Pacific Aerospace P-750 Xstol

Single Turboprop· 23 globally registered

The Pacific Aerospace P-750 XSTOL is a rugged single-engine turboprop utility aircraft built in Hamilton, New Zealand, and purpose-designed for skydiving, cargo hauling, and short-field operations in remote environments. First flown in 2001 as a successor to the Fletcher FU-24 agricultural aircraft lineage, the P-750 combines a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 turbine with an exceptionally robust airframe optimized for rapid climb, high payload capacity, and operations from unprepared strips. Its boxy fuselage accommodates up to nine skydivers or 1,800 pounds of cargo, and the large rear door allows jumpers to exit quickly at altitude—making it a favorite among drop zones worldwide. What sets the P-750 apart is its genuine XSTOL (Extreme Short Takeoff and Landing) capability: the aircraft can lift off in under 400 feet and land in less than 500 feet at maximum weight, thanks to full-span leading-edge slats, double-slotted trailing-edge flaps, and a high-lift wing design. This performance envelope allows operators to access airstrips that would challenge most turboprops, from Pacific island grass strips to high-altitude mountain bases. The type's climb rate exceeds 1,200 feet per minute even when fully loaded, and its service ceiling of 20,000 feet provides ample altitude for skydiving operations. The P-750 has found a niche in commercial skydiving fleets across North America, Australia, and Europe, where its combination of low operating costs, rapid turnaround times, and PT6 reliability make it economically competitive with larger jump aircraft. A handful of operators also use the type for cargo and passenger transport in bush flying roles, particularly in the South Pacific. While not as fast as purpose-built commuter aircraft—cruise speed is around 150 knots—the P-750's utility lies in its ability to operate profitably from locations where other aircraft simply cannot go. SkyMeter has tracked 562 flights across 28 airframes and 15 operators, with BANK OF UTAH TRUSTEE the largest observed operator.