Anyone have any "real world" numbers for range, payload and speed? Specifically what is the full fuel payload?

Lot's of threads on this subject if you want faster answers.

If you are seriously interested in a Meridian, the $250 to join MMOPA is well spent.

2003 and later models have a higher gross weight. Some 2001 and most 2002 models have it as well. (It is retrofittable but not cheaply) That puts gross to something like 5092. Earlier models had a lower gross weight that made full fuel, typical pilot and typical CFI overgross. LIghtweight CFI's did really well with early Meridian training. Later models are nowhere near 6 adult planes, but 3 work or 4-5 for short trips. They (and the Jetprops) are widely flown overgross if that's your thing.

Speed are 260-270 kts at FL 280. 5.5 PSI cabin pressure gets a little slim at that altitude. Range is ATC dependent. In go fast mode, 750nm is a good rough number. 1000nm is not generally doable at turbine speeds. 220kt cruise is viable for stretching range if fuel stops are really inconvenient, but in most cases, people just floor it and stop for gas after 3 hours.

Michael:

I have about 150 hours in a 2001 Meridian, without the GW increase. I have ditched all the meggitt avionics and have a dual 500, dual gtn-750 and it is probably one of the more clean 2001 models around. I see generally 260-265 true and 260ish pph. Charles is right, it is not a 1000nm airplane at max cruise. I wish it were. I am looking at a larger turboprop because I would like to make 1200nm range trips without stopping.

That being said, I really, really like the meridian. It is an easy airplane to fly, maintenance is quite reasonable, and it has high dispatch rates. Once you eliminate the issue of the meggitt avionics, you are golden.

I choose not to do the GW increase, because it costs $60k and slows me down by about 3-4 knots.

If you are looking for a bird, you must have the stec 1500 ap. I also have the pilot/co-pilot seat mod, which really is nice. THere are a lot of early birds with wrinkled wings from taking heavy turbulence at red line, so watch out for that.

Have Kevin Mead do a pre-purchase inspection for you. Money well spent.

Feel free to PM me with any question.

-jason

Do like I did, skip the Meridian and buy a TBM, you wont regret it when you hit some turbulence with your family you wont have to worry about loosing your wings.
I know 6 pilots that had bought Meridians and they all fly TBMs now, costs them min $5-600k to learn.

+1 skip the Meridian go for the TBM

Marc,

That is two steps up. The price of entry and the price of operations are a lot more.

Tim

Not if the TBM holds it's value better.

And why are the King Airs even less???

Not if the TBM holds it's value better.

I disagree. If you don't spend the money, you don't have an airplane. Doesn't matter what the money could be earning you in a different investment. Finding investments with high return is a full time job in itself. I'd rather fly.

Jason,

Sorry, missed the point I was making.
If you borrow two million to purchase a Meridian you will have more left over to fly, invest, vacation, play the lottery, or whatever than if you spend four million buying a TBM.

If you only have the budget to spend two million, the TBM would negatively impact you in other aspects of life. e.g. you could buy it but not fly it.

It goes back to mission and how much value you place on the spent cash.

Tim

In a perfect world I would love a TBM 850 with G1000. I just do not think I can swing the acquisition costs. I have also looked at KA 90's. The Meridian looks like it would handle most of my missions. Usually 500nm 3 sometimes 4 people, light luggage. Just trying to evaluate options.........

Meridians have wrinkled wings but they are not shedding them. It's not an unsafe airplane.

Meridians did not do well when the market tanked. They also (unlike TBM/PC12) are not immune to depreciation. Buy a new $2MM meridian and you will be taking a bath over the next few years. But an older Meridian at $750K is a damn good deal.

It has a mission like anything else. It is a narrower mission niche than many planes. It is not a family travelling plane. It is not a long range plane. It is not (for turboprops) particularly fast. It is a very cost efficient way to move 1-3 people 500-750nm in turbine comfort/reliability.

Would I buy a Meridian if I could afford a TBM or Pilatus? no. Are there a lot of people who can't afford a european turboprop and will enjoy a Meridian? Yes!

The TBM's in my price range are not G1000 equipped. The meridians are newer and are G1000 equipped. I know.........the G1000 should not be a deal breaker. But I must say I really love it in the G36. Especially the 700 autopilot.