Daher Tbm 910 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Piper M500
The Daher TBM 910, Pilatus PC-12 NGX, and Piper M500 are all single‑engine turboprops, but they target different missions. The TBM 910 is best seen as a high‑performance personal and business traveler: it typically offers the longest reach in this group, with maximum-range figures commonly around 1,700+ nautical miles depending on payload and reserves, and it usually seats about 4 to 6 passengers in comfort (up to 6 plus the pilot in many layouts). The PC‑12 NGX is the utility-oriented executive turboprop: while its range is also strong, it is often quoted slightly below the TBM at roughly the 1,500–1,800 nautical mile class depending on configuration, and it stands out for cabin volume and flexibility, commonly accommodating 6 to 9 passengers (with high-density options higher) plus the pilot. The Piper M500 is the entry-level, owner-operator turboprop: it generally has the shortest range of the three at roughly the 1,000–1,300 nautical mile class and typically carries about 4 to 5 passengers plus the pilot, prioritizing lower acquisition and operating complexity over maximum capability.
| Spec | Daher TBM 910 | Pilatus PC-12 NGX | Piper M500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | $ 2.78 | $ 3.11 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Pilatus | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 910 | PC-12 NGX | M500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 1803 | 1000 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | $ 0.46 | $ 0.78 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | — | 1698 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | $ 793 | $ 579 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Honeywell Primus Apex | Garmin G1000 NXi |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 290 | 260 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,250,000 | $5,350,000 | $2,122,600 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 9 | — |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | Optional | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 5 |
| Galley Location | MID | — | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | 5.8 | 5.5 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Refreshment Centre | No | Refreshment Centre |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | 13100 | 12600 |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 9 | — |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 8244 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | PT6A-66D | PT6E-67XP | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 5000 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 1200 | 500 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | ISA + 35 | ISA + 55 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 37 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 291 | — | 170 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | 402 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | 47.25 | 29.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 | 53.33 | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 | 5 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | 4.9 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 | 16.9 | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.3 | 14 | 11.3 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | — | 165 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 30 | 40 | 20 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 4.25 | — |