Inside The $3 Million Piper M500 Plane
0:00 - Intro
This is the Piper M500, the result of the revamped and rebranded Meridian. Today we’re going inside the Piper M500 to talk about everything you need to know about this amazing aircraft.
0:41 - Cabin
If you’re used to flying light singles and twins, the M500 will feel like a real step up. The airstair door is the first hint of that. Like everything else on the M500, it’s been done right, with the appeal and convenience of a high-end portal but without any notable complexity. Piper has been refreshing the interiors of the M-Class while also striving to differentiate them. All PA-46 models formerly shared the same basic interiors. Now Piper’s cabin appointments reflect the model’s position in the fleet, putting the M500 at the apex of its interior styling efforts.
Its standard Premier Elegance color-coordinated leather seats, carpet and headliner are offered in two neutral-tone color schemes: Dune or Glacier. Meanwhile, new PA-46 cabins all benefit from work done by Boston’s Blokx Design, which Piper engaged to rethink and redesign cabin elements such as armrests, cup holders, and stowable table, without changing production tooling. The back four seats, laid out in a club configuration, are comfortable, and USB charging ports in the cabin and cockpit have been added.
The M500 offers a GSR-56 global satellite datalink Iridium satellite transceiver. Piper added the option with an eye on the international market, as a conduit for getting in-flight weather in areas without access to XM weather or similar services. It has found 90% of all buyers want the system, primarily for telephone and text communication. The enhanced cabins dovetail with changing ownership demographics.
2:25 - Cockpit
Getting into the cockpit is still a bit of a squeeze, eased by the fold-down captain and copilot’s seats, but once seated in front there’s ample room, and the uncluttered panel adds to the feeling of spaciousness. From the get-go, there are noticeable changes to the panel: the Garmin G1000 flight deck is dominated by two 10.4-inch primary flight displays, and a center-mounted 12.4-inch multifunction display. An Aspen EFD1000 standby instrument has replaced electromechanical backup gauges and wet compass.
The autopilot controller has been moved to the top of the panel, and a single audio panel is situated below the MFD. Switches for electrical, engine start, lights, ice protection and other systems are on a pair of overhead panels, separated by a smaller control panel for cockpit lighting. The GCU 476 keypad on the pedestal simplifies entering flight plans and other data into the G1000. Meanwhile, the landing gear safety lights now appear on the MFD instead of cluttering the panel with a dedicated display, and in another upgrade, system aural alerts and the stall horn are now audible through the headsets. The intercom has 3-D audio.
The marquee attraction of the avionics upgrade is Garmin’s remarkable envelope protection utility, the Enhanced Stability Protection, or ESP.
Another important improvement for the M500 is coupled go-around capability, which is possible because of ESP’s underspeed protection function.
6:43 - Engine and Performance
Clearly, the most distinguishing feature of the aircraft is its 500 horsepower Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A turboprop engine.
The M500 has a maximum cruise speed of 260 knots, and a maximum cruising altitude of 30,000 feet or 9,144 meters, and a maximum rate of climb of 1,300 feet or 396 meters per minute. While the takeoff distance is 2,438 feet or 743 meters, the landing distance is 2,110 feet or 643 meters. Both are intended over a 50-ft obstacle.
The lower power rating means a few good things for Meridian owners and their net worth. That economical fuel burn gives the M500 industry-leading economy, with an hourly burn at cruise of just 37 gallons or 140 liters, which, coupled with its fuel capacity of 170 gallons or 644 liters, gives it a no-wind range of 1,000 nautical miles or 1,852 kilometers with reserves.
The maximum takeoff weight is 5,092 lbs or 2,300 kg, and the full-fuel payload is 560 lbs or 254 kg.
9:18 - Purchase and Charter Price
The base purchase price for a new Piper M500 is $2.3 million before options, and the charter price ranges between $1,000 and $1,500 per hour. Naturally, prices will vary depending on availability, fuel prices, ground fees, and more.
9:36 - Operating Cost
While the total fixed cost is roughly $150,000 to $200,000 per year, the average hourly operating cost is estimated at $600 to $1,000.
9:46 - Outro
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