Pilatus PC-12 vs Socata 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.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Pilatus PC-12
For sale now
65
Median asking
$4,199,900
Range
$2,572,000–$5,747,500
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
32
Source marketplaces
6
Model years available
1995–2024
Socata TBM 850
For sale now
23
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
6
Source marketplaces
5
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%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Pilatus PC-12 Socata TBM 850
Pilatus PC-12
View 18 listings →
Median $4,199,900
Socata TBM 850
View 22 listings →
Median $1,875,000
Price Range $2,572,000 – $5,747,500 $1,764,915 – $2,409,150
Category Single Engine Turboprop Single Engine Turboprop
Model Specifications
Seats 10 6
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)
Max Gross Weight 10,450 lbs (4,740 kg) 7,394 lbs (3,354 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

Socata TBM 850

Which Should You Buy: Pilatus PC-12 or Socata 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 seats — 10 vs 6.
  • Longer range — 1803 nm vs 1520 nm.

Pick the TBM 850 if…

  • Budget matters — from $1,764,915 vs $2,572,000, you save ~$807,085.
  • Faster cruise — 320 kts vs 260 kts.
  • More inventory — 22 listings vs 18.

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 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. 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. 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