De Havilland DHC-3 vs Piper Meridian
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
De Havilland DHC-3
No active listings right now.
Piper Meridian
- For sale now
- 103
- Median asking
- $1,284,291
- Range
- $830,903–$2,305,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 29
- Source marketplaces
- 15
- 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) | De Havilland DHC-3 | Piper Meridian |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 35 | — |
| Serious | 5 | — |
| Fatal | 4 | — |
| Fatalities | 11 | — |
| % Fatal | 11% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | De Havilland DHC-3 | Piper Meridian |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $2,000,000 | $830,903 – $2,305,000 |
| 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
EstimateDe Havilland DHC-3
Piper Meridian
Fuel$192/hr
Variable$650/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$230,000/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, De Havilland DHC-3 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 Meridian: from $1,150,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between De Havilland DHC-3 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