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 Post subject: 2020 PA46 M350 - Impressions
PostPosted: 03 Jan 2021, 14:03 
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Joined: 05/27/13
Posts: 242
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Aircraft: 2020 PA46-350P
I have transitioned recently from a 1996 Saratoga II HP to a new 2020 M350. I have been asked by several BT members to provide some thoughts on the transition after spending 70+ hrs flying the plane over the last three months. What follows is a candid appraisal of the experience to date.

Background: physician executive that has been a licensed private pilot since 1992. I hold a ASEL/S, AMEL and instrument ratings. I have almost 2,000 hrs total time with 850 hrs in a 1996 PA32 Saratoga II HP over the past 4.5 years.

Pressurization is a game changer. This is one of the quietest single engine piston cabins, period. The M500 and M600, in my experience, are louder by comparison. No need to have passengers wear headsets to communicate with one another, and if they choose to, then no need for noise canceling headsets. With a 5.6PSI differential and an 8,000ft cabin altitude at FL250, you arrive feeling refreshed instead of fatigued.

The G1000NXI does take getting used to if you’re unfamiliar with a glass cockpit, but not too far of a stretch from a pair of G5’s and a GTN750, which is what we had in our Saratoga. Much has been written already on the transition from steam to glass, but excellent training is the key. I used both Legacy in Vero Beach and Dick Rochfort near Baltimore, MD.

Weight and balance require more careful attention in the PA46 vs. the Saratoga. There is a zero fuel weight of 935 lbs (in our plane) that cannot be violated. I know many very experienced PA46 pilots and instructors who would overload the plane by 5%, but that would be with fuel, not cargo/passengers, and nothing I am advocating. Foreflight has done an excellent job of keeping W&B in the green for us. If you have skinny teens, small kids, or dogs, then you might use all six seats. This is a comfortable airplane for four reasonable-sized adults and baggage. Adjust fuel load and stops as needed.

Ice protection (boots, hot windshield, hot prop) also enable you to confidently approach weather that you otherwise might not. The 25,000 foot ceiling will enable you to climb above (or visually avoid) many types of weather, and the three large displays and avionics will help keep you out of the worst of it.

Ours is outfitted with radar, FIKI, speed brakes, a/c, XM weather/satellite radio, GTS825, stormscope, satphone, dual transponders, and a 110v power inverter: in short, all the options. PTC (push to command) is something we are getting used to. (Interestingly, not touted as one of the features in the sales literature). We chose to purchase new to take advantage of the Piper “3 for free” program (2000 gallons of fuel, scheduled/unscheduled maintenance, parts, labor, consumables, training, Garmin/Jep charts, per year for three years) as well as tax benefits from the CARES act.

The integrated avionics and GFC700 autopilot enable the plane to fly itself, freeing the pilot to focus on managing the flight and systems. I believe that single pilot IFR operations can be performed more safely, as a result. However, the plane’s systems are more complex and there are more things that can bite you (particularly during takeoff and landing), and the 43 foot wingspan makes parking in a t-hangar challenging. You’ll feel more bumps with that wing, but also glide at least 50 miles (and likely more) from 25,000 feet if needed.

Much is being asked of the Lycoming TIO540 350 hp twin-turbocharged engine. There are two alternators, an a/c compressor, vacuum pumps (for deicing boots) etc to keep moving. It needs to be flown mindfully, with an eye towards controlling TIT and CHTs, and ensuring that it is not unduly shock-cooled. We cruise at 29.5 MP with a fuel flow of 21.5GPH regardless of altitude. We keep TIT well below 1,600 and CHT below 400 in all phases of flight. We see 210kts TAS at 25,000ft, but are more frequently in the mid- to high-teens, where we see TAS in the 190s. Much like religion and politics, I will avoid any discussion of LOP vs. ROP operations in this posting. Fuel will be the cheapest thing that ever gets put into this aircraft.

Otherwise, flies with two fingers quite easily. Need to be on the rudder upon landing, as ground incidents are near top of the list of PA46 foibles, but very preventable. Again, I cannot stress the importance of proper training, both on the ground and in the air. Insurance will require initial and recurrent training. This is a minimum standard, however, and I plan to go up with Dick Rochfort again at the six month mark. Dick has over 5,000 hrs training pilots in PA46 aircraft and lives nearby.

This is a cabin class aircraft with an airstair door. It requires some contorting getting up front. I am a medium frame 6’3” 200 lb 49 yo; once in the cockpit it is quite comfortable. The door locks with four green indicators which confirm the cabin is sealed. Pressurization is handled by the G1000NXI system. Enter the destination airport into the MFD and the system takes care of the rest. System begins pressurizing just after takeoff.

