-24 owners. The rate of depreciation can change, but it’s something to think about. Planning how you use and maintain your plane can help keep its value up.
Knowing about these indirect costs helps you understand the full cost of owning a PC-24. This knowledge is key to making smart choices about your private aviation investment.
Cost Comparison with Similar Aircraft
When looking at the Pilatus PC-24, it’s key to compare its costs with other midsize jets. The PC-24’s yearly operating cost is $1,177,455. This includes $500,811 in fixed costs and $676,644 in variable costs.
Let’s compare the PC-24 with the Cessna Citation CJ4 and the Embraer Phenom 300. The CJ4 has a cabin of 311 cubic feet, and the Phenom 300 has 324 cubic feet. But the PC-24 has a larger cabin of 501 cubic feet. This means more room and comfort for passengers.
| Specification | Pilatus PC-24 | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Embraer Phenom 300 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Range | 1,950 nm | 1,991 nm | 1,937 nm |
| Maximum Speed | 425 knots | 451 knots | 453 knots |
| Take-off Distance | 2,690 ft | 3,310 ft | 3,138 ft |
| Baggage Capacity | 90 cubic ft | 76 cubic ft | 85 cubic ft |
| Maximum Payload | 2,500 lb | 2,518 lb | 2,416 lb |
The PC-24 stands out for its performance. It has a shorter take-off distance and can carry more payload. Even though it’s not the fastest, its versatility and flexibility make it a great choice for many.
Variable vs. Fixed Operating Costs
Knowing the variable and fixed costs of the Pilatus PC-24 is key for owners and operators. Variable costs change with flight hours and include fuel, maintenance, and engine reserves. Fixed costs stay the same, like crew salaries, hangar fees, and insurance.
The PC-24’s variable costs are about $2,255.48 per hour. This includes:
- Fuel: $1,199 per hour
- Maintenance: $528 per hour
- Engine reserves: $359 per hour
- Miscellaneous expenses: $169 per hour
Fixed costs for the PC-24 are around $500,811 a year. These are:
- Crew salaries: $390,390
- Hangar fees: $50,600
- Insurance: $53,521
- Miscellaneous expenses: $6,300
Understanding the PC-24’s costs helps owners manage expenses. This ensures the PC-24 operates efficiently and cost-effectively.
Ownership Structure Impacts on Costs
The way you own a Pilatus PC-24 affects its costs. If you own it privately, you might fly it 450 hours a year. But, if you use it for charter, you could fly it more. For example, adding 200 charter hours can lower the cost per hour from $3,826.57 to $3,247.46.
Corporate ownership might change tax rules and how you use the plane. This also changes the costs. To save money, understanding these differences is key. It affects things like depreciation, taxes, and upkeep.
| Ownership Structure | Annual Hours | Total Hourly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Private Ownership | 450 | $3,826.57 |
| Private Ownership with 200 Charter Hours | 650 | $3,247.46 |
| Corporate Ownership | Varies | Varies |
PC-24 owners should talk to tax experts and aviation lawyers. They can help you save money. This includes using tax breaks like bonus depreciation for new or used planes.
“The choice of ownership structure could have a significant impact on the excise tax implications for operating a Pilatus PC-24.”
Cost Management Strategies
Managing the costs of a Pilatus PC-24 private jet is key. Its fuel efficiency, using 191 gallons per hour at 440 knots, helps keep costs down. By smartly managing fuel and planning routes, owners can cut the $1,199 per hour fuel cost.
Keeping the PC-24 in top shape is also vital. Regular maintenance and using authorized service centers like Lufthansa Technik AG helps control costs. The PC-24’s design, including brushless AC starters, adds to its reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Smart flight planning is another must for PC-24 owners. Its ability to land on short runways, like Staniel Cay’s 3,030-ft. runways, saves on ground transport costs. This can lead to big savings in time and money, especially for those who value efficiency.
By focusing on fuel, maintenance, and flight planning, PC-24 owners can manage costs well. This approach ensures a great flying experience while keeping ownership costs in check.
