How Much is a Jet Card Membership?

If you've ever dreamed of flying private without the hassle of owning an aircraft, a Jet Card Membership might be the perfect solution. Jet cards offer the convenience, flexibility, and luxury of private aviation without the long-term commitment or upfront costs of owning a jet. But how much does a Pilatus PC12 jet card membership really cost?

Upfront Cost and Hourly Rates

Like most jet card programs, Pilatus PC-12 memberships require purchasing a set number of hours upfront in exchange for on-demand access to their fleet of aircraft. This bulk hourly pre-payment is the foundation for determining your costs.

Entry-Level Memberships

On the lower end, entry-level Pilatus PC-12 jet cards typically start around $150,000 for 25 annual hours of flight time. This allows you to book trips as needed throughout the year until your hours are used up.

Premium Memberships

For those expecting higher annual travel needs, premium memberships offer more value through bulk purchases of hours:

$500,000 for 50 hours
$750,000 for 75 hours
$1 million for 100 hours

In addition to more flight time, these higher commitments often include priority booking, guaranteed peak period availability, and enhanced amenities.

Hourly Rate Factors

The specific hourly rate you'll pay depends on a few key variables:

Aircraft Model and Age: Newer Pilatus PC-12 models with modern amenities/avionics will command higher hourly rates than older versions.
Home Base: Rates can fluctuate based on your typical departure airports, routes, and the provider's operating costs in those regions.
Operating Costs: Fuel prices, maintenance expenses, pilot salaries, and other overhead costs are factored into the provider's hourly rates.

Be sure to get a clear, comprehensive hourly rate structure from any provider you're considering based on your likely travel needs.

Additional Pilatus Jet Card Membership Fees

Beyond just the upfront pre-paid hourly costs, there are several common additional membership fees to be aware of:

Fuel Surcharges

When the price of aviation fuel spikes, most providers pass along these increased operating costs by tacking on fuel surcharges to your hourly rate for each flight. These can significantly raise your per-trip expenses during periods of high fuel costs.

Deicing Fees

For winter flights departing colder airports, deicing is often a necessary safety requirement. Expect to pay additional deicing fees to have this service performed before takeoff.

Repositioning/Ferry Fees

If you only need a one-way private flight, the jet will need to be repositioned after dropping you off. Repositioning or ferry fees cover the costs and hours required to reposition the aircraft.

Daily Minimums

The majority of Pilatus Jet Card programs include daily minimums, which means that even for brief trips that fall below that minimum number of hours, you will be charged the entire daily amount.

Monthly/Annual Dues

In addition to hourly rates, some providers charge separate monthly or annual membership dues to cover administrative costs.

Contracted Extras and Perks

While covering the fundamentals like flight hours and common fees, jet card providers also aim to incentivize larger commitments by bundling valuable extras and perks with premium membership tiers. These upgrades can influence the overall value and costs.

Contracted Extras May Include:

Guaranteed WiFi availability
Upgraded catering packages
Complimentary ground transportation
Access to luxury lounges and terminals

Comparing these supplemental extras from different providers is wise, as they can easily run into thousands of dollars in added value per flight when paying separately.

Incentives and Perks

On top of built-in extras, premium Pilatus PC-12 memberships often feature cost-saving incentives such as:

Reduced Hourly Rates: Higher upfront commitments earn lower hourly flight rates
Rollover Hours: Unused hours can carry over to your next membership term
Reduced Ferry Fees: Less expensive repositioning costs for more flexibility
Cabin Upgrades: Premium interiors, entertainment systems and amenities

Weighing the value of these perks against the higher upfront costs can help determine if a premium membership makes sense for your travel needs.

Variable Costs to Account For

Even with upfront costs, hourly rates, and fees defined, variable expenses still come into play that can fluctuate your total Pilatus jet card ownership costs over time.

Longer Flight Distances

While hourly rates may seem straightforward, longer flight distances can exponentially increase costs compared to shorter routes using the same number of hours. Fuel consumption, service fees, and other operating expenses tend to be higher for longer-haul flights.

Peak Travel Periods

Due to increased operational expenses and demand, jet card issuers may raise their hourly rates or add premium fees during holiday seasons or other periods of strong travel demand. When buying premium memberships, locking in assured peak-time access might help prevent these spikes.

Weather and Unexpected Problems

Depending on the coverage rules of your jet card, unanticipated weather, and service disruptions may result in additional expenditures ranging from deicing expenses in the winter to diversions and ground delays due to storms or mechanical problems.

"Over-Flight" Charges

Certain international flights may be subject to additional over-flight fees charged by countries you fly over but don't land in. These can add up for long-distance international voyages. When budgeting and choosing a jet card program, it's wise to account for variable costs like these that could spike periodically based on your specific travel patterns.

Tax Considerations

One aspect of private aviation costs often overlooked is taxes. Federal excise taxes on air transportation are applied differently based on the type of travel involved.

For Individuals

If you're purchasing a Pilatus PC-12 jet card strictly for personal, non-business travel use, the IRS applies the same 7.5% federal excise tax on air transportation as commercial flights.

For Businesses

If utilized for legitimate business purposes, a company can purchase a jet card membership as a tax-deductible business expense. However, federal excise taxes increase to 13.5% for air transportation considered "non-commercial" like private aviation.

State and Local Taxes

Depending on where your jet card provider is based, state and local taxes may also be imposed in addition to the federal taxes mentioned above. These can add hundreds or even thousands to your annual costs. Therefore, working closely with a tax professional can help maximize available deductions and ensure you remain compliant with all federal, state, and local tax obligations related to your membership.

Is a Pilatus PC-12 Jet Card Worth It?

At the end of the day, evaluating whether a Pilatus PC-12 jet card membership makes financial sense depends entirely on your specific travel needs, budget, and priorities. For light to moderate annual private travel needs, jet cards can offer exceptional convenience and luxury compared to commercial air travel. Gaining access to the performance and amenities of the PC-12 turboprop at reduced operating costs makes it an attractive option.

However, for those with heavier annual travel demands or very specific routing needs, full ownership may ultimately provide more cost-efficiency despite the added overhead. Comparing jet card costs against fractional ownership and charter costs is advisable.

Conclusion

By thoroughly understanding all the components of Pilatus jet card pricing you can make the most informed decision for your private aviation needs. An experienced jet card provider can walk you through the full pricing picture and options to maximize your return on investment.

LIVT Life offers the Pilatus PC-12 Jet Card Membership, providing you with the ultimate in convenience, luxury, and flexibility. As a member, you receive priority access to our fleet, and our dedicated team handles every detail of your journey.