I was looking at some panel videos and I was a little surprised at the Matrix preformance numbers. This video shows the Piper running 28.4 MP X 2410 RPMS, fuel flow 19.2-19.3 GPH, altitude 8000', and only 170-172 TAS. Yikes, not very pretty numbers for the amount of fuel flow!

[youtube]http://youtu.be/ZnWjYeFZ_1o[/youtube]

Rick, I didn't watch the video but did it show the altitude? Also, remember...you can't run that engine LOP. It isn't as slick as a TAT G36 but it does have quite a bit more room.

-Neal

- 8000f for cruise is flying lower than most with a TCed aircraft would probably want to be.
- those settings are 65% power, 227hp. TIT is just below 1600 and all the CHTs below 400. He seems to run a bit richer than even Lycoming recommends .

After sitting in a Matrix, I don't think the have more room.

8000'. The Matrix needs altitude. To me, this points out that if you need an all-purpose preformer, the Matrix probably isn't the best choice. It's more mission specific that I thought.

Not having the advantage of running LOP is rough on fuel flow, especially down low.

Agreed. Its only pretending to be cabin class. Not much load with full fuel either.

Something isn't right with this video, I flew in a Matrix and flies faster, check out the videos below:

[youtube]http://youtu.be/fK_ALv8CXa4[/youtube]


[youtube]http://youtu.be/YqsqyjB1hG0[/youtube]

More room for passengers in the back, not for the crew.

..just looking at that vid reminds me of the lemon Cirrus that we had before the BO...those screens are of lesser quality than a walmart laptop.

Saw this post and would be interested to get the BT'ers insight on the Matrix vs. the 58 Baron. My mission is requiring more space than my A-36 Bonanza has (and at times weight). Last trip, 3 adults, three kids and luggage for a week. The Matrix claims a useful load of 1,387 pounds which is pretty close to the Baron and 216 cruise speed (but that is at altitude of 25k and assumes wearing O2 masks, which I can do with adults but not with 3 kids under 6). Has anyone flown the Matrix?

It seems like the Matrix can match or exceed my Bonanza performance at lower altitudes but gives the option of faster speeds and taking advantage of tail winds when solo or when passengers are oxygen capable. The Baron burns nearly twice the fuel, appears to have less passenger and cargo space, but it has twin engine redundancy, Beech quality and flight characteristics and familiarity. Both planes with full fuel can only carry about 400 pounds of stuff, so usually starting with less than full fuel in either case.

Baron would require a new rating and twin proficiency (that is good and bad). Lycoming engines don't seem to need cylinders and pre-TBO engine work as often as the Continentals.

I have flown neither, but I can add and subtract



I don't think it is quite twice, more like 60% more (32gph vs 20gph). Make sure you factor fuel burn into effective load carrying capacity. 80Gal of fuel in the Matrix gives you 3 hrs + reserve. To get the same endurance in the G58 you'll have to take 300lbs more fuel.



A factory overhaul on a TIO 540 AE2A retails for $85,972 . Dont know why it is THAT expensive, but in addition to two turbochargers, there are apparently a couple of exhaust 'transitions' in there that must be made from solid Rhodium judging by their price.
So your hourly overhaul reserve for the one TIO 540 is going to be similar to two normally aspirated IO 550s.

I would say the maintenance history of all engines in that airframe (TIO520, TIO540, PT6) has been less than favorable. Time will tell whether the Matrix flown at lower altitudes and without the loss of bleed-air for pressurization is going to be better than the Malibu Mirage.

I don't think any of the above are good for 3 adult and 3 kids and bags for a week.

I had 4 adults and my son and bags last weekend and it was fine. Add another body and it might be getting tight.

I have 1400lb useful.

The advantage that Piper has is the fact you can go to a dealer and get a turn key product. Deice, oxygen, turbo, big fuel tanks....it's available right out of the box.

The Bonanza product requires a lengthy makeover. For me, the Bonanza makes more sense, but you can see why Piper sells to the guy that wants it all right now.

And Piper even has SVT!

Marketing 101......MAKE IT EASY!

That is something I don't quite understand about HBC. They do sell the King Air with some of the aftermarket stuff already installed, yet on the G36 the owner has to deal with several months of downtime to get the 'whole package' (TAT, tip-tanks, TKS). Also, they have the jigs, TCs approvals to sell a B36 with IO550, TAT and FIKI TKS yet they don't offer it .