Meridian???

[simpso11]

The company I work for is looking at buying a 2001 PA46-500TP (Meridian). Anybody out there know the pros/cons of this airplane. It does have the gross weight increase modification added on, which does help the useful load by about 230 lbs.

 

[vortex]

P46T

I have a couple hundred hours in the Meridian.
You will find that even with the gross weight increase that it is a small airplane with limited w&b and range.

If you are moving 1-2 people (with bags) 300-400 miles it is perfect for a mission like that. Go farther, or bring more people, it is going to get tight on space and w&b is an issue.

The plane is fun to fly, it is like a sports car, but still easy to stay in front. Systems are simple and easy- a lot was taken from the malibu/mirage line.

Keep in mind that it is a Piper (built cheaply without much QC-especially in 2001 when they tried to get lots of orders filled and delivered to early customers).
If this an airplane that is going to fly a lot you are going to have MX issues. Support varies from each dealer and service center.

Piper built this as an ENTRY LEVEL TURBO PROP, and that is all that it is. Piper was targeting the malibu/mirage, bonanza, saratoga, baron market. This is an airplane that you buy if have never operated a turbine aircraft before.

Check out www.malibumeridian.org for more info.

Big issues to find out about are fuel temp limitations, autopilots in early aircraft( they were a joke at best), and battery strength/life.

PM me if you have more detailed questions.

Good luck

 

[simpso11]

Thanks for the info Vortex, what were your major MX issues, and where would you suggest to look for the temp. limitations? What did you plan on for fuel burn per hour and what altitude did you usually fly it at if you were going over 200 miles? Appriciate the help. Good thing about the airplane is it is still considered new w/ (130 hr), only been used for demo, so we will have a full 2 yrs on warranty.

 

[vortex]

Simpso,
check your PM's

 

[Heavy Set]

Hey Vortex,

How does the flight deck compare to that of other aircraft you have flown? I have seen pictures - looks like the Space Shuttle... How long did it take you to feel comfortable with that technology?

 

[Lopaka]

I was at a parts dept. once and the guy showed me a fuel cap, ONE fuel cap off a Merridian-------$1,700 dollars.... plus tax!

 

[KeroseneSnorter]

The Meridian/Malibu is very tight in the cockpit. If your over 6 feet You might consider something with more room, or a max leg time of 45 mins. I caught a 15 min ride home in one not too long ago and was already very uncomfortable.