I’m looking to upgrade to a Cabin Class twin, I’ve landed on a C421C however early 2000’s Piper Meridian’s also fit my mission profile & budget.

Now the debate, a single engine turbine or piston twin?? It seems the 421C has the advantage in cabin volume and operating cost but it’s offset by the Meridian’s preformance and the airframes are 15 to 20 years newer.

I would be very interested hearing from those who have experiences with one or both of these airplanes.

If you want to travel reliably, buy the Meridian.

The 421C will require a lot more attention to keep maintained and will have lower dispatch reliability. I say this even though the 421C is a really nice airplane that is pretty reliable for its class.

I think the safety is about equal. 421C has two far less reliable engines. Meridian has one reliable turbine engine.

At the end of the day, I bet the Meridian cost per mile will be less.

Mike C.

I'm with Mike. I'm a big fan of the Meridians. A friend has owned one for 5 years or so....very reliable, fast, and few maintenance issues. If you can afford a turbine they are wonderful to fly behind.

If the Meridian fits your budget as stated, then it’s a no brainer. Meridian. I LOVE the twin Cessna line and have owned a 310R, T303 and 421. If I were in your shoes, I’d buy the Piper. I’ve also owned an MU2. If you had asked MU2 vs Meridian I would’ve said MU2 without hesitation.

It all depends on how much useful load you need.
421C is about 1200 pounds in the cabin with 206 gallons of fuel. Big roomy cabin with a potty, lots of luggage space.

Meridian is cramped, no potty or luggage space, and you can’t fly efficiently below 18,000.
If you are tall the meridian is very difficult to get into the two front seats.

421C is great if you maintain it. I has flown my 421C 2300 hours without an AOG problem.

If you have 6 people it’s the 421C , with just 4 people the meridian is an option.

Which would you prefer if 100LL is banned?

Sadly, this is a consideration.

Also, remember that you rarely pay list prices for jet fuel, but almost always do for 100LL.

Mike C.

GAMI says GTISO 520 ENGINES ON A 421C will run great on their new fuel.

And I believe they will BUT GAMI does not yet have an STC for their fuel for that motor.

George B usually delivers what he promises but until the STC issues it is a risk.

RAS

I believe George will do it. The STC process is about collecting money the quickest way possible.
He started with the largest group’s first to collect the most money. The low hanging fruit is the easiest.
The fringes will come later.

^^This ^^

I’m 5’ 11” and 180 lbs if you’re taller/heavier go sit in the Meridian before you buy. Squeezing into the left seat is a chore.

Great.

What price and where can I buy it?

Mike C.

This seems like an oxymoron because these two have very different mission profile.

Do they?

Fly in pressurized comfort for ~1000 nm trip.

Don't discount the extra speed of the Meridian. It is like the 421C has a constant extra 50 knot headwind.

If you have to buck a 100 knot headwind, which you will at some point, it makes a BIG difference.

Mike C.

You get the 421 if you need to take 4 guys and their skiis or golf bags. You can't even fit that in the early 2000's Meridian let alone go 1000 miles.

Thank you all, you have validated my thoughts including the potential demise of 100LL.

My preference is for a Meridian, however my trips frequently involve my kids and grandkids. Their comfort is important. Thus the 421C may make more sense. The longer trips to the Northeast and West are normally just my wife and me, but those only happen a couple times a year.

It’s been 20 years since I’ve flown a 421 & I’ve never been in a Meridian. I think I need to to have an inspection of each.

As for the “Oxymorn” comment, you left me hanging - would you offer an explanation?