BeechTalk - BT

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 May 2011, 11:59

Afternoon everyone. Just wanted to throw around the good and bad points relating to Piper Meridian ownership. I have seen many really well priced Meridians on controller and was just wondering why it depreciates so badly?? Is it a good machine? Whats speeds, range and payload can you expect from the Meridian. I know theyre very fast. Wasnt there some issue regarding corrosion on the engine intake?? It seems to be a bargain in the single turboprop market.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 May 2011, 12:11

IMO, there are no bargains in aviation. The purchase price is usually irrelevant! $600+/hr operating cost on a well maintained Meridian Puts it in a different class then our piston twins.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 May 2011, 12:15

I mean, look at this beaut:

http://www.controller.com/listingsdetai ... 194575.htm?

A relatively new turboprop that probably does 270 kts at 30,000 ft for the price of a 2006 model baron. Seems too good to be true. Whats the deal? Any people on here got experience on the meridian?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 May 2011, 12:18

The older Merdiens have useful load issues. It'll carry gas or people but not both. A baron will carry both.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 May 2011, 12:28

Hi Jason,

Several machines on controller have the weight increase kit, gives another 250lbs or so.

But why are there so many on the market? Thats what I want to know. Are people scared of Piper going under, what are this machines pitfalls?? It looks spacious, comfortable and fast. I just dont get it.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 May 2011, 12:40

http://www.flyingmag.com/pilot-reports/turboprops/living-piper-meridian
Nice review article from Flying Mag.

The Meridian has a small niche...is a little pricey for the average owner/operator crowd and a little payload/capability compromised for the business set. It tends to be a transition plane, hence fairly high turnover in the marketplace.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 May 2011, 12:50

Good deal=Poor market

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 May 2011, 12:51

I like the part about being able to carry a sizable load of luggage behind the rear two seats of 100 lbs. :lol:

The Nose in the Baron can carry 300 lbs and you still can put another 150 lbs behind the rear two seats.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 May 2011, 12:56

Thanks Jeff,

A good read. 3 on board and full fuel and they were on the limit.

If a B58 is full whats the available payload for pax ??

I just like that plane. It is a real performer.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 May 2011, 12:57

Yeah Russ, 100 Lbs is a bit of a joke :crazy:

For US 2 Million I think a TBM700 would probably be a better buy.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 May 2011, 13:03

My B-55 has 735lbs with full fuel and that will take me 850 km with IFR reserves. You will get there faster in the Meridian!

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 May 2011, 13:12

Username Protected wrote:

My B-55 has 735lbs with full fuel and that will take me 850 km with IFR reserves. You will get there faster in the Meridian!

Russ,
You probably meant nm...

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 May 2011, 13:21

I'd take a TBM850 over a Meridian.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 May 2011, 14:42

My issue with the Meridian is the turbulence penetration speed. Trying to descend from the flight levels around these mountains would be very challenging trying to keep it to 128kias (or even the 143kias they list for emergencies) (fact check my numbers, I'm not 100% sure on them). You very frequently run into some rough stuff even when it's nice up high and nice on the ground.

Other than that I think it would be a great plane.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 May 2011, 14:55

Username Protected wrote:

I'd take a TBM850 over a Meridian.

no kidding... who wouldn't?

The Piper Meridian