Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Pilatus Pc 24 vs Piper M600 Sls
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a rugged single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft optimized for short, unimproved strips; it typically carries about 9–14 occupants depending on configuration and offers moderate range (roughly 900–1,200 nm), prioritizing payload and versatility over speed. The Daher TBM 960 is a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop in the personal/business category, usually seating 4–6 passengers (up to about 6–7 total) with longer range (about 1,400–1,700 nm) and higher cruise speeds. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light business jet designed for “jet access” to shorter runways; it commonly carries 6–8 passengers (up to around 10 total in high‑density layouts) with range around 1,800–2,000 nm, trading some range for cabin size, speed, and jet performance. The Piper M600 SLS is a single‑engine turboprop positioned as an owner‑flown business aircraft, typically seating 4–6 passengers (up to 6–7 total) with range around 1,200–1,500 nm, balancing comfort, avionics, and operating economy.
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 | Pilatus PC-24 | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | $ 3.71 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Pilatus | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 960 | PC-24 | M600 |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop | — | — |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 2076 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | $ 0.62 | $ 0.55 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | 6680 | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | $ 1,619 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 440 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $11,800,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 10 | — |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | 1 Enclosed Flushing | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 | 5 |
| Galley Location | MID | FWD | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | 9.3 | 5.6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | 23500 | 12600 |
| Crew Rest | — | No | — |
| Jump Seat | — | No | — |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 10 | — |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Optional Refreshment Center | Refreshment Centre |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 8644 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | TBM 960 | FJ44-4A-QPM | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 5000 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 850 | — | 600 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | ISA + 23 | ISA + 55 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 3435 | — |
| No. of Engines | — | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 260 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | 52.2 | 29.7 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 | 55.8 | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 | 5.6 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | 5.1 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 | 23 | 12.3 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | — | 165 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 17.4 | 11.3 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.8 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 17 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 90 | 20 |