The Ultimate Piper M-Class: Upgrading from M350 to the M700 FURY

The Leap from Pressurized Piston to Turboprop Power

The upgrade from Piper M350 to M700 FURY represents the pinnacle of the Piper M-Class lineage and one of the most significant capability jumps in owner-flown aviation. While both aircraft share pressurized cabin comfort and the Piper heritage, the transition from turbocharged piston to turboprop power fundamentally transforms performance, reliability, operating characteristics, and mission capabilities.

This isn't simply a speed upgrade—it's a transition from piston-engine complexity and limitations to turbine-engine smoothness, reliability, and jet-like performance. The M700 FURY delivers 300+ knot cruise speeds, 4,000+ feet per minute climb rates, and flight level 300 (30,000 feet) operating altitudes, placing you in the same performance category as very light jets while maintaining single-pilot accessibility and operating economics that remain (barely) within piston operating cost multiples.

Why M350 Owners Consider the M700

Most M350 owners who upgrade to the M700 cite several recurring motivations. First, the desire for higher cruise speeds to maximize cross-country efficiency—300 knots versus 220 knots cuts typical 1,000-nautical-mile trips from 4.5 hours to 3.3 hours, saving over an hour each direction. Second, turbine reliability and reduced maintenance complexity compared to the turbocharged piston engine. Third, enhanced climb performance allowing rapid transit through icing layers and weather systems.

Additionally, many M350 owners reach a point where their missions demand consistent 300+ knot speeds, their businesses justify the cost premium, or they simply want the ultimate single-engine turboprop experience. The M700 represents the absolute peak of owner-flown single-engine performance, combining near-jet speeds with single-pilot operations and manageable (though substantial) costs.

The Turboprop Advantage: Beyond Just Speed

While the 80-knot speed increase dominates discussions, the turboprop advantages extend far beyond cruise performance. The Pratt & Whitney PT6A-52 turboprop engine delivers unmatched smoothness—the vibration-free operation transforms passenger comfort and reduces pilot fatigue. The engine's 3,600-hour TBO (time between overhaul) doubles or triples piston engine intervals, and turbine reliability dramatically reduces in-flight engine issues.

Jet-A fuel availability worldwide simplifies international operations and eliminates avgas scarcity concerns. High-altitude performance remains strong—the M700 maintains excellent climb rates and power even at flight level 300, where the M350's piston engine struggles. For pilots who've experienced the anxiety of turbocharged piston engine management, the turboprop's simplicity and reliability provide tremendous peace of mind.

M350: Peak of Piston Performance

Understanding Your M350 Platform

The Piper M350 represents the ultimate evolution of pressurized piston single-engine aircraft. With its 350-horsepower Lycoming TIO-540 turbocharged engine, Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, and pressurized six-seat cabin, the M350 delivers capabilities that would have seemed impossible decades ago. Cruise speeds around 220 knots, range exceeding 1,000 nautical miles, and 25,000-foot operating altitudes make it a serious cross-country machine.

Most M350 owners appreciate the aircraft's combination of performance and relative operating economy. At $400-$550/hour all-in and annual fixed costs of $30,000-$50,000, the M350 delivers impressive performance-per-dollar value. The single-pilot accessibility, proven systems, and strong support network make it manageable for dedicated owner-pilots willing to invest in proper training and proficiency maintenance.

M350 Capabilities and Sweet Spots

The M350 excels at missions between 400-1,000 nautical miles with 4-6 passengers. The pressurized cabin allows comfortable high-altitude flying, the range eliminates most fuel stops, and the speed makes trips competitive with airline connections when accounting for total door-to-door time. Weather capability is excellent—the ability to climb to 25,000 feet places you above most systems, and the G1000 NXi avionics suite provides exceptional situational awareness.

Operating costs remain within reach of successful professionals and small businesses. The proven piston engine responds to proper care and maintenance, parts availability is good, and the owner community provides excellent support. For many owners, the M350 represents the perfect balance of capability and cost, requiring no further upgrades.

