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Daher Tbm 960 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Piper M500

The Daher TBM 960, Pilatus PC-12 NGX, and Piper M500 are all single‑engine turboprops, but they emphasize different missions. The TBM 960 is best described as a high‑performance personal and business traveler: it typically offers the longest range of the three at roughly 1,700 nautical miles and is usually flown with four to six passengers in a pressurized cabin optimized for speed and efficiency rather than maximum volume. The PC‑12 NGX is the most versatile utility/business platform: it generally carries the most people, commonly six to nine passengers depending on interior and operators, and its range is typically around 1,500–1,800 nautical miles, with a larger cabin suited to mixed passenger, cargo, and special‑mission roles. The Piper M500 is positioned as a more attainable owner‑pilot turboprop: it generally has the shortest range at about 1,000–1,200 nautical miles and typically seats four to five passengers plus a pilot, prioritizing simplicity and operating cost over maximum cabin size or mission flexibility.

SpecDaher TBM 960Pilatus PC-12 NGXPiper M500
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 2.25$ 2.78$ 3.11
Min Crew111
Total Seats686
Flight RulesIFRIFRIFR
ManufacturerDaher TBMPilatusPiper
Aircraft NameTBM 960PC-12 NGXM500
Aircraft TypeTurbo Prop
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)173018031000
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.56$ 0.46$ 0.78
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)29081698
Standard Cabin Seats464
Direct Operating Cost$ 744$ 793$ 579
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G3000Honeywell Primus ApexGarmin G1000 NXi
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)330290260
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$4,450,000$5,350,000$2,122,600
Max Cabin Seats9
Cabin
Cockpit222
LavatoryNoOptionalNo
Min Crew111
Total Seats685
Galley LocationMIDMID
Cabin Pressure (psi)6.25.85.5
Standard Cabin Seats464
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)143901310012600
Cargo DoorYes
Max Cabin Seats9
Lavatory LocationFWD
Galley / RefreshmentNoRefreshment Centre
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)8244
Engine
FADECYesYesNo
ModelTBM 960PT6E-67XPPT6A-42A
TBO (hrs)350050003600
Horsepower8501200500
Flat RatingISA + 49ISA + 35ISA + 55
No. of Engines11
Usable Fuel (gal)402
Fuel Capacity (gal)170
Dimensions
Length (ft)35.347.2529.6
Wingspan (ft)42.153.3343.2
Cabin Width (ft)454.1
Cabin Height (ft)4.14.94
Cabin Length (ft)13.416.912.3
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)123165
Overall Height (ft)1411.3
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)4.25
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)4020