So, there’s no arguing with the fact that as of late, Cessna has been playing a little dirty. But their latest product without a doubt solidifies their ‘rip-off’ status. The Cessna Denali, a single engine turbine aircraft, was revealed not long ago, and made general aviation aficionados like myself do a double take. The Cessna Denali looks EXACTLY like the Pilatus PC-12; an industry and market proven aircraft that has been a benchmark for utility aviation, as well as business travel, for years. Now, let me say that I am definitely bias on this issue (#TeamPilatus), but I will be writing this article from a non-bias point of view.
So first off, I’d just like to present you with the specifications for both aircraft, just so you can see the almost exact similarity that we’re dealing with here.
So first off, I’d just like to present you with the specifications for both aircraft, just so you can see the almost exact similarity that we’re dealing with here.
SEE?! That is the EXACT. SAME. PLANE. You can see in the Denali the elongated nose of the PC-12, the same window configuration, and they even stole Pilatus’s signature cargo door utilized on all of their aircraft, including the new PC-24. At first glance one can also see a common thread in the fuselage shared with the Beechcraft Premier jet, and have similarities to the King Air in the empennage.
Now that you can see that they’re almost the exact same aircraft, the question of why Cessna felt the need to do this presents itself. Why DID Cessna feel the need to blatantly copy Pilatus and not even try to disguise it? Did they feel threatened by the PC-12’s success? Did they just want a piece of the action? Who knows really. I could see why Cessna would feel threatened, due to the PC-12’s high success rate and extremely positive user reviews, but at the same time, they ARE Cessna; They don’t exactly have to worry about not making money. On the other hand, I do not agree with the argument that they’re just trying to get into the market for single engine turbos, because they already are in the market with the well-respected Caravan line of aircraft.
The thought crossed my mind that if Cessna was going to do this, they would at least try to be competitive with it in terms of price point, but no; The Cessna Denali is priced at $4.8 million; $200,000 more than the PC-12. “For what?”, you might ask. Well, that extra 200K will get you a grand total of 3 inches of extra cabin width!!! YAY! All joking aside however, that is the only advantage the Denali has on the PC-12 and it is completely un-noticeable. Pilatus has Cessna beat in every other category, including cabin length, range, and takeoff performance.
So, when it comes down to which aircraft is better, the FACTS say that the PC-12 will give you a safer investment, and more bang for your buck. (And also me. I say that too.)
Let me know your thoughts on this in the comments and I look forward to reading your input!
Now that you can see that they’re almost the exact same aircraft, the question of why Cessna felt the need to do this presents itself. Why DID Cessna feel the need to blatantly copy Pilatus and not even try to disguise it? Did they feel threatened by the PC-12’s success? Did they just want a piece of the action? Who knows really. I could see why Cessna would feel threatened, due to the PC-12’s high success rate and extremely positive user reviews, but at the same time, they ARE Cessna; They don’t exactly have to worry about not making money. On the other hand, I do not agree with the argument that they’re just trying to get into the market for single engine turbos, because they already are in the market with the well-respected Caravan line of aircraft.
The thought crossed my mind that if Cessna was going to do this, they would at least try to be competitive with it in terms of price point, but no; The Cessna Denali is priced at $4.8 million; $200,000 more than the PC-12. “For what?”, you might ask. Well, that extra 200K will get you a grand total of 3 inches of extra cabin width!!! YAY! All joking aside however, that is the only advantage the Denali has on the PC-12 and it is completely un-noticeable. Pilatus has Cessna beat in every other category, including cabin length, range, and takeoff performance.
So, when it comes down to which aircraft is better, the FACTS say that the PC-12 will give you a safer investment, and more bang for your buck. (And also me. I say that too.)
Let me know your thoughts on this in the comments and I look forward to reading your input!