TBM 960

The Daher TBM 960 is the latest evolution of the very fast single-engine turboprop line that began with the TBM 700, and it sits at the premium, performance end of the owner-flown turbine market. Where the PC-12 prioritises cabin volume and utility, the TBM prioritises speed: it cruises around 330 knots, making it one of the fastest single-engine turboprops in production and a genuine time-competitor to entry-level jets on shorter sectors.

The 960 pairs a PT6E-66XT engine under digital power management — a single-lever throttle with automatic propeller control — with Garmin G3000 avionics and modern safety nets including emergency autoland and envelope protection. Range of roughly 1,700 nautical miles and pressurised five-to-six seat comfort make it well suited to the owner-pilot or small flight department covering business routes quickly and without a second crew member.

The TBM 960 is the right aircraft for a buyer who values speed, modern automation and single-pilot simplicity over maximum cabin size or rough-field flexibility. Its cabin is smaller than a PC-12's and it is not designed for unimproved-strip freight work, so the choice between them comes down to mission: pick the TBM for fast point-to-point travel between good airports, and the Pilatus for volume, cargo and field flexibility. As a single-engine turbine it carries the same redundancy considerations buyers should weigh against their risk and insurance requirements.