TBM 700 Cost of Ownership

Daher TBM 700: The Turboprop Standard

The Daher TBM 700 represents the pinnacle of single-engine turboprop aircraft, delivering 290+ knot cruise speeds, 25,000+ foot altitude capability, and Pratt & Whitney turboprop reliability. Since introduction in 1990, the TBM 700 series has become the world's most popular single-engine turboprop, with over 4,000 aircraft delivered. The aircraft serves professional pilots, corporate operators, and serious personal aviators who demand genuine high-altitude weather-penetration capability.

The TBM 700 appeals to charter operators, professional transport pilots, and wealthy personal aviators prioritizing performance and capability over economy. At $300-$450 hourly operating costs, the TBM is expensive to operate compared to piston singles, but the high-altitude capability, speed, and single-pilot operation justify premium costs for professional missions. The PT6 turboprop's exceptional reliability and 5,000-hour TBO provide confidence in safety-critical operations.

Why Pilots Choose the TBM 700

The TBM 700 attracts professional pilots needing genuine turboprop performance; charter operators whose business model supports premium costs; corporate aviation departments requiring reliable single-pilot transport; and wealthy personal aviators willing to pay premium pricing for capability. The aircraft's 290-knot cruise, single-pilot certification, ability to climb above weather, and proven reliability make it ideal for on-demand charter and corporate missions. The PT6 turboprop's exceptional performance and reliability create an appeal piston pilots cannot match.

Purchase Price: What You'll Pay

Used Aircraft Pricing by Variant

• TBM 700A (1990-2005): $800,000-$1,400,000 - Earlier generation with reliable PT6A turboprops. Good value for operators.
• TBM 700B (1999-2011): $1,200,000-$1,800,000 - Improved engines and modern avionics integration. Excellent middle ground.
• TBM 700C2 (2008-2015): $1,500,000-$2,200,000 - Latest single-engine variant with advanced PT6A engines and glass cockpit options.
• TBM 900 (2014+): $2,500,000-$3,500,000 - Twin-turboprop variant with exceptional performance and redundancy.
• New 2025 TBM 940 Model: $3,800,000+ - Latest generation with maximum performance and automation.

Key Price Factors

• Total Airframe Hours: Aircraft under 2,000 hours command 10-15% premiums; those over 3,500 hours see 10-15% discounts.
• Engine Condition/Hours: PT6 engines past mid-life (2,500 hours on 5,000 TBO) see minor value reduction. Fresh overhauls add 5-10% value.
• Avionics Package: G1000 NXi glass cockpit adds $150,000-$250,000 to value. Older analog avionics reduce pricing significantly.
• Maintenance Reserves: Complete maintenance logs and zero deferred items command premiums. Maintenance-deferred aircraft see 10-20% discounts.
• Operational Status: Recently-certified, actively-flown aircraft command premiums over those with gaps in operational history.

Financing a TBM 700

Financing options for TBM 700 aircraft are available through specialized turboprop and business aviation lenders. Traditional loans for $1,000,000-$2,200,000 aircraft typically require 30-40% down payment ($300,000-$900,000), with remaining balance financed over 10-15 year terms at 5.0-7.5% interest rates. Monthly payments on a $1,500,000 aircraft at 6.5% over 12 years total approximately $18,000. Lenders prefer newer variants (TBM 700C2+) in excellent condition with comprehensive maintenance records.

Some lenders specialize in charter and professional-use aircraft, offering favorable terms for operators with documented revenue potential. Standard loan terms require hangar storage at full-service facility, comprehensive insurance with the lender as loss payee with high liability limits, and maintenance by authorized TBM service centers.

Insurance Costs

Daher TBM 700 insurance is substantial, typically ranging from $10,000-$20,000 annually for comprehensive coverage reflecting the high hull values ($1.0M-$2.2M). A breakdown by pilot qualification:

• New Turboprop Pilots (500-1,000 hours total, recent type training): $15,000-$20,000/year. Higher rates reflect limited turboprop experience.
• Experienced Turboprop Pilots (1,000-2,000 hours turboprop, 100+ TBM hours): $12,000-$15,000/year. Better rates with proven multi-engine turboprop experience.
• Very Experienced Pilots (2,000+ turboprop hours with 500+ TBM time): $8,000-$12,000/year. Excellent rates available for highly-qualified operators.

Insurance costs assume high-liability limits ($10M+ coverage) suitable for charter operations. Personal-use policies may be 10-20% lower. The TBM's insurance costs reflect premium hull values and pilot qualification requirements.

Fuel and Operating Costs

Fuel Consumption

The Daher TBM 700 with Pratt & Whitney PT6A turboprop burns approximately 30-35 gallons of Jet-A per hour at 75% power. At current Jet-A prices of $4.00-$5.00 per gallon, fuel costs are approximately $120-$175 per flight hour. Unlike piston aircraft, the TBM operates on cheap Jet-A rather than expensive Avgas, providing approximately $1.00-$2.00/gallon cost advantage. Climb and cruise profiles affect actual fuel consumption significantly.

Maintenance and Reserves

Maintenance reserves for the TBM 700 average $40-$60 per flight hour for turboprop-specific care including borescope inspections, thermography analysis, and component replacements. Engine overhaul reserves are typically $60-$100 per flight hour against the exceptional 5,000-hour PT6 TBO (more than double piston engines). Total maintenance and engine reserves average $100-$160 per flight hour. When overhaul becomes due (potentially after 5,000+ flight hours), costs reach $150,000-$250,000 reflecting turboprop complexity.

