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AircraftUtilityPC-6 Porter
UtilityPC-6Introduced 1959

Pilatus Aircraft

PC-6 Porter

The Pilatus PC-6 Porter is a legendary single-engine STOL utility aircraft originally powered by a piston engine and later converted to turboprop power, with the PT6A-27 being the definitive production version. Renowned for its extraordinary short-field and high-altitude performance, the PC-6 has been operated in some of the world's most demanding environments including the Himalayas, Arctic, and jungle airstrips. Production ended in 2019 after 60 years of continuous manufacture, making pre-owned examples highly sought after.

  • Extraordinary STOL: 500 ft takeoff
  • Operates from high-altitude mountain strips
  • Single-engine turboprop reliability
  • Skydiving and medevac workhorse
  • 60-year production run (1959-2019)
  • Renowned Swiss build quality
Pilatus Aircraft PC-6 Porter

PC-6 Porter key specifications

Range
660 nm
Cruise speed
127 kts
Passengers
up to 10
Max take-off weight
6,173 lb
Engines
1 × Turboprop
Overview

About the PC-6 Porter

Introduced in 1959 in Switzerland, the Pilatus Aircraft PC-6 Porter is a utility aircraft from the PC-6 family built for flexible passenger and cargo missions into demanding airfields. It is a long-serving design with a deep support and parts network.

On performance, it offers a maximum range of about 660 nautical miles and a cruise of roughly 127 knots. It seats up to 10 passengers and is powered by 1 Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-27 engine.

Its 660 nm range makes it well matched to short-haul hops and local operations. It is certified for single-pilot operation. For buyers weighing the PC-6 Porter, compare its specifications and operating profile against the closest alternatives below before requesting a quote.

Gallery

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At a glance

Performance

Max Range
660 nm
Cruise Speed
127 kt
Max Seats
10
MTOW
6,173 lbs

Full specifications

Operator and certification details for the PC-6 Porter, plus the complete performance, dimensions, weights and powerplant sheet — free with an account.

Country of Origin
Switzerland
Engines
1 × Turboprop
Engine Model
Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-27
IFR Certified
Varies
Single-Pilot
Yes

20 more specifications — performance, dimensions, weights and powerplant — are free with an account.

View plans

Value & depreciation

How a utility like the PC-6 Porter typically holds value — indicative, class-typical retention of a new example against age. Run your own year and hours in the valuation calculator for a specific estimate.

At 5 years
~77%
of typical new value retained
At 10 years
~60%
of typical new value retained
At 15 years
~46%
of typical new value retained

Indicative only — actual value depends on hours, maintenance-program status, avionics, condition and the current market.

Pricing & seller quotes

Aggregated market pricing and multi-seller quotes — shared with verified partners.

Pricing is shared with verified partners

We aggregate live market pricing and seller quotes for the PC-6 Porter. Request a quote and our team will send tailored pricing and availability — or sign in if you’re an approved partner.

Prefer a quick public estimate? Estimate the PC-6 Porter cost of ownership with our free calculator.

Ownership & ROI calculator

Model the true economics of owning or chartering the PC-6 Porter. Pre-filled with realistic defaults for this type — adjust any assumption and the results update instantly.

Model the economics of the PC-6 Porter

Create a free account to see the true cost per flight hour and annual ownership cost. Upgrade for the full five-year ROI projection, charter profitability and a client-ready report.

True cost per flight hour
Fully-burdened ownership cost from fuel to financing — free.
Five-year ROI projection
Revenue, EBITDA, equity, ROI, NPV & IRR modelled out five years.
Charter profitability
Private, hybrid and full-charter scenarios side by side.
Compare aircraft
Acquisition, cost/hour and ROI across multiple types.

How the PC-6 Porter compares

Side by side with the most similar utility.

Performance
Range
660 nm
730 nm
615 nm
720 nm
Cruise speed
127 kt
120 kt
142 kt
145 kt
Max speed
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Service ceiling
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Rate of climb
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Capacity & dimensions
Max seats
10
8
8
6
Crew
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Max takeoff weight
6,173 lbs
4,000 lbs
3,800 lbs
3,350 lbs
Length
Locked — sign in to view
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Cabin height
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Powerplant
Engines
1 × Turboprop
1 × Piston
1 × Piston
1 × Piston
Engine model
Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-27
Lycoming IO-540-K1A5
Continental IO-520-F
Continental IO-520-D

6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.

Beyond the spec sheet

Buying or operating the PC-6 Porter? Get an independent acquisition recommendation, or see how fleet management keeps operations, maintenance, crew and compliance in one place.

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