But compared to a Pilatus product?

I had to go back and re-read the comments to make sure I was in the correct thread.

I have about 500 hrs in the 850. It’s built by a defense contractor, who also builds fuselages for Dassaut, and sub-assemblies on the A380. I toured the factory and saw the TBMs being assembled. The build quality is second to none. The maintenance programs, while not cheap, are second to none for safety of those systems. My assessment is that Pilatus is as good- but it’s an unfair comparison to say one is better. They are different.
I spent all of 2022 looking at PC12s (as a consultant), but the prices were nuts for an airplane that didn’t perform as well (for the pilot). People in the back will like a Pilatus more, but that’s not my mission. The pilot-owner will appreciate the TBM (think Urus vs Land Rover). We need speed, safety, and efficiency, and nothing in-class does it better than the TBM. When solo, I climb at 3000FPM, usually to FL290 or 300, and see 305-315 true, burning less than 60GPH. I’m not moving 10 people around, but that’s 50 knots faster than the pc-12. That matters. I have flown multiple 1500nm legs. I’ve flown one across the North Atlantic. I fly it at night, over mountains, in all kinds of weather (that it’s certified for), and it is SOLID.

The TBM is well thought-out. It’s incredibly tough and reliable. It uses Garmin avionics, which some people dislike, but I think it’s more user-friendly than the Honeywell, and absolutely cheaper to maintain.

If I win the lottery? I’d buy one of each. And a jet.

TBM and Pilatus are both built like tanks. First is a Porsche and the second is an extended SUV. I’ve seen TBM with skins off after a gear up. Tank. I like the extra speed. If I win the lottery though I’ll take an older jet now given the option.

Gkids etc need more space.

I had dinner with two 960 owners last night, maybe I asked them the questions you have?

As of today, I'm still very happy with my 850G but I think that a high percentage of 960 buyers are upgrades from older TBMs.

Reduced ongoing maintenance expense (albeit it feels like they are paying up front) was one stated reason to consider the upgrade.

I had dinner with two 960 owners last night, maybe I asked them the questions you have?

As of today, I'm still very happy with my 850G but I think that a high percentage of 960 buyers are upgrades from older TBMs.

Reduced ongoing maintenance expense (albeit it feels like they are paying up front) was one stated reason to consider the upgrade.

Mark……I’m very happy with my 850G as well.
Curious what actual TAS numbers they actually get.
The G3000

Mark……I’m very happy with my 850G as well.
Curious what actual TAS numbers they actually get.
The G3000

Michael,
Isn’t the best TBM speed mod to remove the radar pod, per one of our good members? I always wondered about that and what change(s) needed to be made to the wing/airframe to maintain level flight after he removed the pod.

Embedded thunderstorms, night in the clouds etc. I have at times used active radar with Nexrad (to know where they are headed) to plot a course on the fly.

The trouble with removing the radar is that when you need it you need it. Even if you get back 5-10 knots.

And if you remove it you also need a new boot/leading edge assembly

Terry M says 5kias/8ktas penalty for the radar pod.

The 960 PIM shows RCR (Recommended Cruise) at FL310 at ISA is 303ktas burning 50.3gph.
The 850 PIM shows Normal Cruise at FL310 at USA is 303 ptas burning 53.4gph.

However, the 960 shows max cruise of 323 at 58.3gph, vs 309 at 55.8gph for the 850.

Not a huge difference and the 850 closes the gap at lighter weights and lower temps.

The guys I talked to over the weekend said they were seeing book performance out of they 960s.

Michael - I get 303-310ktas average on my last 10 flights per FlySto.

I have about a 120 hours on my TBM 960. Great aircraft - well designed and built. Performs pretty much as per book. The PT6E-66XT digital engine/propeller and new auto throttle have been flawless.

David……looks like a beautiful aircraft. I have a few hours in a 930. How do you like the G3000?

I have the G3000 in my M600. It operates very similar to the G600/GTN750/GFC 600 combination. I find it very intuitive and easy to use. The one thing I don't like is that the audio panel is separate for pilot and copilot, and there's no way to combine them so one button push changes the audio for both pilots. When I fly with someone in the right seat I have to change their side as well as mine so they hear what I'm hearing. Two button pushes instead of one is a pain.

When I learned to fly a longtime ago, we were happy to have two Nav radios so it doesn't take much to impress me. The G3000 is an amazing FMS, especially when paired with the Auto Throttle in the 960. Utilizing VNAV with altitudes and speeds is a piece of cake. My last FMS was a G1000Nxi and I love it. The G3000 is the G1000Nxi times 10 and much easier to use. To think how far aviation has progressed is just astounding.