M350 Limitations That Drive Upgrades

Despite its capabilities, the M350 has inherent limitations that motivate some owners toward the M700. The 220-knot cruise speed, while excellent for a piston single, trails turboprop competition significantly. Long-range trips (1,500+ nautical miles) require fuel stops and consume 7+ hours, approaching the limits of single-day feasibility. The turbocharged piston engine requires careful management—cylinder head temperature monitoring, proper leaning, and strict adherence to limitations demand constant attention.

Climb performance, while adequate, trails turboprops dramatically. The M350's 1,200 feet per minute climb rate means lengthy climbs to cruise altitude and limited escape options when encountering unexpected weather. Engine maintenance, while manageable, includes complex turbocharger systems, exhaust components, and cylinder issues that turbines avoid. Overhaul costs of $70,000-$90,000 every 2,000 hours loom over ownership economics.

For owners flying 200+ hours annually, conducting frequent long-range trips, or operating in demanding environments, these limitations become increasingly frustrating. The realization that the M700 solves nearly all these issues—while adding only 2x operating costs—often triggers serious upgrade consideration.

M700 FURY: 300+ Knot Turboprop Excellence

The Piper M700 FURY Evolution

The M700 FURY represents Piper's latest evolution of the M-Class lineage, building on the successful M600 platform with enhanced performance, updated systems, and refined details. Powered by the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-52 turboprop engine producing 700 shaft horsepower, the M700 delivers performance that rivals very light jets while maintaining single-engine simplicity and single-pilot certification.

Maximum cruise speeds exceed 300 knots true airspeed (345 mph), with typical cruise power settings delivering 280-290 knots while optimizing fuel efficiency. Range extends to 1,400+ nautical miles with reserves, enabling nonstop transcontinental flights for many mission profiles. The service ceiling of 30,000 feet provides access to the same altitudes as commercial jets, maximizing weather avoidance and tailwind utilization.

Turboprop Performance Characteristics

The PT6A-52 turboprop engine transforms the flying experience from the first power application. Initial climb rates exceed 4,000 feet per minute—more than triple the M350's performance—enabling rapid altitude acquisition and exceptional escape capability when weather deteriorates. The climb to flight level 280 takes approximately 18-20 minutes versus the M350's 35-40 minutes to 25,000 feet, reducing time spent in weather and turbulence.

Turbine smoothness eliminates the vibration inherent to piston engines. The PT6's free-turbine design produces incredibly smooth power delivery, dramatically reducing pilot and passenger fatigue on long flights. Engine management simplifies to monitoring torque, ITT (inter-turbine temperature), and fuel flow—no mixture management, no cylinder head temperature concerns, no complex leaning procedures. You set power, monitor parameters, and enjoy the flight.

Garmin G3000 Avionics Suite

The M700 features the advanced Garmin G3000 integrated flight deck, a significant upgrade from the M350's G1000 NXi. The G3000 includes touchscreen interfaces, enhanced processing power, improved synthetic vision with 3D terrain, advanced weather integration, and superior autopilot functionality with auto-throttle capabilities. The GFC 700 autopilot provides automated takeoff and landing modes (when coupled with appropriate sensors), envelope protection, and hypoxia recognition systems.

For pilots transitioning from the G1000 NXi, the G3000 represents an evolutionary improvement rather than revolutionary change—the interface logic remains similar, but capabilities expand significantly. The touchscreen interface speeds data entry, the enhanced weather integration improves decision-making, and the autopilot modes reduce workload during demanding operations. The learning curve is manageable for experienced G1000 users but still requires dedicated training.

Cabin Comfort and Pressurization

While both the M350 and M700 offer pressurized six-seat cabins, the M700's enhanced pressurization system (5.8 psi differential versus 5.5 psi) provides improved comfort at maximum altitude. The cabin altitude at flight level 300 remains below 8,500 feet, ensuring comfortable breathing and conversation without oxygen masks. The turbine's smooth operation, combined with improved sound insulation, creates a notably quieter cabin environment.

