Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Piaggio Avanti Evo vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a rugged utility single‑engine turboprop, typically used for short regional hops and unimproved strips. It generally offers the shortest range of this group (roughly 900–1,200 nm, depending on payload) but the highest practical passenger capacity, commonly seating about 9–14 in commuter layouts. The Daher TBM 960 is a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop optimized for speed and owner‑pilot use. It carries fewer passengers (typically 4–6 in executive seating, up to about 8 with options) but delivers longer legs than the Caravan, commonly around 1,500–1,800 nm. The Piaggio Avanti EVO is a distinctive twin‑turboprop business aircraft, usually seating about 6–9 passengers. It combines jet‑like cruise speeds with turboprop efficiency and typically offers range in the same general band as the TBM, around 1,500–1,800 nm. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light jet aimed at versatile business missions, usually configured for about 6–10 passengers. It tends to provide the longest range here (often around 1,700–2,000+ nm) while adding jet performance and a larger, more flexible cabin.
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 | Piaggio Avanti EVO | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | — | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Piaggio | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 960 | Avanti EVO | PC-24 |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop | — | — |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 1530 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | — | $ 0.62 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | 3775 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | — | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 400 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $ 7,695,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 7 | 10 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | No | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 6 |
| Galley Location | MID | — | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | 9 | 9.3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | 24000 | 23500 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 7 | 10 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | No | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 6600 | — |
| Crew Rest | — | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | — | No |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | FWD |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | TBM 960 | PT6A–66B | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 3600 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 850 | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | ISA + 28 | ISA + 23 |
| No. of Engines | — | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 100 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | 3435 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | 47.3 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 | 47.1 | 55.8 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 | 6.1 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | 5.8 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 | 14.9 | 23 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | — | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 13.1 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.5 | 3.8 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 35.2 | 90 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | — | 17 |