By Stefaan Ghijs
For years, the Piper PA46 series has set a benchmark in personal and business aviation, and within this esteemed family, the Piper Meridian stands out as a true icon. We’ve had the privilege of selling numerous Piper Meridian aircraft to clients worldwide. But what is it about this remarkable turboprop that continues to captivate pilots and owners alike, solidifying its position within the broader Piper PA46 lineage? Let’s explore what makes the Piper Meridian so popular and why it remains a sought-after choice in aviation.
Piper PA46 Meridian (PA46-500TP) Specifications (Typical)
| Aircraft Type | Single-Engine Turboprop |
| Crew | 1 pilot |
| Passengers | 6 (Pilot + 5 passengers) |
| Length | 9.02 m (29 ft 6 in) |
| Wingspan | 13.11 m (43 ft 0 in) |
| Height | 3.44 m (11 ft 3 in) |
| Maximum Cruise Speed: | 260 KTAS (482 km/h; 300 mph) |
| Range (IFR with 45 min. reserve) | approx. 1,000 nm (1,852 km; 1,150 miles) |
| Maximum Operating Altitude | 9,144 m (30,000 ft) |
| Engine | 1 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-42A turbofan |
| Avionics | Standard cockpit, Avidyne, G1000 or G1000 NXi. |
| Cabin Length | 3.76 m (12 ft 4 in) |
| Cabin Height | 1.19 m (3 ft 11 in) |
| Cabin Width | 1.25 m (4 ft 1 in) |
| Baggage Capacity (Internal) | 0.57 m³ (20 cu ft) |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) | 2,310 kg (5,092 lbs) |
| Useful Load (Standard) | 770 kg (1,698 lbs) |
| Empty Weight (Standard Equipped Weight) | 1,559 kg (3,436 lbs) |
| Takeoff distance (over 50 ft obstacle) | 948 m (3,110 ft) |
| Landing distance (over 50 ft obstacle) | 643 m (2,110 ft) |
What Makes the Piper Meridian so Popular?
1. Cost-Effective Performance within the PA46 Family
The Piper Meridian, a prominent member of the Piper PA46 family, delivers jet-like performance at a fraction of the cost. Its efficient Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A engine provides exceptional reliability and excellent fuel economy, making it an economical option for both personal and business travel. Compared to other turboprops or light jets, the Meridian’s operating costs are notably lower, requiring less maintenance and fuel.
2. Versatility and Range for Diverse Missions
With a range of approximately 1,000 nautical miles, the Meridian can comfortably handle medium-range trips, making it suitable for a variety of missions, from executive travel to leisurely getaways. Its impressive short-field performance means it can operate out of shorter runways, increasing access to regional airports and remote destinations—a significant advantage within the Piper PA46 series.
3. Unmatched Comfort and Advanced Features
The Meridian boasts a pressurized cabin, allowing for comfortable flight at higher altitudes (up to 30,000 feet). This capability enables pilots to fly above most weather-related turbulence, ensuring a smoother, faster, and more efficient journey. The cabin is meticulously appointed, offering comfortable seating for 4–5 passengers and featuring modern avionics, particularly in later models, enhancing the overall flying experience that defines the Piper PA46 appeal.
4. State-of-the-Art Avionics Integration
Piper consistently upgraded the Meridian with state-of-the-art avionics suites, such as the Garmin G1000 in newer models (M500 and M600). These advanced systems significantly enhance situational awareness, safety, and ease of operation, making the Meridian appealing even to less experienced pilots looking to step into a high-performance Piper PA46 aircraft. Features like synthetic vision, terrain awareness, and autopilot integration further add to its desirability and technological edge.
5. Exceptional Ownership Value and Support
The Meridian holds its value exceptionally well in the used aircraft market, a testament to its robust reputation and proven capabilities within the Piper PA46 line. Maintenance and service support for the renowned PT6A engine are widely available globally, further boosting its reliability and resale potential. For insights on maximizing your investment, consider exploring Do you want to generate a Return of Investment (ROI) on your aircraft?
6. A Natural Progression for Aspiring Pilots
Many pilots view the Piper Meridian as a logical and rewarding step up from piston-engine aircraft, such as the Piper Malibu or Matrix, which also belong to the broader Piper PA46 family. It offers a taste of turboprop performance without the complexity and higher costs associated with larger turboprops or jets, providing a seamless transition for pilots seeking increased capability. For a detailed comparison, read our article: Piper PA-46 Meridian vs Jetprop: which one would you choose?
7. Strategic Competitor Positioning
The Meridian occupies a unique and advantageous niche in the market. While competitors like the TBM series or Pilatus PC-12 offer higher performance, they also come at significantly higher purchase and operating costs. The Meridian skillfully balances performance, affordability, and operational efficiency, making it an incredibly attractive middle-ground option for those seeking a high-value Piper PA46 aircraft.
8. Legacy of the Piper PA46 Brand Reputation
Piper Aircraft has a long-standing history of producing reliable and user-friendly airplanes, a legacy that strongly contributes to the confidence owners and operators have in the Meridian and the entire Piper PA46 series. This proven track record underscores the enduring quality and trustworthiness of the brand.
Estimated Average Market Value of Piper PA-46 Aircraft (2022-2025 Context)
Based on market data here is an estimated average market value of Piper PA-46 aircraft by model category:
Sources: The estimated average market values presented in this graph are derived from a synthesis of publicly available aviation market data, including information from:
- Aircraft Sales Platforms: Websites listing aircraft for sale (e.g., Controller.com, PlaneCheck).
- Aviation Publications and Market Reports: Industry analyses and price guides that track aircraft valuations.
Please note that these values are approximations and can vary based on specific aircraft condition, total time, maintenance records, avionics upgrades, and prevailing market conditions. Exchange rates also fluctuate.
The Piper Meridian’s enduring popularity stems from its ability to offer an unparalleled blend of luxury, efficiency, and capability at a reasonable price point. This makes it a practical, appealing, and enduring choice for many in the aviation community looking for a top-tier Piper PA46 aircraft. Interested in owning a Piper PA46 Turboprop? Check out our current listings for available aircraft.