Piper Meridian vs Socata TBM 850

The Piper Malibu Meridian (PA-46-500TP, PT6A-42A turboprop, ~262 kt, six-seater) and Daher TBM (TBM 700/850/900/930/940, PT6A turboprop, ~285-330 kt depending on variant) are direct single-engine turboprop competitors — same engine family, different airframes.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Piper Meridian
For sale now
103
Median asking
$1,284,291
Range
$830,903–$2,305,000
Model years available
1985–2026
Socata TBM 850
For sale now
23
Model years available
2006–2013

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)Piper MeridianSocata TBM 850
All events2
Serious1
Fatal0
Fatalities0
% Fatal0%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Piper Meridian Socata TBM 850
Piper Meridian
View 103 listings →
Median $1,284,291
Socata TBM 850
View 22 listings →
Median $1,875,000
Price Range $830,903 – $2,305,000 $1,764,915 – $2,409,150
Category Single Engine Turboprop Single Engine Turboprop
Model Specifications
Seats 6 6
Horsepower 850 HP
Cruise Speed 241 kts (446 km/h) 320 kts (593 km/h)
Range 1,000 nm (1,852 km) 1,520 nm (2,815 km)
Service Ceiling 30,000 ft (9,144 m) 31,000 ft (9,449 m)
Max Gross Weight 5,092 lbs (2,310 kg) 7,394 lbs (3,354 kg)
Useful Load 1,362 lbs (618 kg) 1,400 lbs (635 kg)
Fuel Capacity 170.0 gal (643 L)
Fuel Burn 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) 55.0 GPH (208 L/h)
TBO 3,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $300,000
Annual Fixed $100,000
Hourly Variable $650
Engines 1 x Turboprop 1 x Turboprop

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Piper Meridian

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

Socata TBM 850

Fuel$302/hr

Which Should You Buy: Piper Meridian or Socata TBM 850?

Bottom line: Choose the TBM for higher cruise, longer range, the larger cabin and the segment- leading single-engine turboprop platform. Choose the Meridian/M500 for materially lower acquisition cost — the entry-level single-engine PA-46 turboprop on the used market.

Pick the Meridian if…

  • Budget matters — from $830,903 vs $1,764,915, you save ~$934,012.
  • More inventory — 103 listings vs 22.

Pick the TBM 850 if…

  • Faster cruise — 320 kts vs 241 kts.
  • Longer range — 1520 nm vs 1000 nm.

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 Meridian or Socata TBM 850?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Meridian cruises at 241 kts with 1,000 nm range. The TBM 850 cruises at 320 kts with 1,520 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 Piper Meridian and Socata TBM 850?
Cruise: 241 vs 320 kts. Range: 1000 vs 1520 nm.
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. TBM 850: 6 seats / 1,400 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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data