Daher Tbm 960 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Piper M350 vs Piper M500 vs Piper M600 Sls
All five are pressurized personal aircraft, but they split into two categories: high-performance turboprops (TBM 960, PC-12 NGX, M500, M600/SLS) and a high-performance piston single (M350). The Daher TBM 960 is a fast, owner-flown turboprop optimized for speed and efficiency, typically carrying about 4–6 passengers with long-range capability around roughly 1,500–1,700 nm depending on reserves and loading. The Pilatus PC-12 NGX is a larger, utility-focused turboprop with the most cabin volume and payload flexibility; it commonly carries 6–9 passengers and offers similar or slightly greater practical range (often around 1,600–1,800 nm), trading some cruise speed for space and versatility. The Piper M350 is a twin-turbocharged piston aircraft, usually 4–5 passengers, with shorter range in the roughly 1,000–1,300 nm class. The Piper M500 is an entry turboprop, typically 4–6 passengers, with range around roughly 1,000–1,200 nm. The Piper M600 SLS sits between M500 and TBM/PC-12, usually 4–6 passengers, with range commonly around roughly 1,200–1,500 nm.
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 | Pilatus PC-12 NGX | Piper M350 | Piper M500 | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | $ 2.78 | $ 1.34 | $ 3.11 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | — | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Pilatus | Piper | Piper | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 960 | PC-12 NGX | M350 | M500 | M600 |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop | — | — | — | — |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 1803 | 1343 | 1000 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | $ 0.46 | $ 0.22 | $ 0.78 | $ 0.55 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | — | 1308 | 1698 | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | $ 793 | $ 285 | $ 579 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Honeywell Primus Apex | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 290 | 213 | 260 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $5,350,000 | $1,195,000 | $2,122,600 | $3,081,400 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 9 | — | — | — |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | Optional | — | No | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | — | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Galley Location | MID | — | — | MID | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | 5.8 | 5.6 | 5.5 | 5.6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | 13100 | — | 12600 | 12600 |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes | — | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 9 | — | — | — |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD | — | — | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | No | — | Refreshment Centre | Refreshment Centre |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | — | 8244 | 8644 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Model | TBM 960 | PT6E-67XP | TIO-540-AE2A | PT6A-42A | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 5000 | 2000 | 3600 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 1200 | 350 | 500 | 600 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | ISA + 35 | — | ISA + 55 | ISA + 55 |
| No. of Engines | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | 402 | — | — | — |
| Fuel Type | — | — | AvGas | — | — |
| TBO (yrs) | — | — | 12 | — | — |
| Fuel Delivery | — | — | Fuel Injected | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 120 | 170 | 260 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | 47.25 | 29 | 29.6 | 29.7 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 | 53.33 | 43 | 43.2 | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 | 5 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | 4.9 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 | 16.9 | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.3 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | — | 165 | 165 | 165 |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 14 | 11.4 | 11.3 | 11.3 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 4.25 | — | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 40 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 13 | — | — |