Pilatus PC-12 NGX Review: A Pilot's Perspective

The Pilatus PC-12 has a sterling reputation. For decades, it has been the swiss army knife of the sky. It hauls cargo. It flies executives. It serves as an air ambulance. It does all of this from short, unprepared airstrips. I've had the privilege of seeing this bird up close many times. Its ruggedness is legendary. When Pilatus announced the PC-12 NGX, the 'Next Generation,' they weren't just adding a fresh coat of paint. They re-engineered a classic. This is not a minor update. It is a fundamental leap forward in single-engine turboprop capability. We will look at the engine, the cockpit, the cabin, and the performance. We will see what makes the NGX a true game-changer.

The Heart of the Matter: The PT6E-67XP Engine

The biggest change is under the cowl. The NGX uses the new Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6E-67XP engine. This is not just an incremental improvement. It is the first engine in its class with a dual-channel integrated Electronic Propeller and Engine Control System, or EPECS. For the pilot, this is revolutionary. Gone are the days of managing the propeller and throttle separately. The EPECS gives you single-lever control, just like a jet. You push the lever forward to go faster. You pull it back to slow down. The system handles the complex task of optimizing engine power and propeller RPM. This drastically reduces pilot workload, especially during critical phases of flight like takeoff and approach. The data from the engine controls tells the pilot everything they needs to know.

But the benefits go beyond simplicity. The system provides constant monitoring and optimization. This results in more efficient fuel burn and a more linear power response. For operators, the numbers are compelling. Time Between Overhaul (TBO) is extended to 5,000 hours. The engine also features a new low-prop speed mode. With a touch of a button, you can reduce propeller RPM on the ground from 1,700 to 1,550. This makes the aircraft significantly quieter for passengers boarding and for people on the ramp. It is a small detail that shows Pilatus’s focus on the entire ownership experience.

In the Left Seat: A New Level of Control

The flight deck is where the NGX truly shines. It comes standard with the Honeywell Primus Epic 2.0 avionics suite. The presentation is clean. Four large 10-inch screens give you all the information you need. But the key upgrade is the standard inclusion of a fully integrated autothrottle. This is the first time an autothrottle has been standard in a single-engine turboprop. Paired with the single-lever power control, it creates a jet-like flying experience. The autothrottle manages power settings automatically through all phases of flight. It holds selected airspeeds during climbs, descents, and approaches. This frees up so much mental capacity for the pilot. It allows you to focus on managing the flight path and situational awareness. In busy airspace or challenging weather, this system is a powerful safety tool. It prevents over-speeding and under-speeding, maintaining a stable, predictable flight path. Honeywell's Synthetic Vision System (SVS) is also standard, providing a 3D color image of the terrain and obstacles ahead. It turns a low-visibility approach into a clear-day operation.

Passenger Perfection: The Redesigned Cabin

Pilatus knows that owners and passengers are just as important as pilots. They partnered with BMW Designworks to completely reimagine the cabin. The first thing you notice are the windows. They are 10 percent larger and rectangular, just like on the PC-24 jet. This small change floods the cabin with natural light and makes it feel more spacious. The executive seats are all-new. They are inspired by high-end automotive design. They can be fully reclined into a flat position. The headrests are more comfortable. The ergonomics are simply better for long flights.

Cabin noise has also been addressed. The new engine and propeller control system contribute to a quieter environment. Pilatus also improved the cabin shell's soundproofing. The result is a space where you can hold a conversation without raising your voice. The cabin maintains its famous versatility. The seats are on quick-release pallets. An operator can change the configuration from a six-seat executive layout to a cargo hauler in minutes. This flexibility is a core part of the PC-12’s identity, and the NGX retains it fully.

Performance and Handling

The NGX is a joy to fly. It inherits the stable, predictable handling of its predecessors. But it is faster. The NGX boasts a max cruise speed of 290 knots. It climbs faster and is more efficient at altitude. Despite its speed, it has not lost its legendary short-field capabilities. It can still operate from runways as short as 2,130 feet. This opens up thousands of airports that are inaccessible to jets. The ability to land on grass, gravel, or dirt strips remains a key advantage. From my perspective, this is the aircraft's defining feature. It combines jet-like speed and comfort with bush-plane versatility.

The aircraft feels solid in the air. Control forces are well-harmonized. The trailing-link landing gear absorbs rough landings with ease. It inspires confidence in all conditions. The autothrottle makes flying approaches incredibly smooth and stable. It nails the target speed every time. This level of automation and performance makes the NGX a top-tier machine for both seasoned professionals and owner-pilots.

Conclusion: The Best Got Better

The Pilatus PC-12 NGX is more than an update. It is a redefinition of what a single-engine turboprop can be. The integration of a single-lever power control and autothrottle sets a new standard for the industry. Pilatus took an already successful platform and improved it in every meaningful way. It's faster, more efficient, more comfortable, and easier to fly. For anyone looking for the ultimate combination of utility, performance, and safety, the PC-12 NGX is the new benchmark.