Tax Implications of PC-24 Ownership
The Pilatus PC-24 offers big tax benefits for owners. Its high price of $12,347,500 means lots of depreciation deductions. This can save a lot on taxes. Using the PC-24 for business also opens up more cost deductions, lowering ownership costs.
The PC-24’s high cost means big tax write-offs are possible. Owners can use special tax rules to quickly deduct a big part of the cost. This is thanks to IRS rules like Section 179 and bonus depreciation.
Business use of the PC-24 also brings more tax savings. Costs like fuel, maintenance, and insurance can be deducted. This makes the plane more cost-effective for business use.
PC-24 owners should talk to tax experts to get the most tax benefits. Good planning and keeping records are key. This way, owners can save a lot on taxes.
| Tax Benefit | Description | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation | Accelerated depreciation schedules, such as Section 179 and bonus depreciation, can provide significant write-offs on the aircraft’s purchase price. | Substantial reduction in taxable income, resulting in significant tax savings for PC-24 owners. |
| Operational Cost Deductions | Business-related expenses, including fuel, maintenance, insurance, and other operational costs, may be eligible for tax deductions. | Reduced overall cost of ownership by offsetting a portion of the PC-24’s operating expenses against taxable income. |
Understanding and using tax benefits can make owning a PC-24 more financially smart. It can also make private flying more appealing.
Conclusion: Assessing the Total Cost of Ownership
The Pilatus PC-24’s total cost of ownership is $1,177,455 a year, for 300 flight hours. This includes $500,811 in fixed costs and $676,644 in variable costs. Prospective owners need to think about their needs, budget, and how the PC-24 compares to other planes.
Buying a PC-24 requires long-term financial planning. The initial cost is $12,347,500, but there are ongoing costs and resale value to consider. The comprehensive data on PC-24 total ownership helps in making a decision.
Choosing a Pilatus PC-24 means understanding its capabilities, maintenance, and financial impact. By comparing the PC-24’s costs to your needs and budget, you can make a smart choice. This choice should fit your long-term aviation goals and financial plans.
FAQ
What are the key specifications of the Pilatus PC-24?
The Pilatus PC-24 is a medium jet. It can carry up to 10 passengers and has a crew of 1. It reaches altitudes of 45,000 feet and cruises at 446 KTS/514 MPH. It also has a range of 1,500 NM/1,726 SM.
What is the typical purchase price for a Pilatus PC-24?
The Pilatus PC-24 usually costs $12,347,500. Prices can range from $9,695,000 to $15,000,000.
What financing options are available for the Pilatus PC-24?
You can finance the Pilatus PC-24 through loans, leasing, or fractional ownership. A $6,000,000 loan over 120 months could cost $25,000 in interest each month. This results in a $300,862.29 monthly payment.
What are the direct operating costs for the Pilatus PC-24?
Direct costs include fuel ($1,199 per hour), maintenance ($528 per hour), and other expenses. These add up to $2,255.48 per hour.
What are the indirect operating costs for the Pilatus PC-24?
Indirect costs include hangar rental ($50,600 annually) and insurance ($18,521 for hull and $35,000 for liability). Depreciation is not specified.
How does the Pilatus PC-24 compare to similar aircraft in terms of cost of operation?
The Pilatus PC-24’s total cost for 300 hours a year is $1,177,455. This includes $500,811 in fixed costs and $676,644 in variable costs. It offers good performance and economics compared to other midsize jets.
How does the ownership structure impact the Pilatus PC-24’s operating costs?
Ownership structure greatly affects the PC-24’s costs. Private owners might use it for 450 hours a year. Charter operations can add more hours. For example, 200 charter hours can lower the hourly cost to $3,247.46. Corporate ownership might have different tax and usage impacts.
What cost management strategies can be used for the Pilatus PC-24?
To manage costs, focus on fuel efficiency, maintenance scheduling, and flight planning. The PC-24’s fuel efficiency at 440 knots offers savings opportunities.
What are the tax implications of Pilatus PC-24 ownership?
Owning a Pilatus PC-24 can offer tax benefits like depreciation and business use deductions. The aircraft’s high purchase price means significant tax savings. Business use can also reduce operational costs.
Featured Image: Steve Knight, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