The M700's cabin includes upgraded interior options, enhanced climate control, and improved passenger amenities. For business operators or those conducting frequent long-range flights, these comfort improvements matter significantly. Passengers notice and appreciate the smoother ride, quieter environment, and faster trip times, making the M700 a more effective business tool.

Key Gains: What You Actually Get

Speed and Time Savings

The M700's 300+ knot cruise versus the M350's 220 knots represents an 80-knot (36%) improvement. On typical missions, this translates to substantial time savings:

• 500 nautical miles: 2.3 hours vs 1.7 hours (save 35 minutes)
• 1,000 nautical miles: 4.5 hours vs 3.3 hours (save 1.2 hours)
• 1,500 nautical miles: 6.8 hours vs 5.0 hours (save 1.8 hours)

These time savings accumulate dramatically for high-utilization owners. An owner flying 200 hours annually on average 800-nautical-mile legs saves approximately 75-100 hours of flight time yearly—weeks of productive time returned. For business operators where time equals money, this productivity gain often justifies the upgrade cost directly.

Enhanced Climb Performance

The M700's 4,000+ feet per minute climb rate versus the M350's 1,200 feet per minute provides three critical advantages. First, rapid transit through ice-prone altitudes and turbulent layers reduces weather exposure and improves safety. Second, quick altitude acquisition positions you for optimal winds and smooth air faster. Third, superior climb performance provides escape options when weather deteriorates unexpectedly—you can rapidly climb above buildups that would trap the M350.

For operations in mountainous terrain, convective environments, or winter icing conditions, this climb performance provides substantial safety margins. The confidence of knowing you can climb 4,000+ feet per minute when needed transforms weather decision-making and risk management.

Turbine Reliability and Simplicity

The PT6A turboprop engine family has accumulated billions of operating hours with an exceptional reliability record. Unlike piston engines with hundreds of moving parts, complex ignition systems, and cylinder-specific issues, the turbine's simpler design (fewer moving parts) delivers superior reliability. The 3,600-hour TBO doubles typical piston engine intervals, and turbine engines commonly exceed TBO with proper care.

Operationally, turbine management is dramatically simpler. No mixture management, no cylinder head temperature concerns, no complex leaning procedures, no spark plug fouling. You monitor torque, ITT, and fuel flow, making power adjustments as needed. This simplicity reduces pilot workload and eliminates many of the management tasks that make piston operation demanding.

Fuel Flexibility and Availability

The M700 burns Jet-A fuel instead of 100LL avgas, providing significant advantages for international operations and future-proofing against avgas availability concerns. Jet-A is available worldwide at virtually every airport, often at lower cost than avgas. The fuel's lower volatility improves safety margins, and the reduced lead content eliminates environmental and health concerns associated with leaded avgas.

For owners conducting international operations or concerned about long-term avgas availability as the industry transitions to unleaded alternatives, Jet-A operation provides peace of mind and operational flexibility.

Operating Altitude and Weather Capability

The M700's 30,000-foot service ceiling versus the M350's 25,000-foot ceiling provides access to flight levels typically reserved for jets. This extra 5,000 feet often places you above convective weather tops that would force the M350 to deviate or descend. Additionally, flight level 280-300 frequently offers the strongest tailwinds, further improving groundspeeds and reducing trip times.

The ability to operate at these altitudes with maintained climb performance and power output positions the M700 as a true weather-capable cross-country machine. Weather systems that would challenge or delay M350 operations become manageable in the M700.

Financial Considerations: The Investment Reality

Acquisition Costs

New M700 FURY aircraft list at approximately $4.2-$4.5 million depending on configuration and options. Used M600 models (the M700's predecessor, virtually identical in performance) range from $2.2 million (early models, higher time) to $3.5 million+ (recent models, low time). This compares to M350 values of $600,000-$1 million for used aircraft and $1.4 million+ for new models.

