Pilatus PC-12/45 vs Piper Meridian
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Pilatus PC-12/45
- For sale now
- 24
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 10
- Source marketplaces
- 7
- Model years available
- 1995–2016
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) | Pilatus PC-12/45 | Piper Meridian |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 15 | — |
| Serious | 0 | — |
| Fatal | 8 | — |
| Fatalities | 34 | — |
| % Fatal | 53% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Pilatus PC-12/45 | Piper Meridian |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $2,486,000 – $3,737,500 | $830,903 – $2,305,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Turboprop | Single Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 12 | 6 |
| Cruise Speed | 261 kts (483 km/h) | 241 kts (446 km/h) |
| Range | 1,604 nm (2,971 km) | 1,000 nm (1,852 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 30,000 ft (9,144 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 9,920 lbs (4,500 kg) | 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 | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $300,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $100,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $650 |
| Engines | 1 x Turbo-prop | 1 x Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePilatus PC-12/45
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-12/45 or Piper Meridian?
Pick the PC-12/45 if…
- More seats — 12 vs 6.
- Faster cruise — 261 kts vs 241 kts.
- Longer range — 1604 nm vs 1000 nm.
Pick the Meridian if…
- Budget matters — from $830,903 vs $2,486,000, you save ~$1,655,097.
- Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1996.
- More inventory — 97 listings vs 23.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Pilatus PC-12/45 or Piper Meridian?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The PC-12/45 cruises at 261 kts with 1,604 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 $1,150,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Pilatus PC-12/45 and Piper Meridian?
PC-12/45 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B.
Seats: 12 vs 6.
Cruise: 261 vs 241 kts.
Range: 1604 vs 1000 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?
PC-12/45: 12 seats.
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-12/45: 3,500-hour TBO.
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