Piper Cheyenne vs Piper Meridian

Both the Piper Cheyenne and Piper Meridian are pressurized turboprop aircraft from the same manufacturer — but they represent two different philosophies for turboprop travel. The Cheyenne (PA-31T and variants) is a twin-engine pressurized turboprop dating from the late 1970s, built for six to eight occupants and twin-engine security at altitude. The Meridian (M500) is a single-engine turboprop in the PA-46 airframe — a modern pressurized single that Piper built as a step-up from piston ownership. The cross-shop arises when a turboprop buyer weighs twin-engine redundancy against single-engine economics.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Piper Cheyenne
For sale now
27
Median asking
$995,000
Range
$496,200–$1,505,955
Model years available
1978–1987
Piper Meridian
For sale now
103
Median asking
$1,284,291
Range
$830,903–$2,305,000
Model years available
1985–2026

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Piper Cheyenne Piper Meridian
Piper Cheyenne
View 25 listings →
Median $995,000
 Piper Meridian
View 101 listings →
Median $1,284,291
Price Range $496,200 – $1,505,955 $830,903 – $2,305,000
Category Multi Engine Turboprop Single Engine Turboprop
Model Specifications
Seats 8 6
Horsepower 620 HP —
Cruise Speed 240 kts (444 km/h) 241 kts (446 km/h)
Range 1,400 nm (2,593 km) 1,000 nm (1,852 km)
Service Ceiling 31,000 ft (9,449 m) 30,000 ft (9,144 m)
Max Gross Weight 9,050 lbs (4,105 kg) 5,092 lbs (2,310 kg)
Useful Load 2,900 lbs (1,315 kg) 1,362 lbs (618 kg)
Fuel Capacity 365.0 gal (1382 L) 170.0 gal (643 L)
Fuel Burn 55.0 GPH (208 L/h) 35.0 GPH (132 L/h)
TBO 3,500 hrs 3,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $300,000 $300,000
Annual Fixed $100,000 $100,000
Hourly Variable $650 $650
Engines 2 x Turboprop 1 x Turboprop

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Piper Cheyenne

Fuel$302/hr
Variable$650/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $230,000/yr

Piper Meridian

Fuel$192/hr
Variable$650/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $230,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Piper Cheyenne or Piper Meridian?

Bottom line: Choose the Meridian/M500 for lower total operating cost and simpler single-pilot management. The PT6A-42A burns 24–28 gph; a Cheyenne burns two turboprops — roughly double the fuel at comparable range. The Meridian also offers modern avionics and a cleaner insurance path for the converting piston pilot. Choose the Cheyenne for the twin-engine redundancy that single-engine turboprops genuinely cannot replicate at altitude — two failed engines is statistically near-zero with PT6As, but one failed engine in a Meridian at FL250 initiates an immediate descent. The Cheyenne offers more cabin width, more payload capacity, and the ability to divert on one engine. Safety axis: the PT6A family has an exceptional reliability record. The Meridian's argument is that modern PT6A failure rates are low enough that twin redundancy rarely matters — but "rarely" is different from "never," and flight into IMC at FL250 over mountainous terrain is the scenario where the Cheyenne's second engine earns its operating cost premium.

Pick the Cheyenne if…

  • Budget matters — from $496,200 vs $830,903, you save ~$334,703.
  • More seats — 8 vs 6.
  • Longer range — 1400 nm vs 1000 nm.

Pick the Meridian if…

  • Faster cruise — 241 kts vs 240 kts.
  • Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1974.
  • More inventory — 101 listings vs 25.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Piper Cheyenne models are most commonly available on the used market?
The PA-31T Cheyenne I and Cheyenne II are the most numerous, built through the 1970s and early 1980s. The Cheyenne IIXL extended the cabin; the Cheyenne III and IIIA added T-tail configurations and increased range. The Cheyenne 400 (PA-42) used Garrett TPE331 engines instead of PT6A, making it a distinct type with different maintenance considerations. Buyers should focus on the Cheyenne I/II for the most active parts and maintenance support network among used examples.
Does the Piper Meridian M500 have emergency autoland?
No. The Garmin Emergency Autoland system appears in the newer Piper M600 SLS — not the M500. Buyers who prioritize automated emergency landing capability should look at the M600 SLS or the Daher TBM 940/960 with the HomeSafe autoland system.
What is the cabin size difference between the Piper Cheyenne II and Meridian?
The Cheyenne II provides a significantly more spacious cabin — wider, taller, and able to accommodate six in club seating or up to eight in a high-density layout. The Meridian's PA-46 fuselage is optimized for four to five occupants in relative comfort; it's notably narrower than the Cheyenne. For missions involving more than five passengers or executive-style travel, the Cheyenne's cabin geometry is markedly superior.
Which is better, Piper Cheyenne or Piper Meridian?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Cheyenne cruises at 240 kts with 1,400 nm range. The Meridian cruises at 241 kts with 1,000 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Cheyenne: from $999,000. Piper Meridian: from $1,100,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Cheyenne and Piper Meridian?
Seats: 8 vs 6. Cruise: 240 vs 241 kts. Range: 1400 vs 1000 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Cheyenne: about $650/hr variable cost. Meridian: about $650/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Cheyenne: 8 seats / 2,900 lb useful load. Meridian: 6 seats / 1,362 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Cheyenne: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$300,000. Meridian: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$300,000. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data