Pilatus PC-12 vs Socata TBM 960 vs Cessna 208
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Pilatus PC-12
- For sale now
- 46
- Median asking
- $3,547,500
- Range
- $2,177,500–$5,660,000
- Model years available
- 1995–2023
Socata TBM 960
- For sale now
- 11
- Model years available
- 2022–2026
Cessna 208
- For sale now
- 22
- Median asking
- $2,250,000
- Range
- $1,147,000–$3,097,500
- Model years available
- 1985–2026
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-12 | Socata TBM 960 | Cessna 208 |
|---|---|---|---|
| All events | 23 | — | 332 |
| Serious | 0 | — | 28 |
| Fatal | 12 | — | 115 |
| Fatalities | 53 | — | 392 |
| % Fatal | 52% | — | 35% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Pilatus PC-12 | Socata TBM 960 | Cessna 208 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $2,177,500 – $5,660,000 | — | $1,147,000 – $3,097,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Turboprop | Single Engine Turboprop | Single Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | |||
| Seats | 10 | 6 | 10 |
| Horsepower | 1,200 HP | 850 HP | 675 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 260 kts (482 km/h) | 330 kts (611 km/h) | 170 kts (315 km/h) |
| Range | 1,803 nm (3,339 km) | 1,730 nm (3,204 km) | 1,070 nm (1,982 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 30,000 ft (9,144 m) | 31,000 ft (9,449 m) | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 10,450 lbs (4,740 kg) | 7,615 lbs (3,454 kg) | 8,000 lbs (3,629 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,610 lbs (1,637 kg) | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) | 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 402.0 gal (1522 L) | — | 335.0 gal (1268 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 60.0 GPH (227 L/h) | 60.0 GPH (227 L/h) | 50.0 GPH (189 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | — | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $500,000 | — | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $180,000 | — | $120,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $900 | — | $700 |
| Engines | 1 x Turboprop | 1 x Turboprop | 1 x Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePilatus 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
Cessna 208
Fuel$275/hr
Variable$700/hr
Annual Fixed$120,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$260,000/yr
Which Should You Buy?
Pick the PC-12 if…
- Longest range — 1803 nm
- Newest design — built from 1994
Pick the TBM 960 if…
- Fastest cruise — 330 kts
Pick the 208 if…
- Lowest entry price — from $1,147,000
- Lowest operating cost — about $700/hr
- Most listings for sale — 17
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, Socata TBM 960 or Cessna 208?
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.
The 208 cruises at 170 kts with 1,070 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.
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