The best single-engine turboprops for owner-pilots

The single-engine turboprop occupies a compelling position in general aviation: jet-like cruise speeds and altitudes, turbine reliability, and operating costs that remain meaningfully lower than a light jet. For the right owner-pilot, it is the most capable aircraft you can reasonably fly solo.

But the category spans an enormous range. The Cessna Caravan is a workhorse utility aircraft; the TBM 960 is one of the fastest single-engine aircraft ever certified. The Pilatus PC-12 offers a cabin larger than many twins. Understanding what distinguishes these aircraft matters as much as knowing their top-line specs.

This guide focuses on owner-pilot operation: single-pilot IFR, managing your own recurrent training, and the real cost of keeping a turboprop flying 200 to 400 hours per year.

What matters for turboprop ownership

• Single-pilot certification and workload. All of these aircraft are certified for single-pilot IFR, but they vary considerably in how demanding they are to hand-fly in IMC. The TBM series and PC-12 are widely regarded as manageable for proficient single pilots. The Epic E1000 GX, with its carbon fiber airframe and high cruise speeds, demands more currency to fly well. Be honest about how many hours per year you will actually fly.

• Training requirements and recurrent costs. Type-specific initial and recurrent training is not optional for turboprop ownership. Budget for simulator time, typically at FlightSafety or SimuFlite, as part of your annual fixed cost. Some insurers require annual recurrent regardless of aircraft type. Factor in travel to training centers.

• Engine program enrollment. Most turboprop owners enroll in an engine maintenance program (ESP, Eagle, or similar) from engine manufacturers. These programs provide cost predictability and protect resale value. Monthly costs vary by engine type and program. Enrollment status is a meaningful data point when buying used.

• Useful load and cabin configuration. The PC-12 stands apart here with a large cargo door and flexible interior. The TBM series has a narrower cabin optimised for speed. The M600 sits between the two. Consider your typical passenger count and baggage requirements before prioritising speed over volume.

• Speed vs. range tradeoff. The TBM 960 cruises near 330 knots; the PC-12 cruises closer to 270. On a 500 nm trip, that difference is about 30 minutes. On a 1,500 nm trip, it matters more. Know your typical stage lengths before deciding the speed premium is worth the price difference.

• Resale value and owner community. Pilatus and Daher both maintain strong resale markets and active owner communities. The PC-12 Owners and Pilots Association (PC12OPA) and TBM Owner-Pilot Association (TBMOPA) provide resources, type-specific training guidance, and peer knowledge that is difficult to put a price on.

Buying advice

• Do not step up from a complex piston directly. The turboprop transition is significant. Most instructors and insurers recommend at minimum a high-performance retractable with significant IMC time before the turboprop step-up. The M500 is often cited as a good transitional aircraft.
• Insist on logbook and engine program continuity. Gaps in engine program enrollment or missing records are red flags that affect both safety and resale value. A clean logbook is worth a meaningful premium.
• Budget realistically for year one. First-year costs typically run higher than steady-state: initial training, potential deferred maintenance, and insurance for a new type. Plan for 20 to 30 percent above your ongoing annual cost estimate.
• Get type-specific pre-buy support. A standard IA pre-buy is not sufficient for a turboprop. Use an inspector with specific experience on the type, ideally through the manufacturer’s service network or a recommended specialist from the owner association.
• Compare total cost of ownership, not purchase price. A lower-priced older TBM may carry higher maintenance and engine reserve costs than a newer model at a higher purchase price. Use ChooseMyPlane’s operating cost data as a starting point, then get quotes from type specialists before committing.