Piper Meridian vs Socata TBM 900

The Piper Meridian and the Daher TBM are two single-engine turboprops — the value-priced Meridian (the M500) and the speed-leading TBM. The Meridian is the affordable, owner-flown PA-46 turboprop; the TBM the fastest single-engine turboprop. Where each trades now is below.

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 900
For sale now
11
Model years available
2014–2023

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 Meridian Socata TBM 900
Piper Meridian
View 103 listings →
Median $1,284,291
 Socata TBM 900
View 10 listings →
Median $2,970,000
Price Range $830,903 – $2,305,000 $2,737,500 – $3,041,000
Category Single Engine Turboprop Single Engine Turboprop
Model Specifications
Seats 6 6
Horsepower — 850 HP
Cruise Speed 241 kts (446 km/h) 330 kts (611 km/h)
Range 1,000 nm (1,852 km) 1,730 nm (3,204 km)
Service Ceiling 30,000 ft (9,144 m) 31,000 ft (9,449 m)
Max Gross Weight 5,092 lbs (2,310 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) 60.0 GPH (227 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 900

Fuel$330/hr

Which Should You Buy: Piper Meridian or Socata TBM 900?

Bottom line: Choose the Meridian for an affordable single-pilot turboprop — a pressurised six-seat PA-46 at the value end of the turbine market. Choose the TBM for speed — the fastest single-engine turboprop, sleek and efficient, at a higher cost. On safety both lean on the same proven single-PT6A turbine reliability; the difference is value versus speed, not safety. Affordable value turboprop, or the fastest single.

Pick the Meridian if…

  • Budget matters — from $830,903 vs $2,737,500, you save ~$1,906,597.
  • More inventory — 103 listings vs 10.

Pick the TBM 900 if…

  • Faster cruise — 330 kts vs 241 kts.
  • Longer range — 1730 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

What's the difference between the Meridian and TBM?
Both are single-engine PT6A turboprops — the Meridian the value, owner-flown PA-46, the TBM the fastest single-engine turboprop. The TBM is quicker and longer-legged; the Meridian is the lower-cost entry.
Which is faster?
The TBM — the fastest single-engine turboprop. The Meridian cruises slower but costs much less to buy and run.
Is the Meridian the same as the M500?
Essentially — the M500 is the updated Meridian on the same airframe and engine. Used listings use both names.
Which is better, Piper Meridian or Socata TBM 900?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Meridian cruises at 241 kts with 1,000 nm range. The TBM 900 cruises at 330 kts with 1,730 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 900?
Cruise: 241 vs 330 kts. Range: 1000 vs 1730 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 900: 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