AIR.ONE

Piper M350 vs Piper M500 vs Piper Seneca

The Piper M350 and M500 are single‑engine, pressurized, high‑performance personal aircraft, while the Piper Seneca is a twin‑engine, unpressurized light piston airplane typically used for training, personal travel, and light commercial missions. In range, the M500 generally leads thanks to its turboprop efficiency and higher cruise capability, offering the longest practical cross‑country legs of the three. The M350, a pressurized piston single, provides strong range for owner‑pilots but usually falls short of the M500 on long trips. The Seneca’s range is competitive for regional travel, but it is typically optimized for shorter to mid‑length missions compared with the M500, with performance more sensitive to payload and weather/altitude considerations. For passenger capacity, the Seneca commonly seats more people overall, often accommodating six, making it the best choice when filling seats matters. The M350 and M500 are usually configured for fewer occupants, commonly around five to six seats, but are most comfortable when carrying fewer passengers with baggage to preserve performance and range.

SpecPiper M350Piper M500Piper Seneca
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 1.34$ 3.11$ 1.69
Total Seats666
Flight RulesVFRIFRIFR
ManufacturerPiperPiperPiper
Aircraft NameM350M500Seneca
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)13431000828
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.22$ 0.78$ 0.28
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)130816981331
Standard Cabin Seats444
Direct Operating Cost$ 285$ 579$ 337
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G1000 NXiGarmin G1000 NXiGarmin G1000 NXi
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)213260200
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$1,195,000$2,122,600 $1,095,000
Min Crew1
Cabin
Cockpit222
Total Seats656
Cabin Pressure (psi)5.65.5
Standard Cabin Seats444
LavatoryNo
Min Crew1
Galley LocationMID
Galley / RefreshmentRefreshment Centre
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)12600
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)8244
Engine
FADECNoNoNo
ModelTIO-540-AE2APT6A-42ATSIO-360-RB
Fuel TypeAvGasAvGas
TBO (hrs)200036001800
TBO (yrs)12
Horsepower350500220
Fuel DeliveryFuel InjectedFuel Injected
No. of Engines112
Fuel Capacity (gal)120170122
Flat RatingISA + 55
Dimensions
Length (ft)2929.628.6
Wingspan (ft)4343.239
Cabin Width (ft)4.14.1
Cabin Height (ft)44
Cabin Length (ft)12.312.3
Overall Height (ft)11.411.310
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)165165
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)13
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)2020