All in, this new M350 was a great move for us as we use this plane primarily for business. A luxurious, quiet, capable personal airliner that can reliably do 210kts TAS at 25,000 feet, and get us in and out of places in weather that we would otherwise not be comfortable flying in. My wife and I are both physicians and she sees a lot of patients in Baltimore, MD, but also in western Maryland and its eastern shore, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, etc., and frequently at two locations in the same day. She can thus meet the needs of more of the sickest psychiatric patients in the northeast that could otherwise go without excellent in-person care, particularly given the shortage of available psychiatrists.

Only place to go from here is a turboprop but at added expense. Since our mission profile is often under 200 miles, would make less sense for us at this time.

Building a relationship with a dealer is paramount. You must have a PA46 expert service your aircraft. They will notice small issues before they become more expensive or dangerous.

Skytech, our Piper dealer/FBO manager based in Westminster, MD and whose sales territory covers the east coast from Maine to South Carolina, has exceeded our expectations. For example, a maintenance issue grounded the plane during the 50 hr inspection and I needed to fly to upstate NY to bring my daughter home from college. Skytech chartered a plane and pilot at their expense to make sure I could complete the mission, and ensured the maintenance issue was covered. They also noticed an issue with the door seal and will be replacing it, no charge. Any issues they notice are promptly corrected, and I have had many questions for their avionics folks, who are always accessible and patient.

My wife and I are on a first name basis with their CEO, whom we see frequently, and who, along with the entire Skytech team, provides excellent customer service for us. While they are based at an airport (KDMW) which is an extra 15-20 minute drive for us (about 45 mins from Baltimore) vs. Martin State (KMTN), our plane lives in a temperature-controlled hangar. It is brought out and put away for us, which makes up for most of that extra drive time vs. getting the plane into and out of a hangar ourselves.

Please let me know if you have any other specific questions re: PA46 ownership or flying.

Dave


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Last edited on 03 Jan 2021, 14:32, edited 1 time in total.

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 Post subject: Re: 2020 PA46 M350 - Impressions
PostPosted: 03 Jan 2021, 14:28 
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Joined: 06/09/09
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Aircraft: C182P, Merlin IIIC
Congratulations on the new aircraft David!


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 Post subject: Re: 2020 PA46 M350 - Impressions
PostPosted: 03 Jan 2021, 14:29 
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Joined: 08/23/15
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Location: South Jersey KVAY
Aircraft: F33A IO550B CE-472
Thank you for this great write up. One question. I hear a lot of pilots complaining about room in the cockpit of the PA46. Is the complaining more about the maneuvering required to get up there or is it actually very tight once your actually strapped in? How would you compare the interior comfort for the pilot in the PA46 VS the PA32 or the bonanza. The PA46 boasts a very wide cabin and I just can't quite understand how there could be so many gripes with room in the cockpit??? Once on autopilot and up at cruise do the seats slide back for lots of legroom? I feel as though the cockpit of the PA46 should be a dream compared to the bonanza but I never hear people gripe about front seat room in the bonanza like they do about the PA46. Congrats on your new M350!


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 Post subject: Re: 2020 PA46 M350 - Impressions
PostPosted: 03 Jan 2021, 14:38 
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Joined: 05/27/13
Posts: 242
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Aircraft: 2020 PA46-350P
Username Protected wrote:
Thank you for this great write up. One question. I hear a lot of pilots complaining about room in the cockpit of the PA46. Is the complaining more about the maneuvering required to get up there or is it actually very tight once your actually strapped in? How would you compare the interior comfort for the pilot in the PA46 VS the PA32 or the bonanza. The PA46 boasts a very wide cabin and I just can't quite understand how there could be so many gripes with room in the cockpit??? Once on autopilot and up at cruise do the seats slide back for lots of legroom? I feel as though the cockpit of the PA46 should be a dream compared to the bonanza but I never hear people gripe about front seat room in the bonanza like they do about the PA46. Congrats on your new M350!


Anthony:
Thank you. I think the biggest complaints are around getting up front. Once there, I’ve had plenty of room. I will say it is easier to hit one’s head up front, particularly in turbulence with a headset on, but seats are very adjustable. Cabin in the back is roomier vs. the PA32 with more shoulder and leg room.

Cockpit of the PA32 seemingly had more headroom, primarily due to tapering of the inside top of the cabin up front in the PA46. I imagine comparisons vs. Bonanza are similar.
Dave


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 Post subject: Re: 2020 PA46 M350 - Impressions
PostPosted: 03 Jan 2021, 15:09 
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Joined: 12/19/11
Posts: 3302
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Company: Bottom Line Experts
Location: KTOL - Toledo, OH
Aircraft: 2004 SR22 G2
Excellent write-up and congratulations on the very nice upgrade! So much to love about the Piper M-series.

_________________
Don Coburn
Corporate Expense Reduction Specialist
2004 SR22 G2


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 Post subject: Re: 2020 PA46 M350 - Impressions
PostPosted: 03 Jan 2021, 18:43 
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Joined: 08/24/13
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Company: Aviation Tools / CCX
Location: KSMQ New Jersey
Aircraft: TBM700C2
Congrats! Pressurization and FIKI changes everything.

