N478SS Aircraft Overview
Performance Profile
N478SS's Pilatus PC-12 cruises at 285 knots with a range of 1,845 nautical miles. The 1x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67P produce 1,200 SHP. Turboprops deliver the lowest per-mile operating cost of any pressurized aircraft category.
Mission Profile
N478SS handles the missions where turboprop economics make sense: short legs, unpaved or short runways, and routing to airports that jets cannot reach. The Pilatus PC-12's 9-seat cabin and 1,845 NM range cover these missions efficiently.
Charter Authorization
N478SS holds Part 135 authorization. Turboprop charter rates are the most accessible in private aviation. Reach out to discuss this aircraft or alternatives.
Insider Note
Turboprops remain the first choice for operations requiring unpaved runway access, cold-weather starts, and short-field performance. N478SS's Pilatus PC-12 airframe is built for exactly these conditions.
Charter & Acquisition Briefing
N478SS is a 2007 helicopter under . Rotorcraft serve the most time-sensitive transportation missions in aviation: EMS, offshore, VIP urban transport, and aerial work.
Fleet Position
Over 10,000 helicopters are on active U.S. registrations. FAA data shows N478SS based in —, . The U.S. helicopter fleet serves EMS, offshore oil and gas, law enforcement, utility, VIP transport, and flight training. Maintenance infrastructure is extensive, with turbine helicopter service available at most major airports.
Charter Availability
N478SS is Part 135 charter authorized. Helicopter charter rates range from $1,500 to $8,000 per flight hour depending on type and configuration. VIP helicopter charter serves urban transfers (Manhattan to JFK in 8 minutes), resort access, and event transportation where ground travel times exceed 2 hours.
Market Position
N478SS is a 2007 helicopter from the modern production era. Pre-owned values range from $1M to $5M. Modern helicopters benefit from improved safety systems, glass cockpit avionics, and engines designed for longer times between overhaul.
Modern helicopter acquisitions offer a balance of current technology and significant depreciation from original delivery price. For operators entering helicopter operations, modern pre-owned aircraft provide capable platforms at accessible price points.
Mission Profile
Optimized for missions where vertical takeoff and landing capability is essential. EMS programs save lives by reaching accident scenes and hospitals directly. Offshore operators service platforms hundreds of miles from shore. Law enforcement provides aerial surveillance that ground units cannot replicate.
When to Choose Something Else
Skip helicopters for routes over 200 nm. At 130 to 170 knots, helicopters take twice as long as light jets over 200+ mile routes. For distances exceeding 150 miles, a combination of helicopter transfer plus fixed-wing jet provides the fastest door-to-door time.
Ownership & Operations
Aircraft ownership in the United States falls under FAA registration requirements. Every U.S.-registered aircraft carries an N-number that links to public records including owner name, address, airworthiness date, and certificate type. The FAA Aircraft Registry maintains this data and updates it as aircraft change hands. Prospective buyers use these records to verify ownership history, lien status, and maintenance compliance before committing to an acquisition.
Pre-Purchase Considerations
Avionics modernization drives both capability and market value. Aircraft with legacy analog instruments trade at significant discounts to those with modern glass cockpits (Garmin G5000, Collins Pro Line Fusion, Honeywell Primus Epic). ADS-B Out compliance is now mandatory in U.S. controlled airspace. Buyers should factor avionics upgrade costs into their acquisition budget when evaluating older airframes.
Charter Market Context
Empty leg pricing offers 25 to 75% discounts on published charter rates. These opportunities arise when an aircraft needs to reposition from a drop-off point back to base or to the next pickup location. The tradeoff is schedule inflexibility: departure time, date, and route are fixed by the operator's existing itinerary. The Jet Finder maintains an empty leg alert system for frequent charter clients.
N478SS Aircraft Intelligence
Cross-referenced from FAA Registry, Part 135 operator database, and live ADS-B telemetry.
Inquire About N478SS
Contact us to see if this aircraft is available for a charter flight or acquisition that fits your needs. If the aircraft is not available or does not work for you, we operate private aircraft as well and have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide.
For more information contact us and one of our private aviation advisers will be happy to assist you.
