Turboprop Cost Calculator

Calculate the total cost of turboprop ownership and operation. Compare single engine, twin engine, and cargo turboprop configurations.

Single Engine Turboprop

Pilatus PC-12, TBM 960, Daher Kodiak class. Versatile owner-flown or crewed aircraft.

$
hrs
$
years

Twin Engine Turboprop

King Air 350i, Piaggio Avanti EVO, Beechcraft 1900 class. Enhanced safety and cabin space.

$
hrs
$
years

Cargo Turboprop

Cessna Grand Caravan EX, ATR 42/72, de Havilland Dash 8. Utility and freight operations.

$
hrs
$
years
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Formula

Total Cost = Purchase + (Fuel Burn gal/hr x Fuel Price x Hours x Years) + (Maint Reserve x Hours x Years) + (Insurance + Hangar + Crew) x Years | Cost/hr = Total / Total Hours

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a turboprop cost?
New single-engine turboprops like the Pilatus PC-12 cost $5.5M-$6.5M. Twin-engine turboprops like the King Air 350i range from $7M-$8.5M. Pre-owned turboprops can be found from $1M-$4M. Cargo types like the Cessna Grand Caravan EX cost around $2.7M new.
What is the hourly operating cost of a turboprop?
Single-engine turboprops cost $700-$1,200/hour. Twin-engine turboprops run $1,200-$2,500/hour. These include fuel, maintenance reserves, insurance, and crew. Turboprops are 30-50% cheaper per hour than comparable jets.
Are turboprops cheaper than jets?
Yes, turboprops are significantly cheaper. They burn less fuel (40-100 gal/hr vs 100-300+ for jets), have lower maintenance costs, and can use shorter runways. For trips under 1,000 miles, turboprops offer the best value in private aviation.

Understanding Turboprop Costs

Turboprop aircraft occupy a unique niche in private aviation, offering the pressurized cabin comfort of a jet at substantially lower operating costs. For missions under 1,000 nautical miles, turboprops often match or beat jet door-to-door travel times while burning 30-50% less fuel.

Why Choose a Turboprop?

Short-field capability is a major advantage. Turboprops can access thousands of airports that jets cannot, bringing you closer to your destination. The Pilatus PC-12 needs only 2,600 feet of runway, versus 4,000+ feet for most light jets.

Fuel efficiency makes turboprops the most economical pressurized aircraft to operate. A PC-12 burns just 40 gallons/hour compared to 120+ gallons/hour for a comparable light jet, saving $50,000+ annually at typical utilization rates.

Cost Breakdown

  • Fuel: 40-100 gal/hr of Jet-A at $5-7/gallon, the single largest variable cost
  • Maintenance reserves: $150-$500/hr covering scheduled inspections, engine TBO, and prop overhauls
  • Insurance: $25,000-$80,000/year depending on hull value and pilot experience
  • Hangar: $12,000-$36,000/year depending on location and aircraft size
  • Crew: $80,000-$150,000/year per pilot; many single-engine turboprops are owner-flown

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