I am trying to decide between a 340/pBaron vs. Malibu.

I don't feel strongly about the twin being safer.

I sat in an 80's Malibu and felt too cramped. I tried to get in an approximately 2012 meridian and with the avionics keyboard between the seats I couldn't even get in the seat. I am 6'4" with tall torso and size 15 shoes, 220 lbs.

I still really like the idea of the pressurization and the relative economy of fuel in the Malibu. I may with a partner even be able to spring for a Jetprop with the same airframe. The P210 could also work, but I like the "bigger airplane" feel of the Malibu airframe.

Does anyone know of a Malibu with the tall seat conversion I could sit in?

Have any of you converted yours and what was your experience?

I know I should probably join MMOPA at this point but I haven't done it and thought I would ask here first.

I had a Mirage without the tall seat conversion but the seat cushion was modified. It was OK but tight. I am 6’4” 250.

The issue for me in the Mirage was how tight it was with two people. I now have a 421 and it is amazing, so big and comfortable. I have not been in a 340 and the Baron is pretty narrow for our wide shoulders.

Just a thing to consider. I just got the annual done on my 421 and it was $9k. Each of my Mirage annuals were over $25k and that was after a $150k initial annual/pre buy. My Saratoga had $25k annuals. So the 421 is turning out to be the least expensive to operate for me. That being said I bought a really well maintained 421. You can buy a lot of fuel for that kind of difference in maintenance cost. The Cessna is built tough and I felt like my Mirage was built out of Pringles potato chip material, so fragile. Haha

Both my sons are 6’5” 240lbs and both of us can fit in the front of the 421 with no problem. Not so in the PA46.

Not to get political but if Biden is the new president I may just regret the extra fuel consumption. The fuel prices the last few years have been great.

Mike

6’3 fits in the normal seat. 6’4 doesn’t. I don’t have the mod but if you recline the seat all the way back, 6’4 will fit but it would be hard to fly. My friend is 6’4 and that’s how he flies in the right seat.

Val

I’m 5’ 11” with an average sitting height and always disliked the Meridian cockpit. Difficult to get in and out of the seat and cramped once you’re installed.

Just another data point: I am 6' 1" and my hair brushed the headliner in the 340A. With a headset, I had to sit in a cramped uncomfortable position.

Hey Rich
I have been flying my Malibu now for three years and as stated the cockpit is a little tight. I am 6-1 and 212 lbs, had my seat foam reworked and now sit very comfortably for up to six hour flights, left seat does have more room than the right. Malibu Aerospace does offer a seat mod which looks like gives a lot of extra room but it is pricey. Maintenance on my plane has been reasonable but not cheap, but your flying a pressurized plane with known ice and radar as well redundant alternators and vacuum pumps can make annuals more involved. The range and fuel economy have made this a good fit for me. My useful load is 1283#s and I can carry up to 140 gals of usable fuel, so you have a lot of flexibility. I flew my 58 Barron for 22 years and sure bought a lot fuel, I don't fly the Malibu much at night.

Great responses all, thank you.

Michael, do you commute to Van Nuys in that 421?

Yes Provo UT to Van Nuys. But my plane has been down for upgrades for two months. Getting new AP and G600txi. Can’t wait.

Have been commuting in all my planes that route. Although I did fly to SMO but with the shorter runway it just feels tight. My flight times are about 30 less with the 421 compared to the Mirage.

I go to the Prop Park at Van Nuys. It’s cheap and easy. I don’t mind pumping my own fuel.

Mike

If it was a 2012 Meridian, it has somewhat of an extended seat stock. If you couldn't get your legs between the pedestal and seat, makes me wonder if the seat were all the way back. In order to get it all the way back you have to make sure the aft facing seat behind it, is not reclined, or it will stop the travel on the pilots seat. The main tricks, since the seat is 3-way adjustable. Make sure it is all the way back, all the way down (has an up/down feature), and slightly reclined. I have seen at least one guy that was not a small 6'7 fly a Malibu. One of the better known PA46 instructors is 6'5, so some of it is technique, and some of it is desire . The first 3 or 4 times I got in, I thought this is interesting. I hardly notice anymore, just technique. Otherwise, once in place most people are comfortable. I am 6'2 and started flying them when I was about 220 lbs. I have been taking better care of myself and am down to 185. But still a very comfortable fit.

All interesting observations. Thanks

Best,

Tom

I will say that the Mirage was very efficient and pretty fast. Lots of room. If it was just my wife and I the PA46 and Turbo prop version would be the perfect plane. My biggest issue with the PA46 was payload with a large family.


Mike

I'm 6'4" 220 and briefly considered a Meridian. The main issue for me was comfort and space. I was able to make the pilot seat work by completely removing the seat cushion and sitting on an OregonAero foam pad on the seat frame, but it still wasn't ideal. Without that I simply could not fit. Also getting in and out was difficult and I needed much more payload.

Rich.

I have the seat mod in my Malibu. Actually its in the shop getting a new panel and the seats are out. Do you want me to take a pic of the seats side by side?

Thanks for the offer Paul. I have seen the photos on the modification website. How tall are you and what do you think of the conversion? Did you have it done or buy it that way?

I am 6'3" with a long torso. I took some foam out of the seat in my previous Malibu and it gave me more head room. I had stock seats in my old Mirage with sheepskins and I found it comfortable. The cabin is a little small in all of the PA46s. I have a total of 800 hours in those planes.

My current Malibu came with the seat mod. I am about to put that plane on the market once the avionics update and new panel is complete.