Username Protected wrote:
We chose to purchase new to take advantage of the Piper “3 for free” program (2000 gallons of fuel, scheduled/unscheduled maintenance, parts, labor, consumables, training, Garmin/Jep charts, per year for three years) as well as tax benefits from the CARES act.


My old business partner just bought a used M600. He said there are great deals to be had on used planes because M600 owners are trading in for new planes which (for the M600) have 5 for free!


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 Post subject: Re: 2020 PA46 M350 - Impressions
PostPosted: 03 Jan 2021, 19:50 
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Joined: 07/14/17
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Company: Finch Industries,Inc.
Location: Thomasville,NC
Aircraft: TBM900,M600
David,What grounded the airplane?


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 Post subject: Re: 2020 PA46 M350 - Impressions
PostPosted: 03 Jan 2021, 20:10 
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Joined: 09/02/08
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David, what are vne, gear and flap speeds?


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 Post subject: Re: 2020 PA46 M350 - Impressions
PostPosted: 03 Jan 2021, 20:15 
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Joined: 11/08/12
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Location: Jackson, MS (KHKS)
Aircraft: 1961 Cessna 172
My experience in an '86 Malibu. I understand the seats are somewhat better now

It's definitely a trick getting into the seat. Imagine the bonanza middle seats were 6" apart and you had to enter the barn doors, walk between the two seats then sit down.

Once seated ... yeah legroom can be tight. (I'm 6'3)

I joke though that the biggest problem with the PA46 series is room for the pilots's wallet. if it's thin, you fit just fine. if it's really stuffed full though, you might not find enough room in the cockpit and need a TBM or a KA.

And I would also say that much of what holds true for a 2020 model also goes for the 80's versions. GREAT airplane


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 Post subject: Re: 2020 PA46 M350 - Impressions
PostPosted: 03 Jan 2021, 20:38 
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Joined: 01/24/19
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While expensive, it seems like a lot of plane vs the new sr22.


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 Post subject: Re: 2020 PA46 M350 - Impressions
PostPosted: 03 Jan 2021, 21:18 
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Joined: 05/27/13
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Aircraft: 2020 PA46-350P
Username Protected wrote:
I joke though that the biggest problem with the PA46 series is room for the pilots's wallet. if it's thin, you fit just fine. if it's really stuffed full though, you might not find enough room in the cockpit and need a TBM or a KA.


Charles
Wallet is *much* lighter now that we purchased a new PA46. Problem solved
Dave


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 Post subject: Re: 2020 PA46 M350 - Impressions
PostPosted: 03 Jan 2021, 21:21 
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Joined: 05/27/13
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Aircraft: 2020 PA46-350P
Username Protected wrote:
David,What grounded the airplane?

Starter failed during the course of the 50 hour inspection. New, replacement starter subsequently failed also. Was determined to be faulty batch of (Hartzell) starters. Replacement with a Skytec starter resolved the issue.
Dave


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 Post subject: Re: 2020 PA46 M350 - Impressions
PostPosted: 03 Jan 2021, 22:59 
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Aircraft: 2020 PA46-350P
Username Protected wrote:
David, what are vne, gear and flap speeds?

Chris:
VNE=198KIAS
VLO=165KIAS (VLE=195KIAS)
VFE=165KIAS

Dave


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 Post subject: Re: 2020 PA46 M350 - Impressions
PostPosted: 03 Jan 2021, 23:41 
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Joined: 05/27/13
Posts: 242
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Aircraft: 2020 PA46-350P
Username Protected wrote:
We chose to purchase new to take advantage of the Piper “3 for free” program (2000 gallons of fuel, scheduled/unscheduled maintenance, parts, labor, consumables, training, Garmin/Jep charts, per year for three years) as well as tax benefits from the CARES act.


My old business partner just bought a used M600. He said there are great deals to be had on used planes because M600 owners are trading in for new planes which (for the M600) have 5 for free!


Terry:
The other driver for trade ins is the new M600 with the SLS/HALO system. Game changer for those of us that aren’t getting any younger. Lots of peace of mind.

I’m at KSMQ fairly frequently (in-laws in Bridgewater), and my friend’s 17 yo son is flight training there.
Dave.

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 Post subject: Re: 2020 PA46 M350 - Impressions
PostPosted: 03 Jan 2021, 23:46 
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Location: KSMQ New Jersey
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Username Protected wrote:

Terry:
The other driver for trade ins is the new M600 with the SLS/HALO system. Game changer for those of us that aren’t getting any younger. Lots of peace of mind.

I’m at KSMQ fairly frequently (in-laws in Bridgewater), and my friend’s 17 yo son is flight training there.
Dave.


Say hi if you are ever there on a weekday (and I'm often there on weekends too). My main business office (CCX) is there now, they built it for me in my hangar


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