Pilatus PC-12 vs Socata TBM 960

The Daher TBM 960 and the Pilatus PC-12 are two premium single-engine turboprops with different priorities — the fast, modern TBM 960 and the spacious PC-12. The TBM 960 is the latest and fastest single-engine turboprop, with emergency autoland; 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
65
Median asking
$4,199,900
Range
$2,572,000–$5,747,500
Model years available
1995–2024
Socata TBM 960
For sale now
14
Model years available
2022–2026

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 960
All events23—
Serious0—
Fatal12—
Fatalities53—
% Fatal52%—
View full Pilatus PC-12 NTSB record →View full Socata TBM 960 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Pilatus PC-12 Socata TBM 960
Pilatus PC-12
View 10 listings →
Median $4,199,900
 Socata TBM 960
View 11 listings →
Median $5,325,000
Price Range $2,572,000 – $5,747,500 $5,325,000
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) 330 kts (611 km/h)
Range 1,803 nm (3,339 km) 1,730 nm (3,204 km)
Service Ceiling 30,000 ft (9,144 m) 31,000 ft (9,449 m)
Max Gross Weight 10,450 lbs (4,740 kg) 7,615 lbs (3,454 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) 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 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 960

Fuel$330/hr

Which Should You Buy: Pilatus PC-12 or Socata TBM 960?

Bottom line: Choose the TBM 960 for speed and modern systems — the fastest single-engine turboprop, the latest TBM with HomeSafe emergency autoland and an updated cockpit. Choose the PC-12 for space and versatility — a large cabin, a big cargo door and lower operating cost. On safety both lean on single-PT6A reliability; the TBM 960 adds HomeSafe emergency autoland — a genuine modern safety feature — while the PC-12 leans on its proven record and dispatch reliability. Fast modern single with autoland, or do-everything cabin.

Pick the PC-12 if…

  • Budget matters — from $2,572,000 vs $5,325,000, you save ~$2,753,000.
  • More seats — 10 vs 6.
  • Longer range — 1803 nm vs 1730 nm.

Pick the TBM 960 if…

  • Faster cruise — 330 kts vs 260 kts.
  • More inventory — 11 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 960 and PC-12?
The TBM 960 is the fastest, most modern single-engine turboprop, with emergency autoland; the PC-12 the larger, more versatile one with a cargo door. The TBM is quicker; the PC-12 carries more.
Does the TBM 960 have autoland?
Yes — the TBM 960 offers HomeSafe emergency autoland, which can land the aircraft automatically if the pilot becomes incapacitated. The PC-12 does not on most models.
Which carries more and costs less to run?
The PC-12 — a larger cabin, cargo door and lower operating cost. The TBM 960 trades that for speed and the latest systems.
Which is better, Pilatus PC-12 or Socata TBM 960?
It depends on your mission and budget. The PC-12 cruises at 260 kts with 1,803 nm range. The TBM 960 cruises at 330 kts with 1,730 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 960?
PC-12 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B (1200 hp). Seats: 10 vs 6. Cruise: 260 vs 330 kts. Range: 1803 vs 1730 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 960: 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