Hourly Variable Costs

Total variable costs (fuel + maintenance + engine reserves + consumables) for the TBM 700 average $210-$310 per flight hour:

• Fuel: $120-$175/hour
• Maintenance: $40-$60/hour
• Engine Reserves: $60-$100/hour
• Oil & Consumables: $5-$10/hour
• Total: $225-$345/hour

Fixed Annual Ownership Costs

Beyond variable flying costs, fixed ownership expenses total $30,000-$50,000 annually regardless of flight hours:

• Hangar Storage: $2,000-$3,500/year (requires large-aircraft facility)
• Comprehensive Insurance: $10,000-$20,000/year with $1.5M+ hull value
• Annual Inspection & Compliance: $5,000-$8,000/year for turboprop-specific inspections
• Maintenance Planning/Reserves: $3,000-$5,000/year for predictive maintenance
• Miscellaneous & Contingency: $2,000-$5,000/year

Comprehensive Annual Ownership Examples

100 Flight Hours Per Year

A business operator flying 100 hours annually in a TBM 700:

• Fixed costs: $40,000
• Variable costs (100 hrs × $285/hr): $28,500
• Total Annual Cost: $68,500
• Cost Per Hour: $685

200 Flight Hours Per Year

A professional charter operator flying 200 hours annually:

• Fixed costs: $40,000
• Variable costs (200 hrs × $285/hr): $57,000
• Total Annual Cost: $97,000
• Cost Per Hour: $485

400 Flight Hours Per Year

An intensive professional operation flying 400+ hours annually (typical for charter):

• Fixed costs: $40,000
• Variable costs (400 hrs × $285/hr): $114,000
• Total Annual Cost: $154,000
• Cost Per Hour: $385

TBM 700 vs. Comparable Aircraft

TBM 700 vs. Piper Malibu Mirage (Pressurized Single)

The Piper Malibu costs $500,000-$700,000 (less than TBM) but operates at 250+ knots maximum cruise vs. TBM's 290+ knots. The Malibu burns 20 GPH vs. TBM's 30-35 GPH, but avgas costs more than Jet-A. The Malibu cannot achieve TBM's altitude capability or single-pilot certification. The TBM's premium costs are justified by true turboprop performance and capability.

TBM 700 vs. Beechcraft King Air B200 (Twin Turboprop)

The King Air costs $2,000,000-$3,500,000 (more than TBM), offers twin-turboprop redundancy, but burns 60+ GPH total fuel. The TBM's single-turboprop simplicity and superior fuel economy make it more economical than King Air for personal/small operator use. King Air appeals to charter operators needing twin redundancy; TBM suits those prioritizing economy and single-pilot operation.

TBM 700 vs. Cirrus SR22T (Turbocharged Single)

The Cirrus SR22T costs $600,000-$800,000 and operates at $250-$300/hour but cannot match TBM's 290-knot cruise, 25,000-foot altitude, or PT6 turboprop reliability. The TBM's $500,000+ premium acquisition cost is justified by professional-grade capability, weather penetration, and single-pilot certification. The Cirrus suits personal flyers; the TBM suits professional operators.

Is TBM 700 Ownership Worth It?

TBM 700 ownership makes financial sense only for professional operators with documented revenue (charter operations, corporate aviation) and pilots requiring genuine turboprop performance and weather capability. At $300-$450/hour all-in operating costs, the TBM is expensive compared to piston aircraft but justified for charter operations where speed commands premium rates. For personal flying at <100 hours/year, the $40K+ annual fixed costs make other aircraft more economical. For on-demand charter at 300+ hours/year, the TBM's economics become viable and the aircraft becomes a profit-generating asset.

Next Steps to TBM 700 Ownership

1. Obtain Turboprop Rating: Complete turboprop type rating with CFI-turboprop qualified instructor ($8,000-$12,000 for TBM 700 type training).
2. Assess Business Case: Determine if charter revenue or corporate mission justifies premium acquisition and operating costs.
3. Get Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI): Budget $10,000-$15,000 for comprehensive turboprop inspection by TBM-authorized technician.
4. Secure Financing: Work with business aviation lenders specializing in turboprop aircraft for favorable terms on $1M+ loans.
5. Obtain Insurance Quote: Contact business aviation insurers for actual rates based on operator experience and mission profile.
6. Arrange Maintenance Contract: Establish relationship with authorized TBM service center for comprehensive maintenance planning.
7. Secure Hangar Space: Arrange large-aircraft hangar ($2,000-$3,500/year) at facility with turboprop maintenance capability.
8. Develop Operations Manual: Create comprehensive operations and maintenance procedures for professional charter or corporate operations.

Sources and Citations

• PlanePhD Aircraft Valuation Database - Daher TBM 700 Specifications & Pricing (2025)
• Aircraft Cost Calculator - TBM 700 Operating Costs
• Daher Aircraft - TBM 700 Specifications & Performance
• PilotPassion.com - TBM 700 Cost of Ownership Analysis
• AOPA Pilot Resource Center - Turboprop Aircraft Ownership & Operation