Cessna Caravan vs Cessna Skycourier vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Piper M350
The Cessna Caravan and Cessna SkyCourier are rugged utility turboprops optimized for short/rough-field work and high payload flexibility; the Caravan is commonly a single‑engine workhorse for remote operations, while the SkyCourier is a larger twin‑engine freighter/commuter aimed at higher volume and redundancy. In range, both are typically used on short to medium regional legs, with the Caravan generally shorter-legged than the SkyCourier, though real-world range depends heavily on load and reserves. Passenger capacity favors the SkyCourier, which is typically configured around 19 seats, while the Caravan is commonly configured around 9–14 seats depending on interior and mission. The Daher TBM 960 is a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop in the personal/corporate category, trading utility payload for speed and longer point‑to‑point range; it usually seats about 4–6 passengers in comfort (up to about 6–7 including pilot, depending on configuration). The Piper M350 is a pressurized piston single aimed at owner‑pilots, generally offering shorter range and lower speed than the TBM but similar cabin scale, typically seating about 5–6 (up to around 6–7 including pilot).
| Spec | Cessna Caravan | Cessna SkyCourier | Daher TBM 960 | Piper M350 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.07 | — | $ 2.25 | $ 1.34 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 21 | 6 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Cessna | Daher TBM | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | Caravan | SkyCourier | TBM 960 | M350 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | In Development | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1070 | 900 | 1730 | 1343 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.38 | — | $ 0.56 | $ 0.22 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 19 | — | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3305 | — | 2908 | 1308 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 | 4 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 571 | — | $ 744 | $ 285 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Gyro / Analog | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G1000 NXi |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 186 | 200 | 330 | 213 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,355,000 | $7,375,000 | $4,450,000 | $1,195,000 |
| Aircraft Type | — | — | Turbo Prop | — |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | No | No | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | — |
| Cargo Door | Yes | Yes | — | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 21 | 6 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 19 | — | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | Un-Pressurized | Un-Pressurized | 6.2 | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | No | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 | 4 | 4 |
| Galley Location | — | — | MID | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 14390 | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | PT6A-114A | PT6A-65SC | TBM 960 | TIO-540-AE2A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 6000 | 3500 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 675 | 1100 | 850 | 350 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 31 | — | ISA + 49 | — |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | — | 1 |
| Fuel Type | — | — | — | AvGas |
| TBO (yrs) | — | — | — | 12 |
| Fuel Delivery | — | — | — | Fuel Injected |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | — | 120 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 37.6 | 54.9 | 35.3 | 29 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 52.1 | 72 | 42.1 | 43 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.4 | — | 4 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | — | 4.1 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 12.8 | — | 13.4 | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15 | 19.8 | — | 11.4 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | — | — | 20 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 123 | 165 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | — | 13 |