Socata TBM 940 vs Pilatus PC-12

The Pilatus PC-12 and Daher TBM (940/960) are the two icons of the single-engine turboprop world — both single Pratt & Whitney PT6 singles, but built for different missions: the PC-12 is the big-cabin, cargo-door utility/family hauler; the TBM is the fast, sleek owner-flown speedster.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Socata TBM 940
For sale now
4
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
1
Source marketplaces
3
Model years available
2019–2021
Pilatus PC-12
For sale now
65
Median asking
$4,199,900
Range
$2,572,000–$5,747,500
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
32
Source marketplaces
6
Model years available
1995–2024

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Socata TBM 940Pilatus PC-12
All events—23
Serious—0
Fatal—12
Fatalities—53
% Fatal—52%
View full Socata TBM 940 NTSB record →View full Pilatus PC-12 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Socata TBM 940 Pilatus PC-12
Socata TBM 940
View 4 listings →
Median $4,250,000
 Pilatus PC-12
View 18 listings →
Median $4,199,900
Price Range $3,948,250 – $4,292,500 $2,572,000 – $5,747,500
Category Single Engine Turboprop Single Engine Turboprop
Model Specifications
Seats — 10
Cruise Speed — 260 kts (482 km/h)
Range — 1,803 nm (3,339 km)
Service Ceiling — 30,000 ft (9,144 m)
Max Gross Weight — 10,450 lbs (4,740 kg)
Useful Load — 3,610 lbs (1,637 kg)
Fuel Capacity — 402.0 gal (1522 L)
Fuel Burn — 60.0 GPH (227 L/h)
TBO — 3,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost — $500,000
Annual Fixed — $180,000
Hourly Variable — $900
Engines — 1 x Turboprop

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Socata TBM 940

Pilatus PC-12

Fuel$330/hr
Variable$900/hr
Annual Fixed$180,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $360,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Socata TBM 940 or Pilatus PC-12?

Bottom line: Choose the PC-12 for the largest cabin in the class, the rear cargo door, rough-field versatility and 9-10 seats — the do-everything single turboprop for families, utility and operators. Choose the TBM for speed (~330 kt vs ~285 kt) and a lower price/operating cost in a sleeker, more owner-pilot-focused airframe. PC-12 = cabin/utility; TBM = speed/efficiency.

Pick the TBM 940 if…

Pick the PC-12 if…

  • Budget matters — from $2,572,000 vs $3,948,250, you save ~$1,376,250.
  • More inventory — 18 listings vs 4.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Socata TBM 940 or Pilatus PC-12?
It depends on your mission and budget. The PC-12 cruises at 260 kts with 1,803 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Socata TBM 940: from $3,895,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Socata TBM 940 and Pilatus PC-12?
PC-12 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
PC-12: about $900/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
PC-12: 10 seats / 3,610 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
PC-12: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$500,000. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data