With its powerful single turboprop engine and spacious pressurized cabin, the SOCATA TBM 700 is a top choice for owner-pilots wanting a high-performance travel machine. This guide covers the costs of purchasing and operating the TBM 700.
This article covers the TBM 700's price tag, operating expenses, maintenance needs and financing options.
First flown in 1988 and certified by the FAA in August 1990, the TBM 700 appealed to pilots thanks to strengths like:
For owner-pilots needing a roomy, pressurized turboprop with luxury comfort and travel flexibility, the TBM 700 hits a sweet spot. Here's a closer look at the costs.
You cannot buy a new TBM 700. The model was built from 1990 to 2005, with 324 produced according to the manufacturer history summarised on Wikipedia, and was replaced by the TBM 850, which carried the Garmin G1000 cockpit from the 2008 model year. Later versions are the TBM 900 (2014), 930, 940 and 960 (2022). Every TBM 700 is a used airplane today.
Asking prices vary widely with build year, engine time since overhaul, avionics and maintenance history, and the TBM 850 that replaced it asks more. We do not publish a price range here, because we could not verify one from a current source. Check current listings on Controller.com and have a TBM-experienced mechanic inspect any airplane before you buy.
The operating figures below are PilotPassion planning estimates, not quotes, and your costs will differ.
When your TBM 700 is parked in the hangar, you'll still have yearly fixed operating expenses. Plan on budgeting around $74,605 annually including:
For a cabin-class turbine aircraft like the TBM 700 with a nearly 42-foot wingspan, enclosed hangar storage will cost at least $2,000 per month or $24,000 annually. In higher cost urban areas expect to pay upwards of $4,000 monthly.
If hangar space is unavailable at your home airport, covered tiedown may be an option to reduce costs, but keep the aircraft protected.
To cover a multi-million dollar turbine-powered aircraft, expect to spend around $25,000 per year for comprehensive hull and liability insurance coverage. Premiums vary based on aircraft value, location, pilot experience and other factors.
Minor fixed costs like subscriptions for navigation databases, weather services, tiedown or parking fees, maintenance tracking software and similar recurring expenses could total around $605 per year.
So keep around $74,605 set aside in your annual budget for fixed TBM 700 operating expenses even when not flying.
When you take to the skies and rack up flight hours in your TBM 700, variable operating expenses will accumulate. These will total approximately $68,400 annually assuming 100 flight hours per year.
The TBM 700 burns around 60 gallons of jet fuel per hour. At current jet fuel prices around $5.40 per gallon, you can expect to pay about $324 per flight hour on fuel.
Fuel burns more quickly at higher altitudes and power settings, so plan on higher hourly fuel costs if flying max cruise speeds. You can reduce fuel burn by throttling back when possible.
It's smart to budget reserves for the TBM's turbine engine maintenance and future overhaul. Allow around $150 per flight hour, or $15,000 annually based on 100 hours. The initial PT6 engine overhaul is recommended at 3,600 hours.
Even well-maintained turbine engines require occasional unscheduled repairs and maintenance that annual inspections don't cover. With an advanced engine like the TBM 700's, budget around $175 per hour, or $17,500 per year for 100 hours.
Figure around $25 per flight hour for incidental variable expenses like pilot supplies, landing and parking fees, crew meals and such that aren't included in your fixed annual budget.
Variable operating costs depend directly on how often you fly your TBM 700. For 100 hours annually, budget around $68,400. The more hours flown, the higher the variables.
When fixed and variable costs are combined and divided across an average of 100 flight hours annually, the total hourly operating cost comes out to approximately $1,430. Here's the breakdown:
So while not an inexpensive aircraft to operate, the TBM 700 provides excellent turboprop performance and true travel comfort for a reasonable price – both to acquire and fly.
For owner-pilots who need capability well beyond a typical piston single, and routinely carry passengers long distances, the overall operating costs can absolutely be justified.
Most buyers of an aircraft like this either pay cash or borrow from an aircraft lender. Get quotes from more than one lender, because terms vary with the age and value of the airplane, and read the agreement before you sign it.
There's no sugar-coating the fact that owning a TBM 700 requires major financial means and long-term commitment. Upfront acquisition costs, ongoing maintenance, engine reserves, insurance coverage and other expenses associated with this level of aircraft are major considerations.
However, pilots that frequently need to carry passengers and luggage across long distances will find the operating costs can absolutely be justified.
The TBM 700 provides excellent efficiency, proven reliability after decades of service, and true transcontinental-capable comfort few turboprop singles can match.
For owner-pilots running aircraft-intensive businesses, or those who simply desire the capabilities of a well-equipped pressurized turbine single, the TBM represents a fantastic ownership experience that can enhance aviation enjoyment, safety, and utility.
While chartering a TBM is always an option for pilots with more modest budgets, nothing quite compares to having your own plane tailored to your missions and needs. With prudent budgeting and financing, ownership is attainable for many pilots.
This exceptional aircraft remains one of the most desirable turboprop singles even after production ceased, for good reason!
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