PAC750XL sits high on three fixed-gear oleos.

by Paul Bertorelli

The term “utility aircraft” is, at best, a misnomer and at worst, misguided. Models such as Cessna’s 185 and 206 are considered utility airplanes but only because they happen to haul heavy loads. A Cherokee Six fits into the category for the same reason; it wasn’t designed to be an all-purpose cargo airplane but muddles along in that role.

If utility means work, then true utility airplanes are purpose-built for some focused range of tasks, say, ag application or banner towing or hauling heavy stuff, with no thought of amenities for passengers. Cessna’s Caravan is one example and there are cargo variants of the Pilatus PC-12. Muscling into this…