1989 Malibu Mirage

[tinman]

I know someone who is looking to buy this plane. Anybody have anything good or bad to say about it? What kind of pay for part 91 pilot in the southwest? The pilot would also manage it. Thanks for any help!

P.S. Would this job be desired, as opposed to cargo?

 

[irapilot]

Run, don't walk, run away. Send me a PM if you are interested in why.

 

[P3-Adub]

Malibu Mirage ?

Guess it depends on what you are currently doing ? Most of these operators learn quickly that it is a very limited plane. Sure it is pressurized, known ice, and fairly fast however there are many a pilot that will never get a second chance at that go/no-go decision. I have flown them, pretty complex pressurization system, not in the operation but in the reliability, asking a lot from a single engine.

Pros - nice engine over the straight Malibu, good speed, nice avionics, pressurization, de-ice, excellent glide ratio (15/1), and most have nice interiors.

Cons - too many to list however here are a few that stand out, the Lycoming won't make TBO - plan on about half, owners think they are flying a jet in that they can go anywhere any time, slippery airframe so descent planning very important, short coupled gear, and expensive as a turbine to overhaul.

Nice VFR and limited IFR plane but one has to know this flying one. Still a single engine plane. Get the speed brake mod, will really save on the shock cooling of that engine, very sensative. Speed brakes give you about 1500" per min. with the power left at cruise setting.

Bottom line if the owner/company that is buying it has the HP to buy a bigger plane with a turbine or even a C-421, they will see the light eventually or they won't, if you get my drift. What kind of cargo job did you say you were contemplating ? Most have two motors.

 

[tinman]

Well, I've applied at a few west coast cargo companies, all with twins. My problem is, my wife has committed herself to another year of teaching, so I would really like to stay local until next June, which this job would offer. I am pushing for the 421 that is for sale locally. It's a great plane and I already have some time in it. The guy called me a couple of days ago saying he found this Malibu and wanted my opinion. I don't think I've even seen one before, so here I am!

 

[Lead Sled]

Get a copy of Aviation Consumer and read up on the airplane. As the guy said, run, don't walk away from it.

Lead Sled

 

[KeroseneSnorter]

Just a personal opinion here,

Malibu Mirage = Big steaming pile of Hippo Dung.

Again, just my opinion.

 

[bigD]

I once used this phrase to describe parking at Signature, but I first heard it used by a friend when talking about flying a Mirage for an owner:

"I'd rather teabag my nuts in boiling hot oil than fly that d*mned plane again."

 

[tinman]

Thanks for the replies. I'll relay the message!

 

[DAS at 10/250]

The JetProp conversion isn't any better. Full fuel gives you 1.5 people to put onboard. Redline everything. Climb, cruise, descent always pushing the red.

As stated before, run, don't walk.

I have P46T time. I wish I didn't.

 

[JohnDoe]

Goodness.........I didn't know that thing was such a POS.