Contact UsDetailed Specifications
Aircraft Identity
| Registration | N478SS |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Pilatus |
| Model | Pilatus PC-12 (PC-12/47E (NG)) |
| Part 135 Operator | Boutique Air, Inc. |
| Category | Turbo prop |
| Cabin Class | — |
| Year Built | 2007 |
| Home Airport | KRBD |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engine Type | 1x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67P |
|---|---|
| Engine Thrust | 1,200 SHP |
| Max Cruise Speed | 285 knots |
| Maximum Range | 1845 nautical miles |
| Service Ceiling | 30000 feet |
| Takeoff Distance | 2,650 ft |
| Passenger Capacity | — |
| Baggage Volume | 40 cu ft |
| Avionics | Honeywell Primus Apex |
| IFR Certified | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About N478SS
16 questions answered about this aircraft and the Pilatus PC-12
N478SS is a 2007 Pilatus PC-12 (PC-12/47E (NG)) registered in the United States. It carries serial number on file with the FAA and is classified as a turboprop in the private aviation market. The aircraft has maintained continuous airworthiness for 9 years.
N478SS is a Pilatus PC-12 (PC-12/47E (NG)). The Pilatus PC-12 is a turboprop platform with a range of 1,845 nautical miles. Pilatus has a well-established support network for this airframe.
The Pilatus PC-12 is powered by 1x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67P, each producing 1,200 SHP. Engine maintenance programs from the manufacturer spread overhaul costs across flight hours, making operating expenses predictable. The powerplant supports a service ceiling of 30,000 feet.
The Pilatus PC-12 has a maximum cruise speed of 285 knots. Long-range cruise is 260 kts. At these speeds, a three-hour flight covers approximately 855 nautical miles, connecting most major city pairs within its range envelope.
The Pilatus PC-12 (PC-12/47E (NG)) has an approximate range of 1,845 nautical miles. This translates to nonstop coverage of coast-to-coast routes such as New York to Los Angeles, or Miami to Seattle. At a cruise speed of approximately 285 knots, total block times remain competitive for the category.
The Pilatus PC-12 seats up to 9 passengers in a typical charter configuration. The cabin measures 16.9 ft long, 5.0 ft wide, and 4.8 ft tall. The cabin accommodates productive work or rest on flights of typical duration.
The Pilatus PC-12 has a maximum service ceiling of 30,000 feet (FL300). At this altitude, the aircraft operates above commercial traffic and most weather systems. The pressurization system maintains a cabin altitude of approximately 5,500-6,500 feet at maximum cruise altitude, reducing passenger fatigue on long flights.
Yes. The Pilatus PC-12 is fully certified for IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) operations. It is equipped with Honeywell Primus Apex avionics avionics, supporting precision approaches, RNAV/GPS navigation, FANS/CPDLC for oceanic operations, and ADS-B Out compliance. All Part 135 charter operations require two instrument-rated pilots.
The Pilatus PC-12 cabin measures 16.9 ft long, 5.0 ft wide, and 4.8 ft tall. Most passengers can stand upright in the center aisle. Baggage capacity is 40 cu ft.
The Pilatus PC-12 has 40 cu ft of baggage volume in an externally accessible, heated and pressurized compartment. This accommodates 9+ full-size suitcases or a combination of luggage, garment bags, and sporting equipment. The compartment does not intrude on cabin space.
The Pilatus PC-12 is equipped with Honeywell Primus Apex avionics. This integrated flight deck provides enhanced situational awareness, synthetic vision, TCAS II, and weather radar. The system supports single-crew operations where type-certified, though Part 135 charter flights require two pilots.
The Pilatus PC-12 was produced from 1994-present. The type was succeeded by the PC-12 NGX. This specific aircraft (N478SS) was manufactured in 2007.
The Pilatus PC-12 competes in the Turboprop segment against aircraft with similar range and cabin specifications. Key differentiators include a cruise speed of 285 knots, range of 1,845 nm, and a 5.0 ft-foot-wide cabin. Selection between competing types depends on mission profile, operator availability, and total trip cost.
Charter rates for the Pilatus PC-12 typically range from $1,200-$1,800 per flight hour, depending on operator, region, and seasonal demand. This includes crew, fuel at current Jet-A prices, and standard handling. Additional costs may include FBO fees, overnight crew expenses, international handling, and repositioning if the aircraft is not based at the departure airport.
Yes. N478SS holds an active Part 135 certificate under Boutique Air, Inc., meaning it is legally authorized for on-demand charter operations. Contact The Jet Finder to check current availability and schedule a flight.
Contact us for acquisition information about N478SS. Our aviation advisors can provide market valuation and availability details.
From Your First Mission to Your Final Acquisition
Contact us to see if this aircraft is available for a charter flight or acquisition. If this aircraft is not available, we operate private aircraft and have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide.