Pilatus PC-12 vs Daher TBM 850

The Daher TBM and Pilatus PC-12 are the two defining single-engine turboprops, but built for different missions — the TBM is the speed-focused owner-flown cross-country single (~330 kt on modern variants), while the PC-12 is the cabin-class utility/corporate single (~280 kt) with a cargo door and rough-field capability.

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Pilatus PC-12 Daher TBM 850
Pilatus PC-12
View 26 listings →
Median $4,200,000
Daher TBM 850
View 20 listings →
Median $1,875,000
Price Range $3,300,000 – $7,450,000 $1,749,900 – $2,499,000
Category Single Engine Turboprop Single Engine Turboprop
Model Specifications
Seats 10
Cruise Speed 260 kts (482 km/h)
Range 1,803 nm (3,339 km)
Service Ceiling 30,000 ft (9,144 m)
Max Gross Weight 10,450 lbs (4,740 kg)
Useful Load 3,610 lbs (1,637 kg)
Fuel Capacity 402.0 gal (1522 L)
Fuel Burn 60.0 GPH (227 L/h)
TBO 3,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $500,000
Annual Fixed $180,000
Hourly Variable $900
Engines 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

Daher TBM 850

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

Bottom line: Choose the TBM for outright speed (~50 kt faster), the most refined owner-pilot single-engine turboprop, and HomeSafe Autoland on the 940/960. Choose the PC-12 for the larger 9-10 seat cabin, the cargo door, rough-strip capability and the cabin-class utility mission the TBM can't match. Speed-focused owner-pilot → TBM; cabin/utility/fractional → PC-12.

Pick the PC-12 if…

  • More inventory — 26 listings vs 20.

Pick the TBM 850 if…

  • Budget matters — from $1,749,900 vs $3,300,000, you save ~$1,550,100.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Pilatus PC-12 or Daher TBM 850?
It depends on your mission and budget. The PC-12 cruises at 260 kts with 1,803 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 Daher TBM 850?
PC-12 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B.
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. 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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data