Piper M600 vs Piper Meridian

Stepping up within Piper's M-class turboprops, the choice comes to the M500 or the newer M600. Both are pressurised, six-seat single-engine turboprops on the PA-46 lineage, flown behind a Pratt & Whitney PT6A. The M500 is the established, value entry into Piper turbine ownership; the M600 is the evolution — a new, cleaner wing that carries more fuel, a more powerful engine and noticeably more range and useful load. (The piston M350 sits a rung below both, for buyers weighing the whole M-class ladder.) What each commands now, and how many are for sale, is below.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Piper M600
For sale now
27
Median asking
$2,939,000
Range
$2,339,500–$3,832,056
Model years available
2016–2026
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 M600 Piper Meridian
Piper M600
View 28 listings →
Median $2,939,000
 Piper Meridian
View 100 listings →
Median $1,284,291
Price Range $2,339,500 – $3,832,056 $830,903 – $2,305,000
Category Single Engine Turboprop Single Engine Turboprop
Model Specifications
Seats 6 6
Horsepower 600 HP —
Cruise Speed 274 kts (507 km/h) 241 kts (446 km/h)
Range 1,484 nm (2,748 km) 1,000 nm (1,852 km)
Service Ceiling 30,000 ft (9,144 m) 30,000 ft (9,144 m)
Max Gross Weight 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) 5,092 lbs (2,310 kg)
Useful Load 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) 1,362 lbs (618 kg)
Fuel Capacity 260.0 gal (984 L) 170.0 gal (643 L)
Fuel Burn 40.0 GPH (151 L/h) 35.0 GPH (132 L/h)
TBO 3,500 hrs 3,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $350,000 $300,000
Annual Fixed $120,000 $100,000
Hourly Variable $750 $650
Engines 1 x Turboprop 1 x Turboprop

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Piper M600

Fuel$220/hr
Variable$750/hr
Annual Fixed$120,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $270,000/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 M600 or Piper Meridian?

Bottom line: Choose the M500 to get into a pressurised PT6A single for less — a proven airframe, modern avionics and turbine simplicity at the lower end of the M-class. Choose the M600 when range, payload and speed matter: its redesigned wing and stronger engine stretch the mission well past the M500's. The safety difference is automation — M600 SLS models add Garmin's Emergency Autoland, which can land the aircraft at the push of a button if the pilot is incapacitated, where the M500 relies on a conventionally trained single pilot; both fly behind the same dependable PT6A. It comes down to how much wing, range and safety automation you want under you.

Pick the M600 if…

  • Faster cruise — 274 kts vs 241 kts.
  • Longer range — 1484 nm vs 1000 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2016 vs 2000.

Pick the Meridian if…

  • Budget matters — from $830,903 vs $2,339,500, you save ~$1,508,597.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$650/hr vs $750/hr.
  • More inventory — 100 listings vs 28.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the M500 and M600?
The M600 has a new, more efficient wing, a more powerful PT6A and greater fuel capacity, so it flies farther and faster and carries more than the M500. Both are pressurised six-seat single-engine turboprops.
Does the M600 have autoland?
Yes — M600 SLS models include Garmin Emergency Autoland, which can land the aircraft automatically if the pilot becomes incapacitated. The M500 does not offer it.
Is the M500 the same as the Piper Meridian?
Essentially — the M500 (2015) is the updated Meridian, adding avionics and safety systems on the same airframe and engine. Used listings often span both names.
Which is better, Piper M600 or Piper Meridian?
It depends on your mission and budget. The M600 cruises at 274 kts with 1,484 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 M600: from $3,200,000. 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 M600 and Piper Meridian?
Cruise: 274 vs 241 kts. Range: 1484 vs 1000 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
M600: about $750/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?
M600: 6 seats / 2,400 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?
M600: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000. 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