The True Operating Cost of Daher TBM 940
The Daher TBM 940 is a modern single-engine turboprop offering 6-seat capacity, advanced avionics, and exceptional performance. Plan for $185,000–$240,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $1,850–$2,400 per hour. The TBM 940 dominates next-generation single turboprop markets.
Quick Specs: Daher TBM 940
| Specification | TBM 940 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1 × Pratt & Whitney PT6A-66D (900 shp) |
| Fuel Burn | 55–65 gal/hr cruise |
| Cruise Speed | 300–340 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 31,000 ft |
| Useful Load | 2,300–2,700 lbs |
| Seats | 6 |
| Range | 1,400–1,900 nm |
TL;DR: Daher TBM 940 Annual Operating Cost Summary
- Fixed costs: $62,000–$80,000/year (insurance $28,000–$40,000, hangar $24,000–$32,000, annuals $10,000–$15,000, training)
- Variable costs at 100 hours: $123,000–$160,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
- Total at 100 hours: $185,000–$240,000/year (~$1,850–$2,400/hour)
- Finance a $9,500,000 TBM 940: Add $138,200/month ($1,658,400/year) at 6.5% over 10 years
- At 50 hours: ~$123,500–$160,000/year (~$2,470–$3,200/hour)
- At 200 hours: ~$308,000–$400,000/year (~$1,540–$2,000/hour)
Modern Turboprop Operating Costs
Fixed Costs
- Insurance: $28,000–$40,000/year for $5.5M–$8M hull
- Hangar: $24,000–$32,000/year (turboprop facility)
- Annual inspection: $10,000–$15,000 labor
- Crew training: $6,000–$9,000/year
Variable Costs (per flight hour)
- Jet-A fuel: 60 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$330/hour
- Oil and lubricants: $15–$22/hour
- Engine reserves: $27–$36/hour ($110K ÷ 3,500 TBO)
- Maintenance: $50–$80/hour
- Landing fees: $50–$120/landing
- Avionics: $30–$50/hour
Jet Fuel & Operating Economics
Fuel Cost by Hours
| Annual Hours | Gallons Jet-A | Cost @ $5.50/gal | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 3,000 | $16,500 | $330 |
| 100 | 6,000 | $33,000 | $330 |
| 150 | 9,000 | $49,500 | $330 |
| 200 | 12,000 | $66,000 | $330 |
Maintenance & Engine Reserves
Pratt & Whitney PT6A-66D
- PT6A-66D: 3,500 hours TBO
- Overhaul cost: $110,000–$140,000
- Engine reserve: $125,000 ÷ 3,500 = $35.71/hour
- Reliability: Proven modern turboprop
Modern Turboprop Maintenance
- Engine system checks: $6,000–$9,000/year
- Fuel system maintenance: $2,500–$4,000/year
- Landing gear service: $2,500–$4,000/year
- Avionics: $2,500–$4,000/year
- Budget: $95–$140/hour for all maintenance
Insurance & Storage
Modern Turboprop Insurance
- $5,500,000 hull: $28,000–$36,000/year
- $8,000,000 hull: $38,000–$50,000/year
- Business operations: +20–30% premium
Storage Costs
| Option | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Modern Hangar | $2,000–$2,700 | $24,000–$32,400 |
| Tie-Down | $600–$1,000 | $7,200–$12,000 |
Annual Ownership Scenarios
Operating Cost (Not Financed)
| Hours/Year | Fixed | Variable | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $71,000 | $58,000 | $129,000 | $2,580 |
| 100 | $71,000 | $116,000 | $187,000 | $1,870 |
| 200 | $71,000 | $232,000 | $303,000 | $1,515 |
Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)
Assume $9,500,000 Daher TBM 940, 6.5% APR, 10 years = $1,658,400/year.
| Hours/Year | Operating | Finance | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | $187,000 | $1,658,400 | $1,845,400 | $18,454 |
| 200 | $303,000 | $1,658,400 | $1,961,400 | $9,807 |
Financing the Daher TBM 940
- Purchase price: $8,500,000–$11,000,000
- Down payment: 15–20%
- Loan amount: $7,000,000–$9,500,000
- Term: 10–15 years
- APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
- Monthly payment: $120,000–$280,000
Lender Requirements: 690+ credit, aviation experience, $1,500,000+ net worth, detailed flight plan, hull insurance $5.5M+. Lenders like JakenAviation support turboprop financing.
Daher TBM 940 vs. Competitors
- vs. TBM 900: TBM 940 newer, faster; TBM 900 proven market leader
- vs. Pilatus PC-12 NGX: TBM 940 faster; PC-12 more payload
Get prequalified for turboprop financing »
Sources: Daher TBM Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS