Single Engine • Piper • PA-46-310P Malibu, PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage, PA-46-500TP Meridian, PA-46-500TP Meridian M500, PA-46-600TP Meridian M600
| Manufacturer | Piper |
| Model | PA-46 Malibu/Meridian |
| Category | Single Engine |
| Variants | PA-46-310P Malibu, PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage, PA-46-500TP Meridian, PA-46-500TP Meridian M500, PA-46-600TP Meridian M600 |
| Production Years | 1983 – 2025 |
| Seating | 6 seats |
| Typical TTAF | 2,800 hours |
| Markets | United States, Canada, Australia, Mexico, United Kingdom |
| Price Range | $350K – $1.2M |
The Piper PA-46 Malibu/Meridian is a high-performance, single-engine, pressurized aircraft designed for personal and business travel. First introduced in 1983, the Malibu represented a significant advancement in single-engine aircraft technology, offering pressurization capabilities typically found in twin-engine aircraft. The Meridian variant, introduced in 2000, features a Lycoming turbocharged diesel engine, providing improved efficiency and range. These aircraft are popular among experienced pilots who require speed, altitude capability, and range without the complexity and operating costs of twin-engine aircraft. The PA-46 is used for personal transportation, air taxi operations, and business flights, primarily by affluent owner-operators and charter companies. The aircraft's distinguishing features include pressurization to 10,000 feet cabin altitude at maximum altitude, retractable landing gear, and single-lever engine controls. The combination of performance, comfort, and sophisticated avionics has made the PA-46 line one of the most successful pressurized single-engine aircraft ever produced, with continued production variants available today.
Maximum Speed: 230 mph (200 knots) - Malibu / 285 mph (247 knots) - Meridian M600
Cruise Speed: 190-210 mph (165-182 knots)
Maximum Range: 1,350-1,700 nm (depending on variant and conditions)
Service Ceiling: 25,000 feet - Malibu / 30,000 feet - Meridian
Engine: Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 (310 hp) - Malibu / Lycoming TIO-540-AE2A (350 hp) - Mirage / Lycoming TEO-540 Diesel (500 hp) - Meridian
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 3,200-3,600 lbs (variant dependent)
Pressurization: 10,000 feet cabin altitude at service ceiling
Empty Weight: 2,350-2,600 lbs