Pilatus PC-12 vs Socata TBM 900

The Pilatus PC-12 and the Daher TBM are the two premium single-engine turboprops owner-flyers cross-shop — pc12 vs tbm, as the shorthand goes — and they optimise for opposite things. The PC-12 is the do-everything hauler: a large cabin, a big cargo door, rugged short-field ability and room for the whole family or a load of freight. The TBM is the speed merchant — the fastest single-engine turboprop in the sky, sleek and pressurised, built to get a few people somewhere fast. What each costs on the used market 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 900
For sale now
11
Model years available
2014–2023

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 900
All events23—
Serious0—
Fatal12—
Fatalities53—
% Fatal52%—
View full Pilatus PC-12 NTSB record →View full Socata TBM 900 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Pilatus PC-12 Socata TBM 900
Pilatus PC-12
View 9 listings →
Median $4,199,900
 Socata TBM 900
View 10 listings →
Median $2,970,000
Price Range $2,572,000 – $5,747,500 $2,737,500 – $3,041,000
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) —
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 900

Fuel$330/hr

Which Should You Buy: Pilatus PC-12 or Socata TBM 900?

Bottom line: Choose the PC-12 for space and versatility — its cabin, cargo door and rough-field capability make it a favourite for everything from family transport to air ambulance, all behind a proven Pratt & Whitney PT6A. Choose the Daher TBM when speed is the point: it cruises faster than any other single-engine turboprop, in a tighter but quick and efficient airframe. On safety both lean on the same PT6A turbine reliability that defines the class and both have strong records — the divide is mission, space versus speed, not safety. The PC-12 is the do-anything cabin-class single; the TBM is the fast one.

Pick the PC-12 if…

  • Budget matters — from $2,572,000 vs $2,737,500, you save ~$165,500.
  • More seats — 10 vs 6.
  • Longer range — 1803 nm vs 1730 nm.

Pick the TBM 900 if…

  • Faster cruise — 330 kts vs 260 kts.
  • More inventory — 10 listings vs 9.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the TBM faster than the PC-12?
Yes — the Daher TBM is the fastest single-engine turboprop, cruising meaningfully quicker than the PC-12. The PC-12 trades top speed for a far larger cabin, a cargo door and short-field versatility.
Which carries more?
The PC-12 — its large cabin and big cargo door hold more people and freight than the sleeker, faster TBM. The TBM is built for speed with a smaller cabin.
Which costs less to operate?
Both are PT6A-powered turboprops with similar cost tiers; the PC-12 is larger and can cost more to feed, while the TBM's speed buys shorter trip times. Compare specific airframes on engine and program status.
Which is better, Pilatus PC-12 or Socata TBM 900?
It depends on your mission and budget. The PC-12 cruises at 260 kts with 1,803 nm range. The TBM 900 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 900?
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 900: 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