AIR.ONE

Daher Tbm 960 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24

The Daher TBM 960 is a single‑engine turboprop airplane optimized for fast personal and business travel; it typically carries 4–6 passengers plus a pilot and offers roughly 1,500–1,700 nm of range depending on payload and reserves. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a twin‑engine light business jet in a higher category, usually seating 6–8 passengers, with a typical range around 2,000 nm; it prioritizes speed and flexibility (including operation from shorter or unimproved runways) over maximum seats. The Leonardo AW189 is a super‑mid/medium twin‑engine helicopter built for offshore, SAR, and utility roles; it commonly carries about 12–16 passengers in transport layouts and has an approximate range on the order of 450–500 nm (mission and tank fit dependent). The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a lighter twin‑engine helicopter suited to EMS, law enforcement, and corporate shuttle work; it generally seats about 5–7 passengers and has a typical range around 300–400 nm. Overall, the PC‑24 leads on range among these, the AW189 leads on passenger lift, and the TBM 960 offers efficient airplane range with lower operating complexity than a jet.

SpecDaher TBM 960AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189Pilatus PC-24
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 2.25$ 15.57$ 3.71
Min Crew111
Total Seats6216
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerDaher TBMLeonardoPilatus
Aircraft NameTBM 960AW189PC-24
Aircraft TypeTurbo Prop
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)17306512076
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.56$ 0.74$ 0.62
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)29086680
Standard Cabin Seats4196
Direct Operating Cost$ 744$ 2,413$ 1,619
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G3000EFISPilatus ACE (Primus Apex)
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)330155440
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$4,450,000$2,413,000$11,800,000
Max Cabin Seats1910
Cabin
Cockpit222
LavatoryNo1 Enclosed Flushing
Min Crew111
Total Seats6216
Galley LocationMIDFWD
Cabin Pressure (psi)6.29.3
Standard Cabin Seats4196
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)1439023500
Max Cabin Seats1910
Crew RestNo
Jump SeatNo
Cargo DoorYes
Lavatory LocationFWD
Galley / RefreshmentOptional Refreshment Center
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelTBM 960CT7-2E1FJ44-4A-QPM
TBO (hrs)350040005000
Horsepower8501983
Flat RatingISA + 49ISA + 23
Fuel TypeJetFuel
No. of Engines22
Thrust (lbs)3435
Dimensions
Length (ft)35.357.852.2
Wingspan (ft)42.155.8
Cabin Width (ft)45.6
Cabin Height (ft)4.15.1
Cabin Length (ft)13.423
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)123395
Overall Height (ft)16.617.4
Rotor Diameter (ft)48
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)85
Aisle Step (ft)Flat Floor
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.8
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)17
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)90