—PIPER JETPROP

Piper JetProp for Sale — Buy or Sell a JetProp DLX Turbine Malibu Worldwide

The Piper JetProp — officially the JetProp DL and JetProp DLX — is one of the most successful and compelling turbine conversion programmes in general aviation history. Developed by JetProp LLC, the conversion replaces the original Continental TSIO-550 piston engine of the Piper Malibu or Malibu Mirage with a Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-21 or PT6A-35 turboprop engine, transforming the aircraft's performance, reliability, and operating characteristics dramatically. The result is a pressurised, six-seat single-engine turboprop that rivals the Pilatus PC-12 and TBM series for owner-pilot cross-country capability — at a fraction of the acquisition cost. Piper JetProp aircraft for sale are highly sought after by pilots who want turbine reliability and performance in the familiar Malibu airframe, and Airplane Trade is the best global marketplace to find and list them.

The JetProp Conversion Programme

JetProp LLC was founded by aviation entrepreneur David Feathers to address a genuine market need: Piper Malibu owners who loved their aircraft's pressurised cabin and handling but wanted the reliability, fuel flexibility, and performance of a turboprop engine. The JetProp STC-approved conversion installs a Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-21 engine (producing 680 shp, flat-rated to 500 shp on the DL) or the more powerful PT6A-35 (on the DLX variant) in place of the Continental piston engine, along with a new engine mount, engine controls, fuel system modifications, and a five-blade composite propeller. The conversion also includes an upgraded avionics package — typically a Garmin G500 or G1000 glass panel — and various interior refinements. More than 250 JetProp conversions have been completed, and the programme has an outstanding safety and reliability record.

JetProp DL vs DLX

• JetProp DL — Based on the Piper PA-46-310P Malibu; Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-21 engine, 500 shp (flat-rated); standard five-blade Hartzell composite propeller; cruise speed 200–210 knots; the entry-level JetProp conversion.
• JetProp DLX — Based on the Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage (stronger airframe); PT6A-35 engine, 750 shp (flat-rated to 560 shp); five-blade Hartzell or McCauley composite prop; cruise speed 210–220 knots at FL250; the preferred and most capable JetProp variant.

Performance — JetProp DLX (PT6A-35)

• Engine — Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-35, 750 shp (flat-rated 560 shp)
• Maximum Cruise Speed — 220 knots TAS at FL250
• Long-Range Cruise — 195 knots TAS at FL300
• Range — 1,300+ nm with standard fuel
• Maximum Altitude — FL300 (30,000 ft)
• Rate of Climb — 1,800–2,000 ft/min (sea level, MTOW)
• MTOW — 4,340 lb (1,969 kg) — limited by Malibu Mirage airframe certification
• Fuel Type — Jet-A
• Seating — Pilot + up to 5 passengers
• Pressurisation — 5.5 psi differential (Malibu/Mirage pressurisation system)

Advantages of the JetProp Conversion

The JetProp conversion addresses the Malibu's most significant limitation — the Continental TSIO-550 piston engine, which despite its power is complex, expensive to maintain, and sensitive to improper operation — and replaces it with one of the most reliable turboprop engines ever produced. PT6A engines routinely operate for 3,500+ hours between overhauls and have accumulated billions of flight hours worldwide. The switch to Jet-A fuel eliminates dependence on increasingly expensive and scarce avgas, and Jet-A is available at virtually every airport worldwide that serves commercial aviation. The turboprop's rapid spool-up and constant-speed operation make the aircraft feel noticeably smoother and more responsive than the piston original, and the absence of mixture, carburettor heat, and complex piston engine management procedures significantly reduces pilot workload on long IFR flights.

Buying a Piper JetProp — Key Considerations

• STC Documentation — Verify that the conversion was performed under the JetProp LLC STC (SA02199SE or successor); request copies of all STC paperwork and confirm the STC applies to the specific airframe serial number.
• Engine Hours (TTSN/SMOH) — PT6A-21 and PT6A-35 engines are on-condition; assess hours since new or since major overhaul and review hot section inspection records; budget $150,000–$200,000 for overhaul.
• Airframe Condition — The Malibu/Mirage airframe was originally certified for a piston engine; inspect spar attach fittings, fuselage frames, and pressurisation system integrity carefully.
• Avionics — Most JetProp conversions were performed with avionics upgrades; verify ADS-B out compliance and avionics currency.
• JetProp Service Network — JetProp LLC provides ongoing support; identify a qualified JetProp service facility before purchase for ongoing maintenance continuity.

Find Your Piper JetProp on Airplane Trade

Airplane Trade is the premier global marketplace for turbine-converted single-engine aircraft including the Piper JetProp DL and DLX. Browse verified listings from private owners and specialist dealers across North America, Europe, and beyond. Each listing includes conversion documentation, engine status, avionics details, and direct seller contact. Find your JetProp on Airplane Trade and step into turbine performance today.