If your M350 is worth $700,000-$900,000 and paid off, this equity can support the 15-20% down payment on a $3-$4 million M700, but you'll still need $350,000-$700,000+ in additional capital. This represents substantial wealth requirements beyond M350 equity—most M700 buyers have significant business success or personal wealth justifying this investment.

Financing the M700 Upgrade

Most lenders require 15-20% down on M700 purchases, with loan terms of 15-20 years at 6-8% for exceptionally well-qualified buyers (credit 740+, substantial documented income, strong business financials). For a $3.5 million used M600 with 20% down ($700,000):

• 15-year loan at 7%: $2.8 million financed = $25,167/month
• 20-year loan at 7%: $2.8 million financed = $21,690/month

Monthly payments of $20,000-$25,000+ require annual income approaching $1 million to maintain acceptable debt-to-income ratios for personal purchases, or strong business cash flows for corporate ownership. Use our loan calculator to model various scenarios and understand the financial commitment required.

Operating Cost Reality

M700 operating costs run approximately 2x M350 costs, but deliver significantly enhanced capabilities:

Annual Fixed Costs:

• Insurance: $20,000-$35,000 (versus $8,000-$15,000 for M350)
• Annual inspection: $15,000-$25,000 (versus $8,000-$12,000 for M350)
• Hangar: $600-$1,200/month ($7,200-$14,400/year)
• Subscriptions and fees: $3,000-$5,000
• Total Fixed: $60,000-$100,000/year

Variable Operating Costs:

• Fuel: 45-50 gph Jet-A at $5-$7/gallon = $225-$350/hour
• Maintenance reserve: $150-$250/hour
• Engine reserve: $125-$175/hour (hot section inspections and overhauls)
• Variable Total: $500-$775/hour

For 150 hours annually: $60,000-$100,000 fixed + $75,000-$116,000 variable + $260,000-$302,000 loan payment = $395,000-$518,000 total annual cost, or roughly $2,630-$3,450 per flight hour. This compares to approximately $109,000-$149,000 annually for an M350 at similar utilization.

While substantial, these costs must be evaluated against the value of time saved, enhanced capability, and improved reliability. For owners flying 200+ hours annually on business missions, the productivity gains and reduced trip cancellations often justify the cost premium.

Tax Considerations and Business Justification

Most M700 purchases involve business ownership structures due to the substantial costs involved. Section 179 depreciation, bonus depreciation, and operational expense deductions can significantly impact after-tax costs for qualifying business use. Many owners structure M700 ownership through LLC entities, enabling tax-efficient operations and liability protection.

Consult with aviation tax specialists and financial advisors to optimize ownership structures and understand true after-tax costs. The tax benefits available for legitimate business use can substantially improve the economics of M700 ownership compared to personal ownership.

Training and Transition Requirements

Initial Training Investment

Transitioning from M350 to M700 requires comprehensive training in several areas:

• Turboprop transition course: Fundamental turbine engine theory, operation, and emergency procedures (10-15 hours ground and flight)
• M700-specific training: Systems, procedures, and normal operations (20-30 hours dual instruction)
• G3000 avionics training: If not already familiar, dedicated training on the advanced avionics suite (10-15 hours)
• Insurance-mandated training: 50-100 hours dual instruction before solo operations, often including simulator training
• High-altitude training: Enhanced high-altitude operations and emergency procedures for FL300 operations

Total initial training investment typically ranges from $20,000-$40,000 including instruction, aircraft or simulator time, and materials. Many owners attend dedicated M700 training centers offering comprehensive programs combining ground school, simulator, and aircraft training over 10-14 day periods.

The Learning Curve from M350

While M350 owners have significant advantages over pilots transitioning from simpler aircraft—pressurization experience, high-altitude operations familiarity, and G1000 avionics background—the M700 still presents a substantial learning curve. Key differences include:

• Turbine engine start sequences, limitations, and monitoring
• Significantly higher speeds requiring earlier planning and decision-making
• Enhanced systems complexity and automation
• Different weight and balance considerations with turbine installation
• Jet-like approach and landing procedures due to higher speeds
• Emergency procedures specific to turboprop operations

Most M350 pilots require 75-100 hours to achieve genuine comfort with M700 operations. The first 50 hours are typically flown with experienced instructors or mentor pilots, gradually building proficiency through diverse weather conditions, airports, and operational scenarios.

Recurrent Training Requirements

Insurance companies universally require annual recurrent training for M700 operations, typically through approved training centers offering simulator-based programs. These 2-3 day courses cover:

• Emergency procedures (engine failure, pressurization issues, systems failures)
• Normal and abnormal procedures review
• Instrument approaches and precision flying
• Systems updates and safety improvements
• Accident case studies and lessons learned

Annual recurrent training costs $8,000-$15,000 including simulator time, instruction, and materials. This investment is mandatory for insurance but delivers tremendous value through enhanced proficiency and safety. The M700's performance demands continuous training—this isn't optional for safe operations.

Maintenance and Reliability

Turboprop Maintenance Advantages

While M700 maintenance costs exceed M350 expenses, the turboprop engine delivers significant reliability and simplicity advantages. The PT6A-52 has no spark plugs to foul or replace, no cylinders to overhaul individually, no complex turbocharger systems, and no mixture-related issues. Maintenance focuses on trend monitoring, hot section inspections, and eventual overhaul rather than the continual cylinder work and component replacements common to piston engines.

The 3,600-hour TBO doubles typical piston intervals, and many turbines exceed TBO with proper care. Hot section inspections around 1,800 hours cost $60,000-$90,000, and eventual overhauls run $350,000-$450,000, but these events occur much less frequently than piston engine work when amortized over time.

Scheduled Maintenance Requirements

Annual inspections typically cost $15,000-$25,000, reflecting the advanced systems, pressurization complexity, and turboprop-specific requirements. Phase inspections occur at prescribed intervals, distributing maintenance costs more evenly throughout ownership. The pressurization system, avionics cooling, and environmental systems require regular attention as in the M350.

Many owners establish maintenance reserves of $150-$250/hour to smooth costs over time. While individual maintenance events may be expensive, the reduced frequency of major work and enhanced reliability often result in lower overall maintenance burdens compared to aging piston twins or complex piston singles.

Parts and Support Network

Piper provides excellent M700 support with dedicated service centers nationwide. The PT6A engine's ubiquity (tens of thousands in operation worldwide) ensures excellent parts availability and widespread maintenance expertise. Finding qualified M700 service is easier than locating complex piston twin specialists, and the global PT6 support network enables international operations with confidence.

The M-Class Owners and Pilots Association (MMOPA) provides exceptional owner support, technical resources, and community knowledge. Joining MMOPA and participating in training events, technical forums, and safety programs significantly enhances the ownership experience and improves safety.

Mission Profiles: When the M700 Makes Sense

Ideal M700 Missions

The M700 excels at missions that challenge or exceed M350 capabilities:

• 1,000-1,400 nautical mile business trips completed in 3-5 hours nonstop
• Regular transcontinental operations where speed maximizes productivity
• High-utilization operations (200+ hours annually) justifying fixed cost investments
• Time-critical business missions where schedule reliability is paramount
• International operations benefiting from Jet-A availability and turbine reliability
• Operations in challenging weather requiring superior climb and altitude capabilities

If your typical missions involve 800+ nautical mile legs, you fly 150+ hours annually, time savings deliver direct business value, and your financial resources support the investment, the M700 delivers clear advantages over the M350.

When to Stay with Your M350

Not every M350 owner should upgrade to the M700. Consider retaining your M350 if:

• Typical trips are under 600 nautical miles where speed advantages are modest
• You fly fewer than 100-150 hours annually, making high fixed costs hard to justify
• The M350's 220-knot cruise meets your mission requirements adequately
• Budget constraints make $400,000-$500,000+ annual costs challenging
• You prefer the simplicity of piston operations and direct maintenance control
• Your business or personal situation doesn't warrant the substantial cost increase

The M350 represents an exceptional aircraft that meets 90% of owners' needs superbly. Only when missions consistently push M350 limits does the M700 upgrade become compelling. Many successful pilots fly M350s throughout their careers without needing more capability.

The Upgrade Decision Framework

Before committing to the M350-to-M700 upgrade, carefully assess these factors:

1. Financial capacity: Can you comfortably manage $20,000-$25,000+ monthly payments, $60,000-$100,000 annual fixed costs, and $700-$950/hour operating expenses without financial stress?
2. Mission requirements: Do you regularly fly 800+ nautical mile legs where the M700's speed provides clear advantages?
3. Utilization rates: Will you fly 150-200+ hours annually to justify the substantial fixed cost investment?
4. Business value: Can you quantify the business value of time saved and enhanced reliability?
5. Training commitment: Are you prepared for initial training investment of $20,000-$40,000 plus annual recurrent costs?
6. Complexity tolerance: Do you embrace turboprop operations and ongoing training requirements?
7. Long-term plans: Will you maintain this ownership level for 5+ years to justify transition costs?

If you answer yes to most questions and have the financial resources, the M700 delivers transformative capability. If several answers are no or uncertain, the M350 likely remains your optimal aircraft for current mission requirements.

Making the Transition: Implementation Steps

1. Financial planning: Use our affordability calculator and consult with financial advisors to confirm budget capacity and tax optimization strategies.
2. Sell your M350: Work with reputable M-Class brokers to maximize M350 sale value. Time the sale to minimize aircraft downtime.
3. M700 acquisition: Engage M-Class specialist brokers for aircraft search. Conduct thorough pre-buy inspection with turboprop-experienced mechanics ($5,000-$8,000).
4. Financing arrangement: Secure financing from lenders experienced with high-value aircraft. Compare terms from 3-4 sources.
5. Insurance procurement: Obtain quotes early in the process to understand training requirements and costs. Factor these into timeline planning.
6. Training enrollment: Schedule initial training before delivery. Complete as much as possible in simulators to reduce aircraft operating costs during training.
7. Delivery and transition: Arrange experienced delivery pilot for initial ferry flight. Complete thorough checkout before solo operations.
8. Mentor program: Consider hiring experienced M700 mentor pilot for first 50-100 hours to accelerate learning and ensure safety.
9. MMOPA membership: Join immediately and participate in safety programs, technical sessions, and owner events.

Conclusion: The Ultimate M-Class Experience

The Piper M350 to M700 FURY upgrade represents the pinnacle of the M-Class evolution and one of the most significant capability improvements available to owner-pilots. The transition from turbocharged piston to turboprop power delivers 300+ knot speeds, 4,000+ fpm climb rates, turbine reliability, and jet-like performance while maintaining single-pilot accessibility.

This transformation comes with substantial costs—3x acquisition price, 2x operating expenses, and significant training requirements. However, for owners with demanding missions, high utilization rates, and the financial resources to support the investment, the M700 delivers unmatched single-engine turboprop performance and capability.

The decision requires honest assessment of mission requirements, financial capacity, and operational demands. For the right owner at the right time, the M700 FURY represents the ultimate expression of owner-flown single-engine performance—combining near-jet speeds with manageable complexity and operating economics that remain within reach of successful businesses and individuals.

Evaluate your missions carefully, ensure financial capacity exists, and commit to proper training. The M700 rewards prepared, well-capitalized, and properly trained pilots with exceptional capability, reliability, and cross-country performance that rivals very light jets while maintaining the simplicity and accessibility of single-engine operations.