N946RB Aircraft Overview
Performance Profile
The Pilatus PC-12 delivers 285-knot performance across 1,845 NM. N946RB is powered by 1x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67P at 1,200 SHP. An operating ceiling of 30,000 feet keeps the aircraft above most weather while maintaining fuel efficiency.
Mission Profile
The Pilatus PC-12 seats up to 9 passengers in a cabin measuring 16.9 ft long, 5.0 ft wide, and 4.8 ft tall. N946RB operates where efficiency and short-field capability take priority over speed.
Charter Authorization
This Pilatus PC-12 is authorized for charter under N946RB's Part 135 certificate. Turboprops deliver the private aviation experience at the lowest hourly cost. Contact us for a quote.
Insider Note
One detail worth noting: the Pilatus PC-12's single-engine variants (if applicable) carry higher insurance costs but lower acquisition and maintenance expenses. N946RB's configuration determines where it falls on this spectrum.
Charter & Acquisition Briefing
N946RB, a 2009 helicopter under KM AVIATION LLC, represents the vertical flight segment of aviation. Below is the operational and market context.
Fleet Position
Over 10,000 helicopters are on active U.S. registrations. FAA data shows N946RB based in HOUSTON, TX. 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
N946RB 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
N946RB is a 2009 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
Core strength: access. Helicopters land where fixed-wing aircraft cannot: hospital rooftops, offshore platforms, mountain ridges, yacht decks, and city helipads. The value is not in speed over distance; it is in the elimination of the first-mile and last-mile problem that every other form of transportation faces.
When to Choose Something Else
Do not charter a helicopter for large groups. Most helicopters seat 4 to 7 passengers. For groups of 8+, a fixed-wing aircraft provides more capacity at lower per-seat costs.
Ownership & Operations
Part 91 operations cover owner-flown and company-flown aircraft under general operating rules. Part 135 governs on-demand air charter, requiring higher crew qualifications, maintenance standards, and operational oversight. An aircraft can operate under both parts: Part 91 for owner use and Part 135 when offered for charter revenue. Dual-use arrangements offset ownership costs by generating charter income during idle periods.
Pre-Purchase Considerations
Pre-purchase inspections are non-negotiable in aircraft acquisitions. A qualified maintenance facility conducts a detailed review of airframe, engines, avionics, and records. Inspection costs range from $15,000 to $75,000 depending on aircraft size and complexity. Findings from the pre-buy determine final pricing, identify upcoming maintenance events, and reveal any damage history that affects value.
Charter Market Context
Charter demand for business jets follows seasonal and economic patterns. Q4 (October through December) sees peak demand driven by year-end business travel, holiday flights, and tax planning (asset purchases before December 31). Q1 starts strong with CES, Davos, and Super Bowl driving specific route demand. Summer leisure travel to resort destinations creates predictable seasonal corridors.
N946RB Aircraft Intelligence
Cross-referenced from FAA Registry, Part 135 operator database, and live ADS-B telemetry.
Inquire About N946RB
This aircraft operates under an active FAA Part 135 certificate with Lone Star Aviators, LLC, making it legally authorized for on-demand charter. Contact us to check current availability and book your flight.
Contact UsDetailed Specifications
Aircraft Identity
| Registration | N946RB |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD |
| FAA Model | PC-12/47E |
| Serial Number | 1137 |
| Year | 2009 |
| Aircraft Type | Fixed wing single engine |
| Category | Turboprop |
| Part 135 Operator | Lone Star Aviators, LLC |
| Owner (FAA) | KM AVIATION LLC |
| Location | HOUSTON, TX |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engines | 1x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67P |
|---|---|
| Cruise Speed | 285 ktas (LRC: 260 kts) |
| Approximate Range | 1,845 NM |
| Passengers | Up to 9 |
| Registration Status | Valid (FAA) |
| Charter Status | Part 135 Authorized |
| D085 Listing | Active |
Frequently Asked Questions About N946RB
16 questions answered about this aircraft and the Pilatus PC-12 NGX
N946RB is a 2009 Pilatus PC-12 NGX registered in the United States. It carries serial number 1137 and is classified as a turboprop in the private aviation market. The aircraft has maintained continuous airworthiness for 16 years.
N946RB is a Pilatus PC-12 NGX. This model serves the turboprop segment of the business aviation market. Pilatus has a well-established support network for this airframe.
N946RB is registered to KM AVIATION LLC according to FAA records. The registrant is based in Houston, TX. Registration data is sourced from the FAA Aircraft Registry and may not reflect recent ownership transfers.
The Pilatus PC-12 was produced from 1994-present. The type was succeeded by the PC-12 NGX. This specific aircraft (N946RB) was manufactured in 2009.
The manufacturer serial number is 1137.
N946RB is registered in HOUSTON, TX.
Yes. N946RB holds an active Part 135 certificate under Lone Star Aviators, LLC, meaning it is legally authorized for on-demand charter operations. Contact The Jet Finder to check current availability.
N946RB is operated under the Part 135 certificate held by Lone Star Aviators, LLC.
N946RB is a fixed wing single engine classified as a Turboprop.
The Pilatus PC-12 has a maximum cruise speed of 285 knots. Long-range cruise is 260 kts. Maximum operating Mach number is N/A.
The Pilatus PC-12 NGX 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.
N946RB maintains a valid registration status with the FAA and is listed on the D085 Part 135 Aircraft Listing.
N946RB is listed on the FAA D085 Part 135 database under Lone Star Aviators, LLC. This confirms the aircraft is authorized for on-demand charter. Availability depends on the operator's schedule and positioning. Contact The Jet Finder to check current availability for this specific aircraft or similar models.
Contact The Jet Finder for acquisition inquiries regarding N946RB. Our advisory team handles both on-market and off-market transactions.
You can verify N946RB directly on the FAA Aircraft Registry.
From Your First Mission to Your Final Acquisition
Contact us about charter availability or acquisition. If this aircraft does not suit your needs, we have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide.