Daher Tbm 960 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Piper M500 vs Piper M600 Sls
All four are single‑engine turboprops, but they split into two size/performance tiers. The Daher TBM 960 is the “fast personal transport” option, typically flown like a high‑speed executive aircraft with a practical range around 1,500–1,700 nm and seating commonly for 4–6 passengers (up to about 6 plus pilot depending on configuration). The Pilatus PC‑12 NGX is the larger “utility/executive” platform, trading some speed for cabin volume and flexibility; it generally offers roughly 1,500–1,800 nm of range and typically seats 6–9 passengers, with more room for baggage and easier cargo loading. Piper’s M500 and M600 SLS sit below the TBM in speed and above most pistons in capability, aimed at owner‑pilots wanting simpler operations and lower acquisition cost; both usually deliver about 1,000–1,400 nm of range and are commonly configured for about 4–6 passengers (up to 5–6 plus pilot). Between the two Pipers, the M600 SLS is the more powerful, higher‑performance, more premium variant, while the M500 is the more entry‑level turboprop.
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 | Pilatus PC-12 NGX | Piper M500 | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | $ 2.78 | $ 3.11 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Pilatus | Piper | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 960 | PC-12 NGX | M500 | M600 |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop | — | — | — |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 1803 | 1000 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | $ 0.46 | $ 0.78 | $ 0.55 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | — | 1698 | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 4 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | $ 793 | $ 579 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Honeywell Primus Apex | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 290 | 260 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $5,350,000 | $2,122,600 | $3,081,400 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 9 | — | — |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | Optional | No | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 5 | 5 |
| Galley Location | MID | — | MID | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | 5.8 | 5.5 | 5.6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 6 | 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 |
| Model | TBM 960 | PT6E-67XP | PT6A-42A | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 5000 | 3600 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 1200 | 500 | 600 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | ISA + 35 | ISA + 55 | ISA + 55 |
| No. of Engines | — | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | 402 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 170 | 260 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | 47.25 | 29.6 | 29.7 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 | 53.33 | 43.2 | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 | 5 | 4.1 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | 4.9 | 4 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 | 16.9 | 12.3 | 12.3 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | — | 165 | 165 |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 14 | 11.3 | 11.3 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 4.25 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 40 | 20 | 20 |