Is Flying a Professionally Operated Pilatus PC-12 Safer Than Driving?
A winding, lakeside road snakes through the rugged mountains of British Columbia, showcasing the beauty—and hazards—of winter driving.
John, a seasoned executive, found himself rushing to a critical business meeting across the province. With winter roads that tend to be treacherous, with sudden patches of black ice making them particularly dangerous, he debated his options: a grueling five-hour drive or a swift one-hour flight in a professionally managed Pilatus PC-12. He had always heard mixed opinions about private flying, but after reviewing the data, he realized that the real risk wasn’t in the air—it was on the road. Choosing the flight, he not only arrived on time but also safely, a decision he would later reflect on as one of the smartest of his career.
A Data-Driven Safety Comparison
Aviation safety is often misunderstood due to the high visibility of aircraft accidents, whereas car crashes—despite being far more frequent—rarely make national headlines.
According to data from the Pilot Institute, corporate aviation experiences just 0.48 fatalities per 1 million flight hours. If we translate that to miles, considering the Pilatus PC-12’s average true airspeed of 250 knots (288 mph), that equates to one fatality every 600 million miles flown.
On the other hand, a middle-aged executive (aged 45-65) driving faces a 0.45 fatality rate per million hours driven. The average highway driving speed in British Columbia and Western Canada is estimated to be between 115 to 125 km/h (71 to 78 mph) (Travel British Columbia). Using an estimated average of 75 mph, this translates to one fatality every 168 million miles driven.
Fatality Rate Comparison
Corporate Flying vs. Driving
As highlighted in the article "Is Flying Safer Than Driving?" by Nick O'Brien (Pilot Institute, March 30, 2023), the perception of aviation risk is often skewed by media coverage, whereas driving fatalities occur daily but rarely make headlines (Pilot Institute).
The Verdict? Corporate flying is approximately 3.5 times safer per mile traveled compared to driving.
Why the Pilatus PC-12 is a Safe Choice
The Pilatus PC-12 is widely recognized as one of the safest aircraft in its category. Since its introduction in 1994, over 2,000 units have been delivered, collectively logging more than 7 million flight hours (LunaJets).
Some key safety factors that set the PC-12 apart:
Turbine Engine Reliability: Unlike piston-driven aircraft, the PC-12 is powered by the Pratt & Whitney PT6 turbine engine, known for its industry-leading reliability.
Advanced Safety Systems: The PC-12 is equipped with an advanced avionics suite, a state-of-the-art system that enhances situational awareness and reduces pilot workload. Its cutting-edge safety features include an autopilot, stall protection, weather radar, and de-icing systems for all critical surfaces, ensuring safe operations in diverse conditions.
Short Runway Performance: With the ability to take off and land on short or unimproved runways, the PC-12 provides flexibility and safety margins that many aircraft do not.
Strict Corporate Aviation Standards: Professionally flown and managed operations adhere to rigorous maintenance, operational, and pilot training standards, far exceeding those in general aviation.
Aviation Safety in Context
While high-profile aviation incidents can create concerns, the overall statistical likelihood of being involved in a serious accident remains extremely low. Data from The Guardian highlights that, despite a few notable crashes in recent months, the overall trend in aviation safety continues to improve (The Guardian). Similarly, TIME Magazine affirms that commercial and corporate aviation remain among the safest forms of transportation (TIME).
The Bottom Line: Safety Through Professionalism
While flying a private aircraft might seem risky to those unfamiliar with corporate aviation, the numbers tell a different story. When professionally managed and flown, the Pilatus PC-12 offers a significantly safer mode of travel than driving, particularly for busy executives and frequent travelers covering long distances.
By opting for a professionally operated co-ownership program like AeroShares, you’re not just choosing efficiency and convenience—you’re making a statistically safer travel decision.
Months later, John was reminded of his decision when he received a call from a colleague who had attempted the same trip by car—only to be delayed for hours due to road closures and hazardous conditions. That moment reinforced what he already knew: flying in a professionally operated Pilatus PC-12 wasn’t just more efficient; it was the safest way to travel.