Pilatus PC-12 vs Piper Meridian

The Piper M500, Daher TBM and Pilatus PC-12 are three single-engine turboprops at different points of the mission — the compact, owner-flown M500, the speed-focused TBM and the do-everything PC-12. The M500 (the updated Meridian) is the value entry, the TBM the fastest single, and the PC-12 the large-cabin hauler. Same PT6A heart, three different airplanes. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Pilatus PC-12
For sale now
65
Median asking
$4,199,900
Range
$2,572,000–$5,747,500
Model years available
1995–2024
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.

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Pilatus PC-12Piper Meridian
All events23—
Serious0—
Fatal12—
Fatalities53—
% Fatal52%—
View full Pilatus PC-12 NTSB record →View full Piper Meridian NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Pilatus PC-12 Piper Meridian
Pilatus PC-12
View 11 listings →
Median $4,199,900
 Piper Meridian
View 101 listings →
Median $1,284,291
Price Range $2,572,000 – $5,747,500 $830,903 – $2,305,000
Category Single Engine Turboprop Single Engine Turboprop
Model Specifications
Seats 10 6
Horsepower 1,200 HP —
Cruise Speed 260 kts (482 km/h) 241 kts (446 km/h)
Range 1,803 nm (3,339 km) 1,000 nm (1,852 km)
Service Ceiling 30,000 ft (9,144 m) 30,000 ft (9,144 m)
Max Gross Weight 10,450 lbs (4,740 kg) 5,092 lbs (2,310 kg)
Useful Load 3,610 lbs (1,637 kg) 1,362 lbs (618 kg)
Fuel Capacity 402.0 gal (1522 L) 170.0 gal (643 L)
Fuel Burn 60.0 GPH (227 L/h) 35.0 GPH (132 L/h)
TBO 3,500 hrs 3,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $500,000 $300,000
Annual Fixed $180,000 $100,000
Hourly Variable $900 $650
Engines 1 x Turboprop 1 x Turboprop

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Pilatus PC-12

Fuel$330/hr
Variable$900/hr
Annual Fixed$180,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $360,000/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: Pilatus PC-12 or Piper Meridian?

Bottom line: Choose the M500 for an affordable, easy single-pilot turboprop — pressurised six seats at the lower end of the turbine market. Choose the TBM for speed — the fastest single-engine turboprop, sleek and efficient. Choose the PC-12 for space and versatility — a large cabin, a big cargo door and rugged capability. On safety all three lean on the same PT6A turbine reliability that defines the class; the differences are size, speed and cost, not safety. Value entry, fastest single, or do-everything cabin.

Pick the PC-12 if…

  • More seats — 10 vs 6.
  • Faster cruise — 260 kts vs 241 kts.
  • Longer range — 1803 nm vs 1000 nm.

Pick the Meridian if…

  • Budget matters — from $830,903 vs $2,572,000, you save ~$1,741,097.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$650/hr vs $900/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1994.
  • More inventory — 101 listings vs 11.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the M500, TBM and PC-12?
All are single-engine PT6A turboprops — the M500 the compact value entry, the TBM the fastest, the PC-12 the largest and most versatile. They differ in size, speed and cost.
Which is fastest?
The TBM — the fastest single-engine turboprop. The PC-12 and M500 cruise slower but offer, respectively, a far bigger cabin and a lower price.
Is the M500 the same as the Meridian?
Essentially — the M500 is the updated Meridian on the same airframe and engine. Listings use both names.
Which is better, Pilatus PC-12 or Piper Meridian?
It depends on your mission and budget. The PC-12 cruises at 260 kts with 1,803 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 Meridian: from $1,100,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Pilatus PC-12 and Piper Meridian?
PC-12 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B (1200 hp). Seats: 10 vs 6. Cruise: 260 vs 241 kts. Range: 1803 vs 1000 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
PC-12: about $900/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?
PC-12: 10 seats / 3,610 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?
PC-12: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$500,000. 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