Piper Malibu JetProp vs Piper Meridian

The Piper JetProp DLX is a third-party PT6A-35/-21 conversion of the piston Malibu/Mirage into a turboprop (~250+ kt); the Piper Meridian is the factory-built PA-46-500TP turboprop (~262 kt). Both turn the PA-46 into a turboprop, but very differently.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Piper Malibu JetProp
For sale now
5
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
2
Source marketplaces
5
Model years available
1985–2006
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.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Piper Malibu JetProp Piper Meridian
Piper Malibu JetProp
View 5 listings →
Median $880,000
 Piper Meridian
View 97 listings →
Median $1,284,291
Price Range $765,700 – $1,010,500 $830,903 – $2,305,000
Category Single Engine Turboprop Single Engine Turboprop
Model Specifications
Seats — 6
Cruise Speed 260 kts (482 km/h) 241 kts (446 km/h)
Range 1,000 nm (1,852 km) 1,000 nm (1,852 km)
Service Ceiling — 30,000 ft (9,144 m)
Max Gross Weight 4,340 lbs (1,969 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
Overhaul Cost — $300,000
Annual Fixed — $100,000
Hourly Variable — $650
Engines — 1 x Turboprop

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Piper Malibu JetProp

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 Malibu JetProp or Piper Meridian?

Bottom line: Choose the factory Meridian/M500 for the certified-from-factory turboprop platform, manufacturer support and stronger residuals. Choose the JetProp for the lower-cost entry into a PA-46 turboprop — accepting that it's a third-party STC conversion with different support and maintenance considerations.

Pick the Malibu JetProp if…

  • Budget matters — from $765,700 vs $830,903, you save ~$65,203.
  • Faster cruise — 260 kts vs 241 kts.

Pick the Meridian if…

  • More inventory — 97 listings vs 5.

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 Malibu JetProp or Piper Meridian?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Malibu JetProp cruises at 260 kts with 1,000 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 Piper Malibu JetProp and Piper Meridian?
Cruise: 260 vs 241 kts. Range: 1000 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?
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