The TBM 960: a fast single-engine turboprop with emergency autoland
The TBM 960 is a pressurised single-engine turboprop built by Daher in France. It seats one pilot and five passengers in a cabin 4.05 m long, 1.21 m wide and 1.22 m high. You sit rather than stand, as in a small private car with a view.
TBM 960: speed and range
Maximum cruise is 330 kt at 28,000 ft, quick for a turboprop. Range depends on speed. Daher quotes 1,730 nm at an economical 252 kt, falling to 1,440 nm at 326 kt.
Luggage space is 0.99 m³, up to 150 kg. With six on board, bags need to be soft and modest.
Safety equipment
The TBM 960 has Garmin's HomeSafe emergency autoland. If the pilot is incapacitated, a passenger can press one button, and the aircraft will land itself at a suitable airport. It also has electronic stability protection and a single-lever power control.
Maximum cabin altitude is 8,000 ft.
Which of our routes the TBM 960 suits
Paris to Nice, about 375 nm, and London to Geneva, about 407 nm, are each a short trip. Lagos to Abuja is also a good fit for two or three passengers. Take-off needs about 773 m and landing about 741 m, over a 50 ft obstacle.
The TBM 960 against its class siblings
The PC-12 NGX is slower but has a much larger cabin and a cargo door. The King Air 350i has two engines. The TBM is the fastest of the three, and suits a couple or small group travelling light.
How much does it cost to charter a Daher TBM 960?
As a class guide, turboprop charter runs £1,800–£2,600 per flight hour. The figure you pay is a single fixed all-in quote for the whole trip — aircraft, crew, positioning and fees — confirmed in writing before you commit, usually within minutes.
How many passengers does a Daher TBM 960 carry?
Up to 6 passengers, with roughly 5 bags and a 1.22 m cabin. Fastest single — 330 kt cruise.
How far can a Daher TBM 960 fly nonstop?
About 1,730 nm at ~330 kt cruise — see the Turboprop class guide for the routes this class covers.
