Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Enstrom 480b vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft aimed at short‑ to medium‑range hauling and rugged operations; it typically carries around 9–14 passengers depending on configuration and is best suited to regional legs rather than long cross‑country range. The Daher TBM 960 is a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop in the personal/corporate category, optimized for fast, longer trips with a typical seating capacity of about 4–6 passengers (up to roughly 6–7 including pilot, depending on layout) and substantially greater range than the Caravan. The Enstrom 480B is a single‑engine turbine helicopter, primarily a utility/training/tour platform with short range relative to fixed‑wing aircraft and seating commonly around 4–5 occupants. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a twin‑engine light business jet, designed for longer‑range, higher‑speed travel with a typical cabin fit of about 6–10 passengers and the longest practical range and cruise capability of the group, while also retaining the flexibility to operate from shorter or less‑prepared runways than many jets.
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 960 | PC-24 |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop | — |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | $ 0.62 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 10 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Galley Location | MID | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | 9.3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | 23500 |
| Crew Rest | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | No |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | TBM 960 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 850 | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | — | 2 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 | 55.8 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 | 23 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 90 |