Piper M500Photo: Aeroprints.com · CC BY-SA 3.0 · representative variant
Indicative 2025 market price€2.01m€2.4m
Estimated annual cost at 80 h€146k
Five-year cash outlay€2.91m

Key figures

Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.

Seats6
Realistic payload with mission fuel387 kg
Advertised range1000 nm
Practical planning radius (4 people)670 nm
Cruise speed260 kt
Runway need~743 m
PressurisedYes
FuelJet A-1
Fixed annual base€85k
Direct cost per flight hour760

The ownership trade-off

A relatively accessible pressurized turboprop, but full-fuel payload is tight and the smaller airframe limits cabin comfort.

Cost picture at different usage

  • 40 hours/year: about €115k per year ( €2885 per flight hour all-in)
  • 80 hours/year: about €146k per year ( €1823 per flight hour all-in)
  • 120 hours/year: about €176k per year ( €1468 per flight hour all-in)
  • 180 hours/year: about €222k per year ( €1232 per flight hour all-in)

Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €168k per year at 80 hours. Condition, engine time remaining and avionics matter more than the year itself — price the aircraft in front of you, not the model.

Where it fits well

  • 260 kt cruise supports fast regional travel.
  • 1000 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 670 nm with 4 occupants.
  • 387 kg realistic payload proxy and 6 seats define the usable cabin mission.

Limitations to price honestly

  • A relatively accessible pressurized turboprop, but full-fuel payload is tight and the smaller airframe limits cabin comfort.
  • €85k fixed annual planning base before flying a single hour.
  • Approximate 743 m take-off requirement must be checked against runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading.

Recommended missions

  • Family and small-group touring with a weight-and-balance check for every trip.
  • Longer regional missions, with reserves and payload reducing brochure range.
  • Time-sensitive business travel where dispatch reliability justifies the cost.

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