Piper PA-12 Insurance Cost

Pilatus PC-12 Overview:

Swiss manufacturer Pilatus, long known for their highly capable utility aircraft, by 1989 had identified a segment of the market they believed was untapped – a highly capable and efficient single-engine aircraft delivering long-range and high cruise speeds while also allowing access to thousands of smaller local airports. Rather than build off of a previous model, Pilatus quietly engaged their design team to create a purpose-built aircraft for introduction in the early 1990s.

The cabin was designed to be larger than not only its turboprop competitors, but even several light jets. The cabin was designed from the start to be extremely flexible – standard seat tracks allowed the installation and rapid change of a variety of configurations. Factory options included a six-seat luxury configuration, a high-density commuter setup seating up to nine, a medevac interior accommodating one or two patients and their attendants, as well as combination options that could use the forward half of the cabin for passengers and the aft half for cargo. Loading was facilitated through the use of a forward airstair door as well as a massive 53” x 52” (1.35 x 1.32 m) upward-opening cargo door and the floor was reinforced to allow the carrying of heavy or palletized cargo. An optional forward lavatory gave passengers the endurance to match the airplane and a standard aft baggage compartment allowed plenty of space for numerous full-size suitcases.

To maximize performance of the airplane a relatively fast and efficient wing was paired with extremely effective Fowler flaps to allow low takeoff and landing speeds and the resultant short runway requirements. Pilatus selected the ubiquitous Pratt & Whitney PT6 turboprop, rated at 1200 shaft horsepower, to power the PC-12. A standardized Bendix King cockpit and simple, robust systems allowed reliability and capability for the single pilot.

The initial versions of the PC-12 would carry a gross weight of just over 9,000 lbs (4100 kg) but later versions would be bumped to nearly 10,000 lbs (4500 kg) then 10,450 lbs (4740 kg). Continuous improvements in passenger amenities and cockpit equipment would keep demand high for the airplane and in 2007 the installation of a full Honeywell Apex glass cockpit and a newer version of the PT6 engine would lead to the PC-12NG. 2019 brought the PC-12NGx featuring further interior and cockpit updates including larger seats and windows, a newer PT6 featuring autothrottle and bumping cruise speed to 290 knots, and significant extensions in maintenance timelines.

The PC-12’s combination of capability and low operating cost has led to excellent demand, with over 1800 produced to date, and excellent retention of value where even early models retain an unusually high percentage of their value. Owing to the huge flexibility offered by its unique design the aircraft is popular with charter operations, medevac companies, corporations, and even commuter airlines around the world.

Pilatus PC-12 Insurance Cost:

Aviation insurance in general, is a very specialized industry and premiums vary depending on make and model of the aircraft, hull value, use of the aircraft, pilot history and qualifications and aircraft insurance rates even take into account the loss history of each specific make and model and the loss history of the aviation industry as a whole.

Pilatus PC-12 insurance, like all aviation insurance, is broken down into 2 specific coverages. The first is Liability Coverage, which is standard on every aircraft insurance policy and the second is optional hull coverage, which covers damage to the aircraft itself.

Pilatus PC-12 aviation liability insurance covers damage caused by the aircraft, outside of the aircraft, specifically property damage, bodily injury, and provides for legal defense in the event that the aircraft owner or policyholder is sued.

Aircraft liability insurance is typically offered for Pilatus PC-12’s at $1,000,000 per occurrence (per incident) and includes coverage for passengers, but typically limits that amount to between $100,000 and $1,000,000 per passenger. Passenger liability coverage is included within the total liability coverage amount.

A real-world example of how this aviation liability coverage would protect you: If, as a result of operating your Pilatus PC-12 you damaged property or caused bodily injury outside of the aircraft, you would have the full amount of total liability coverage to pay for damages that occurred, less the liability amount paid for passengers inside the aircraft. If the aircraft crashed and you had passengers inside the aircraft that were injured, your insurance policy would pay up to the policy passenger limit for each passenger.

This liability coverage also applies as a bubble that follows the aircraft around. If the aircraft is hangered, liability coverage extends throughout your hangar and it is this coverage that airports will typically require you to have. It’s not a separate insurance policy, it is actually coverage built into your standards airplane insurance policy.

Other liability options: Higher liability coverage on the Pilatus PC-12 may be available to qualified pilots with experience in the make and model and a minimum Private License/IFR rating.

The second coverage on a Pilatus PC-12 insurance policy is hull coverage and is an optional coverage. Aircraft hull insurance covers damage to the aircraft itself and is an agreed value, not subject to depreciation. Agreed value is decided during the initial insurance quoting process, the aircraft owner requests an insurance quote for his or her Pilatus PC-12 and requests a quote including hull coverage in the amount of say $2,700,000. Once an aviation insurance company provides a quote, they are agreeing with you that your aircraft is worth $2,700,000.
*Insurance companies may place additional stipulations on quotes to prove the value of your aircraft prior to binding, if your agreed value is higher than bluebook.

Most aviation insurance companies do not offer deductibles higher than $0 deductibles, which means in the event of a total loss, if your aircraft was insured for $2,700,000, you would get a straight check for $2,700,000.

Pilatus PC-12 Insurance Cost Breakdown:

As of January 2021, there are 7 carriers quoting Pilatus PC-12 insurance in the U.S. We consider qualified pilots to have at least a Private License and IFR Rating, with 1,000 total hours, 500 Turbo and RG hours, 100 hours in make and model and ground and flight training within 24 months of the flight.

For an annual policy with $1,000,000 in liability only coverage.
 Premium range for qualified pilots: $850-$1,000 per year.
 Premium range for less than qualified pilots (low-time/etc): $1,075-$1,250 per year.

For an annual policy with $1,000,000 in liability coverage and $2,700,000 in hull coverage
 Premium range for qualified pilots: $18,500-$25,100 per year.
 Premium range for less than qualified pilots (low-time/etc): $27,000-$45,000 per year.

BWI is a family-owned, nationwide insurance brokerage specializing in aviation insurance since 1977. Our dedicated Aviation Insurance Professionals are highly trained, hand-picked and experienced in helping Pilatus PC-12 owners and operators obtain the very best insurance coverage.

BWI offers comprehensive Pilatus PC-12 insurance policies for personal, business, charter, industrial aid, and commercial aviation uses.

For more information or to get an actual Pilatus PC-12 insurance quote, please fill out a quote request online here or call us at 800.666.4359