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Beechcraft King Air 260 vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Piper M500 vs Piper M600 Sls

The Beechcraft King Air 260 is a pressurized twin‑turboprop positioned as a higher‑capacity, short‑to‑mid range business and utility aircraft, typically seating about 6–9 passengers depending on layout. The Daher TBM 960 is a high‑speed single‑engine turboprop optimized for personal and owner‑pilot travel, usually carrying 4–6 passengers with a comparatively long range for its size. The Pilatus PC‑12 NGX is a larger, rugged single‑engine turboprop in the utility/business category, commonly configured for 6–9 passengers and known for strong real‑world range and payload flexibility. Piper’s M500 and M600 SLS are smaller single‑engine turboprops aimed at owner‑pilots; the M500 generally carries about 4–5 passengers with moderate range, while the M600 SLS adds more power, cabin comfort, and slightly better range, typically accommodating about 5–6 passengers. Overall, the King Air 260 and PC‑12 NGX lead on cabin and passenger flexibility, the TBM 960 emphasizes speed and long‑leg efficiency, and the M500/M600 SLS sit in the lighter, personal‑travel tier with shorter typical missions.

SpecBeechcraft King Air 260Daher TBM 960Pilatus PC-12 NGXPiper M500Piper M600 SLS
Summary
Cockpit22222
DOC / nm$ 4.30$ 2.25$ 2.78$ 3.11$ 2.19
Min Crew11111
Total Seats86866
Flight RulesIFRIFRIFRIFRIFR
ManufacturerBeechcraftDaher TBMPilatusPiperPiper
Aircraft NameKingAir 250TBM 960PC-12 NGXM500M600
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)14201730180310001406
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.72$ 0.56$ 0.46$ 0.78$ 0.55
Max Cabin Seats89
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)3760290816982200
Standard Cabin Seats64644
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,333$ 744$ 793$ 579$ 603
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line FusionGarmin G3000Honeywell Primus ApexGarmin G1000 NXiGarmin G3000
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)310330290260274
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,450,000$4,450,000$5,350,000$2,122,600$3,081,400
Aircraft TypeTurbo Prop
Cabin
Cockpit22222
Lavatory1 FlushingNoOptionalNoNo
Min Crew11111
Total Seats86855
Max Cabin Seats89
Lavatory LocationAFTFWD
Cabin Pressure (psi)6.56.25.85.55.6
Galley / RefreshmentNoNoRefreshment CentreRefreshment Centre
Standard Cabin Seats64644
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)1529314390131001260012600
Galley LocationMIDMIDMID
Cargo DoorYes
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)82448644
Engine
FADECYesYesYesNoNo
ModelPT6A-52TBM 960PT6E-67XPPT6A-42APT6A-42A
TBO (hrs)36003500500036003600
Horsepower8508501200500600
Flat RatingISA + 37ISA + 49ISA + 35ISA + 55ISA + 55
No. of Engines1111
Fuel Capacity (gal)544170260
Usable Fuel (gal)402
Dimensions
Length (ft)43.835.347.2529.629.7
Wingspan (ft)57.942.153.3343.243.2
Cabin Width (ft)4.5454.14.1
Cabin Height (ft)4.84.14.944
Cabin Length (ft)16.713.416.912.312.3
Overall Height (ft)14.81411.311.3
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)4.14.25
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)16.7
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)55402020
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)123165165