Pilatus PC-12 vs Socata TBM 850

The SOCATA TBM 850 and the Pilatus PC-12 are two single-engine turboprops with different priorities — the fast TBM 850 and the spacious PC-12. The TBM 850 is among the fastest single-engine turboprops; the PC-12 the do-everything large-cabin hauler. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Pilatus PC-12
For sale now
68
Median asking
$4,249,950
Range
$2,634,200–$5,785,000
Model years available
1995–2024
Socata TBM 850
For sale now
23
Model years available
2006–2013

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Pilatus PC-12Socata TBM 850
All events232
Serious01
Fatal120
Fatalities530
% Fatal52%0%
View full Pilatus PC-12 NTSB record →View full Socata TBM 850 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Pilatus PC-12 Socata TBM 850
Pilatus PC-12
View 10 listings →
Median $4,249,950
 Socata TBM 850
View 21 listings →
Median $1,900,000
Price Range $2,634,200 – $5,785,000 $1,769,920 – $2,655,800
Category Single Engine Turboprop Single Engine Turboprop
Model Specifications
Seats 10 6
Horsepower 1,200 HP 850 HP
Cruise Speed 260 kts (482 km/h) 320 kts (593 km/h)
Range 1,803 nm (3,339 km) 1,520 nm (2,815 km)
Service Ceiling 30,000 ft (9,144 m) 31,000 ft (9,449 m)
Max Gross Weight 10,450 lbs (4,740 kg) 7,394 lbs (3,354 kg)
Useful Load 3,610 lbs (1,637 kg) 1,400 lbs (635 kg)
Fuel Capacity 402.0 gal (1522 L) —
Fuel Burn 60.0 GPH (227 L/h) 55.0 GPH (208 L/h)
TBO 3,500 hrs —
Overhaul Cost $500,000 —
Annual Fixed $180,000 —
Hourly Variable $900 —
Engines 1 x Turboprop 1 x Turboprop

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Pilatus PC-12

Fuel$330/hr
Variable$900/hr
Annual Fixed$180,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $360,000/yr

Socata TBM 850

Fuel$302/hr

Which Should You Buy: Pilatus PC-12 or Socata TBM 850?

Bottom line: Choose the TBM 850 for speed — one of the fastest single-engine turboprops, sleek and efficient for getting a few people somewhere fast. Choose the PC-12 for space and versatility — a large cabin, a big cargo door and rugged capability at a lower operating cost. On safety both lean on proven single-PT6A turbine reliability and strong records; the difference is speed versus space, not safety. Fast single, or do-everything cabin.

Pick the PC-12 if…

  • More seats — 10 vs 6.
  • Longer range — 1803 nm vs 1520 nm.

Pick the TBM 850 if…

  • Budget matters — from $1,769,920 vs $2,634,200, you save ~$864,280.
  • Faster cruise — 320 kts vs 260 kts.
  • More inventory — 21 listings vs 10.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the TBM 850 and PC-12?
The TBM 850 is a fast single-engine turboprop; the PC-12 a larger, more versatile one with a cargo door. The TBM is quicker; the PC-12 carries more and costs less to run.
Which is faster?
The TBM 850 — among the fastest single turboprops. The PC-12 cruises slower but offers a much larger cabin.
Which carries more and costs less to run?
The PC-12 — a bigger cabin, cargo door and lower operating cost. The TBM 850 trades that for speed.
Which is better, Pilatus PC-12 or Socata TBM 850?
It depends on your mission and budget. The PC-12 cruises at 260 kts with 1,803 nm range. The TBM 850 cruises at 320 kts with 1,520 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Pilatus PC-12 and Socata TBM 850?
PC-12 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B (1200 hp). Seats: 10 vs 6. Cruise: 260 vs 320 kts. Range: 1803 vs 1520 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
PC-12: about $900/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
PC-12: 10 seats / 3,610 lb useful load. TBM 850: 6 seats / 1,400 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
PC-12: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$500,000. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data