Piper Malibu JetProp vs Piper Meridian
The Piper JetProp DLX is a third-party PT6A-35/-21 conversion of the piston Malibu/Mirage into a turboprop (~250+ kt); the Piper Meridian is the factory-built PA-46-500TP turboprop (~262 kt). Both turn the PA-46 into a turboprop, but very differently.
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Piper Malibu JetProp | Piper Meridian |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $753,000 – $1,025,000 | $738,946 – $2,613,432 |
| Category | Single Engine Turboprop | Single Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 6 |
| Cruise Speed | — | 241 kts (446 km/h) |
| Range | — | 1,000 nm (1,852 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 30,000 ft (9,144 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 5,092 lbs (2,310 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,362 lbs (618 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 170.0 gal (643 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $300,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $100,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $650 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Malibu JetProp
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 Malibu JetProp or Piper Meridian?
Bottom line: Choose the factory Meridian/M500 for the certified-from-factory turboprop platform, manufacturer support and stronger residuals. Choose the JetProp for the lower-cost entry into a PA-46 turboprop — accepting that it's a third-party STC conversion with different support and maintenance considerations.
Pick the Malibu JetProp if…
Pick the Meridian if…
- Budget matters — from $738,946 vs $753,000, you save ~$14,054.
- More inventory — 97 listings vs 5.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Piper Malibu JetProp or Piper Meridian?
It depends on your mission and budget.
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 Malibu JetProp: from $1,025,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Malibu JetProp and Piper Meridian?
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
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?
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