TBM 850 Buying Guide

The Daher TBM 850 is a turboprop aircraft that stands out for its unique combination of performance, efficiency, and luxury. Designed for owner-pilots as well as business aviation companies, this aircraft offers an impressive cruise speed of 600 km/h and a range of 3,333 km, allowing it to connect European cities in record time. With a capacity of 6 passengers and a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-66D engine, the TBM 850 is an ideal choice for those seeking a high-performance aircraft without the costs of a light jet.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the financial and operational aspects of acquiring a TBM 850. We will cover the market and budget required for this aircraft, operating costs, the trade-off between buying and chartering, purchasing platforms, and owner reviews. See our pillar link for more details: TBM 850.

TBM 850 Market and Budget

New and Used Prices

The TBM 850 market is dynamic due to its popularity among owner-pilots and commercial operators. With a new price of 2.8 million USD, this turboprop remains competitive compared to its peers. In the used market, prices range from 1.6 to 3.0 million USD, influenced by age, flight hours, and avionics equipment.

Availability and Lead Times

Approximately 350 TBM 850 aircraft are in service worldwide. The used market is quite active, with typical transaction times of 3 to 6 months. For new orders, expect a backlog of approximately 12 to 18 months.

Residual Value

The residual value of the TBM 850 is influenced by factors such as the aircraft’s condition, avionics upgrades, and market conditions. Generally, a depreciation of approximately 35% is observed over a 5-year period.

Full Initial Budget

TBM 850 Operating Costs (OpEx)

Annual Fixed Costs

Variable Costs per Hour

Maintenance Deadlines

JSSI/ESP/MSP programs offer extensive coverage for maintenance costs, allowing for better management of operational expenses.

Annual Comparison by Usage Intensity

Buy or Charter a TBM 850: Cost-Usage Trade-off

Initial Costs (Buy vs. Charter)

Buying a TBM 850 involves a capital outlay of 2.8M USD, while chartering at 2,900 EUR/h represents a variable cost with no significant initial commitment.

5-Year Scenarios

Break-even Point

From 250 hours/year, purchasing the TBM 850 becomes economically competitive compared to chartering. This calculation is based on a fixed cost of 250,000 USD/year and an average variable cost of 1,000 USD/h. For more details, see Charter a TBM 850.

Where to Buy a TBM 850

Sales Platforms

Buying through a broker can offer advantages in terms of negotiation and due diligence, but involves additional fees compared to a direct purchase.

Specialized Brokers vs. Direct Purchase

Specialized brokers offer valuable expertise and manage transactional complexities, but a direct purchase can be more economical.

TBM 850 Owner Reviews

“The TBM 850 is an excellent choice for flights in the European region, offering impressive cruise speed and sufficient range for direct flights between major European cities. Its operating cost is reasonable, especially if flight hours are optimized.”
— Private Pilot, France

“After several years of use, the TBM 850 continues to meet my expectations in terms of performance and reliability. Maintenance is well covered by JSSI programs, which makes cost management more predictable.”
— Owner-Operator, Germany

Testimonials confirm that the TBM 850 is appreciated for its performance and efficiency, although proactive cost management is crucial. Read all TBM 850 reviews

Finalizing the TBM 850 Acquisition

Key Acquisition Steps

1. Pre-agreement
2. Pre-purchase inspection (PPI)
3. Legal/tax due diligence
4. Registration (N-number, F-XXXX, etc.)
5. Insurance transfer

Registration can offer tax and operational advantages, particularly depending on the chosen registries (USA, Cayman Islands, Malta, France).

Financing

Financing options include aviation bank loans, operational leasing, and finance leasing, offering flexible solutions adapted to different buyer profiles.