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

Variable Costs (per flight hour)

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

Turboprop-Specific Maintenance

Insurance & Storage

Insurance Premiums

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

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

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Sources: Daher Aircraft Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS