The True Operating Cost of Socata TBM 900
The Socata TBM 900 is a high-performance single-engine turboprop offering 6-seat capacity, exceptional speed, and proven reliability. Plan for $156,000–$204,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $1,560–$2,040 per hour. The TBM 900 dominates high-performance turboprop markets.
Quick Specs: Socata TBM 900
| Specification | TBM 900 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1 × Pratt & Whitney PT6A-66D (850 shp) |
| Fuel Burn | 48–56 gal/hr cruise |
| Cruise Speed | 280–310 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 31,000 ft |
| Useful Load | 2,200–2,600 lbs |
| Seats | 6 |
| Range | 1,350–1,700 nm |
TL;DR: Socata TBM 900 Annual Operating Cost Summary
- Fixed costs: $48,000–$62,000/year (insurance $18,000–$28,000, hangar $18,000–$24,000, annuals $8,000–$10,000, training)
- Variable costs at 100 hours: $108,000–$142,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
- Total at 100 hours: $156,000–$204,000/year (~$1,560–$2,040/hour)
- Finance a $6,500,000 TBM 900: Add $94,700/month ($1,136,400/year) at 6.5% over 10 years
- At 50 hours: ~$102,000–$132,000/year (~$2,040–$2,640/hour)
- At 200 hours: ~$264,000–$344,000/year (~$1,320–$1,720/hour)
High-Performance Turboprop Operating Costs
Fixed Costs
- Insurance: $18,000–$28,000/year for $3.5M–$5M hull
- Hangar: $18,000–$24,000/year (turboprop facility)
- Annual inspection: $8,000–$10,000 labor
- Crew training: $4,000–$6,000/year
Variable Costs (per flight hour)
- Jet-A fuel: 52 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$286/hour
- Oil and lubricants: $10–$15/hour
- Engine reserves: $21–$27/hour ($85K ÷ 3,500 TBO)
- Maintenance: $40–$60/hour
- Landing fees: $30–$80/landing
- Avionics: $20–$35/hour
Jet Fuel & Operating Economics
Fuel Cost by Hours
| Annual Hours | Gallons Jet-A | Cost @ $5.50/gal | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 2,600 | $14,300 | $286 |
| 100 | 5,200 | $28,600 | $286 |
| 150 | 7,800 | $42,900 | $286 |
| 200 | 10,400 | $57,200 | $286 |
Maintenance & Engine Reserves
Pratt & Whitney PT6A-66D
- PT6A-66D: 3,500 hours TBO
- Overhaul cost: $85,000–$105,000
- Engine reserve: $95,000 ÷ 3,500 = $27.14/hour
- Reliability: Proven single turboprop with excellent support
High-Performance Turboprop Maintenance
- Engine system checks: $5,000–$7,500/year
- Fuel system maintenance: $2,000–$3,000/year
- Landing gear service: $2,000–$3,000/year
- Avionics: $1,500–$2,500/year
- Budget: $65–$95/hour for all maintenance
Insurance & Storage
High-Performance Insurance
- $3,500,000 hull: $18,000–$22,000/year
- $5,000,000 hull: $26,000–$32,000/year
- Business operations: +15–25% premium
Storage Costs
| Option | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Turboprop Hangar | $1,500–$2,000 | $18,000–$24,000 |
| Tie-Down | $400–$700 | $4,800–$8,400 |
Annual Ownership Scenarios
Operating Cost (Not Financed)
| Hours/Year | Fixed | Variable | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $55,000 | $57,000 | $112,000 | $2,240 |
| 100 | $55,000 | $114,000 | $169,000 | $1,690 |
| 200 | $55,000 | $228,000 | $283,000 | $1,415 |
Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)
Assume $6,500,000 Socata TBM 900, 6.5% APR, 10 years = $1,136,400/year.
| Hours/Year | Operating | Finance | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | $169,000 | $1,136,400 | $1,305,400 | $13,054 |
| 200 | $283,000 | $1,136,400 | $1,419,400 | $7,097 |
Financing the Socata TBM 900
- Purchase price: $5,500,000–$7,500,000
- Down payment: 15–20%
- Loan amount: $4,600,000–$6,400,000
- Term: 10–15 years
- APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
- Monthly payment: $80,000–$175,000
Lender Requirements: 650+ credit, aviation experience, $750,000+ net worth, detailed flight plan, hull insurance $3.5M+. Lenders like JakenAviation support turboprop financing.
Socata TBM 900 vs. Competitors
- vs. Pilatus PC-12: TBM 900 faster; PC-12 more payload
- vs. Daher TBM 940: TBM 900 proven; 940 newer technology
Get prequalified for turboprop financing »
Sources: Socata TBM Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS