Piper M350 vs Piper Meridian

The Piper M350 and Meridian (M500) sit in the same PA-46 airframe — same basic fuselage, same pressurized cabin footprint, same Piper bloodline. But they diverge at the firewall: the M350 runs a 350 hp Lycoming piston, the Meridian turns a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A turboprop. That's the comparison in miniature — piston vs turbine, in identical packaging. It's one of the purest "do I step up to turbine" debates in owner-pilot aviation, and Piper engineered the question deliberately.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Piper M350
For sale now
36
Median asking
$1,347,500
Range
$914,900–$2,096,839
Model years available
2008–2026
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 M350 Piper Meridian
Piper M350
View 38 listings →
Median $1,347,500
 Piper Meridian
View 101 listings →
Median $1,284,291
Price Range $914,900 – $2,096,839 $830,903 – $2,305,000
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Turboprop
Model Specifications
Seats 6 6
Horsepower 350 HP —
Cruise Speed 200 kts (370 km/h) 241 kts (446 km/h)
Range 1,343 nm (2,487 km) 1,000 nm (1,852 km)
Service Ceiling 25,000 ft (7,620 m) 30,000 ft (9,144 m)
Max Gross Weight 4,340 lbs (1,969 kg) 5,092 lbs (2,310 kg)
Useful Load 1,220 lbs (553 kg) 1,362 lbs (618 kg)
Fuel Capacity 120.0 gal (454 L) 170.0 gal (643 L)
Fuel Burn 18.0 GPH (68 L/h) 35.0 GPH (132 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 3,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $35,000 $300,000
Annual Fixed $22,000 $100,000
Hourly Variable $200 $650
Engines 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) 1 x Turboprop

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Piper M350

Fuel$99/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $62,000/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 M350 or Piper Meridian?

Bottom line: Choose the M350 if you fly under 300 hours per year and don't need the speed or altitude capability the turboprop provides. Piston economics are real: the M350 burns 17–20 gph at cruise vs the Meridian's 24–28 gph; acquisition price is roughly half; and Lycoming piston TBO, while expensive, is well-supported. Choose the Meridian when missions regularly exceed 500 nm, FL250 routing matters, or you're building toward turbine currency for future aircraft upgrades. The Meridian cruises roughly 25–30 kt faster and operates comfortably 5,000–7,000 ft higher. Safety axis: the PT6A-42A in the Meridian has a turbine's fundamental reliability advantage — lower vibration, cleaner power delivery, and a mean time between failure record that generally exceeds piston TSIO-class engines. Both aircraft are pressurized, so an engine failure at altitude initiates a descent emergency — the turbine's reliability buys meaningful margin here.

Pick the M350 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$200/hr vs $650/hr.
  • Longer range — 1343 nm vs 1000 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2015 vs 2000.

Pick the Meridian if…

  • Budget matters — from $830,903 vs $914,900, you save ~$83,997.
  • Faster cruise — 241 kts vs 200 kts.
  • More inventory — 101 listings vs 38.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a private pilot fly the Piper Meridian without a turbine rating?
Yes. The Meridian/M500 does not require a type rating — it's below the 12,500 lb threshold and single-engine. A private or commercial pilot with an instrument rating can legally fly it. However, the practical training requirement is substantial: turboprop engine management (ITT limits, prop control, beta range, reverse thrust), high-altitude physiology, and pressurized cabin operations all demand a structured transition course. Piper's approved training providers (FlightSafety, SimuFlite) are standard pathways, and most insurance carriers require them before coverage will bind.
What does the designation Piper M350 stand for?
The M350 refers to the Piper M-class single-engine aircraft with a 350 hp engine — specifically the PA-46-350P, Piper Malibu Mirage rebranded under the "M" family in 2015. The "M" series includes the M350 (piston), M500 (turboprop, the rebranded Meridian), M600 (larger turboprop with Garmin Emergency Autoland on the SLS variant), and M700 Fury. The M350's piston engine remains unchanged from the Malibu Mirage despite the new name.
How does insurance compare for the M350 vs Meridian?
Turboprop transitions typically carry higher insurance premiums in the first 12–24 months of ownership. A newly turboprop-rated pilot stepping into a Meridian should budget for significantly higher annual premiums than the same pilot flying an M350 — often $5,000–$15,000 more per year during the transition period. Premiums normalize as turboprop hours accumulate. The M350's piston classification keeps it in a lower insurance tier; experienced instrument pilots with significant PA-46 time often find M350 coverage much more accessible.
Which is better, Piper M350 or Piper Meridian?
It depends on your mission and budget. The M350 cruises at 200 kts with 1,343 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 M350: from $990,000. 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 M350 and Piper Meridian?
Cruise: 200 vs 241 kts. Range: 1343 vs 1000 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
M350: about $200/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?
M350: 6 seats / 1,220 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?
M350: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000. 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