The True Operating Cost of Daher TBM 900
The Daher TBM 900 is a premium single-engine turboprop offering pressurized cabin, exceptional altitude capability (31,000 ft), and six-seat capacity. Plan for $80,000–$95,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $800–$950 per hour. The TBM 900 leads the single-engine turboprop market with legendary reliability, lowest fuel burn among turboprops, and unmatched performance. Ideal for executives, mission-critical transport, and demanding operators.
Quick Specs: Daher TBM 900
| Specification | TBM 900 (Latest) |
|---|---|
| Engine | Pratt & Whitney PT6A-66D (850 shp turboprop) |
| Fuel Burn | 35–42 gal/hr cruise |
| Cruise Speed | 280–310 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 31,000 ft (pressurized) |
| Useful Load | 2,600–2,800 lbs |
| Seats | 6 |
| Range | 1,800–2,100 nm |
TL;DR: Daher TBM 900 Annual Operating Cost Summary
- Fixed costs: $30,000–$38,000/year (insurance $5,000–$7,500, hangar $8,000–$10,000, annuals $4,000–$5,500, turboprop systems)
- Variable costs at 100 hours: $50,000–$57,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oil, engine reserves)
- Total at 100 hours: $80,000–$95,000/year (~$800–$950/hour)
- Finance a $700,000 TBM 900: Add $8,200/month ($98,400/year) at 6.5% over 10 years
- At 50 hours: ~$65,000–$76,500/year (~$1,300–$1,530/hour)
- At 200 hours: ~$130,000–$152,000/year (~$650–$760/hour)
Single-Engine Turboprop Operating Costs
Fixed Costs
- Insurance: $5,000–$7,500/year for $700,000–$850,000 hull with 500+ pilot hours
- Hangar: $8,000–$10,000/year (turboprops require climate-controlled storage)
- Annual inspection: $4,000–$5,500 labor (turboprop-specific systems)
- Turboprop maintenance reserve: $2,000–$3,000/year (condition monitoring)
Variable Costs (per flight hour)
- Jet-A fuel: 38 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$209/hour
- Oil and filter: $8–$10/hour
- Engine reserve: $11–$14/hour ($45K ÷ 3,500 TBO)
- Prop maintenance: $10–$14/hour
- Turboprop maintenance: $45–$60/hour (gearbox, governors, fuel systems)
- Landing fees: $15–$30/landing
Fuel Burn & Jet-A Costs
Fuel Cost by Hours
| Annual Hours | Gallons | Cost @ $5.50/gal | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 1,900 | $10,450 | $209 |
| 100 | 3,800 | $20,900 | $209 |
| 150 | 5,700 | $31,350 | $209 |
| 200 | 7,600 | $41,800 | $209 |
Maintenance & PT6A Engine Reserves
Pratt & Whitney PT6A-66D
- PT6A-66D: 3,500 hours TBO (industry-leading reliability)
- Overhaul cost: $45,000–$55,000
- Engine reserve: $12–$16/hour ($50K ÷ 3,500)
- Parts availability: Excellent worldwide support
Turboprop-Specific Maintenance
- Fuel heater maintenance: $400–$800/year
- Propeller governor overhauls: $2,000–$3,000 each
- Gearbox inspections: $600–$1,000/year
- Condition monitoring trending: $1,000–$1,500/year
- Budget: $50–$65/hour for all maintenance
Insurance & Storage
Insurance Premiums
- $700,000 hull, 500+ hours, turboprop typed: $5,500–$7,000/year
- $800,000 hull, 100–250 hours: $7,000–$9,000/year
- Commercial/charter: +40–60% premium
Storage Costs
| Option | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Climate-Controlled Hangar | $650–$850 | $7,800–$10,200 |
| Standard Hangar | $550–$700 | $6,600–$8,400 |
Annual Ownership Scenarios
Operating Cost (Not Financed)
| Hours/Year | Fixed | Variable | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $34,000 | $31,000 | $65,000 | $1,300 |
| 100 | $34,000 | $62,000 | $96,000 | $960 |
| 200 | $34,000 | $124,000 | $158,000 | $790 |
Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)
Assume $700,000 TBM 900, 6.5% APR, 10 years = $98,400/year debt service.
| Hours/Year | Operating | Finance | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | $96,000 | $98,400 | $194,400 | $1,944 |
| 200 | $158,000 | $98,400 | $256,400 | $1,282 |
Financing the Daher TBM 900
- Purchase price: $600,000–$900,000 (depends on year, avionics, airframe hours)
- Down payment: 15–20%
- Loan amount: $550,000–$750,000
- Term: 10–15 years (longer for premium turboprops)
- APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
- Monthly payment: $6,500–$9,500
Lender Requirements: 650+ credit, turboprop type-rated, $250,000+ annual income, comprehensive business plan, hull insurance $700K+. Lenders like JakenAviation specialize in TBM 900 financing for executive and mission-critical operators.
TBM 900 vs. Competitors
- vs. Piper Malibu: TBM 900 turboprop costs 50–60% more; higher altitude (31K vs. 25K), better payload, turboprop reliability
- vs. King Air 90: TBM 900 single-engine; King Air 90 twin-engine (safety advantage) but similar costs
- vs. Socata TBM 850: TBM 900 newer, more advanced avionics, ~5% higher operating costs
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Sources: Daher Aircraft Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS