I am really trying to move my family up to a pressurized aircraft. I have looked at 421's and 414's but I am also considering some of the early Piper Malibu's. I would love some feedback on them. What is good, what is not so good and what are things I should look out for when I am shopping for one.

Track down Kevin Mead. I believe he retired from running the shop but still consults on purchases and mechanical issues.

There are some threads floating around, try search. The consensus seems to be that the best are well cared for early models that have been upgraded to the Continental 550.

May I also suggest Aerostars worthy of a little look see? Cabin not as big as the 421's etc, but about the same size as the Malibu. Great planes. Could be an alternative. Just mentioning it.

Have you sat in one? If you are tall you may have issues. Over 6'. I'm 6'3" and I can't sit in the cockpit of one without cocking my head away from the ceiling and it's not comfortable in legroom either.

Dunno how big your family is, but like most the Malibu is a good 4 person airplane, OK for 5 and tight for 6 even though it seats 6. Earlier models will have more useful load. They don't have much baggage space compared to twin Cessnae due to lack of nose baggage and nacelle baggage.

But they are a nice pressurized traveling airplane with decent range and obviously good efficiency for a pressurized craft. Just make sure you go sit in one for a while before you buy.

FWIW, if you are looking at pressurized planes, the P210 will cost less to buy and less to operate than a Malibu if it meets your needs otherwise. If you have to have a twin, the P-Skymaster is worth a look at least as it will be the least expensive P twin to buy and fly. Just a thought......

Search my posts - I've written a lot about the '86 i flew.

Great plane and if you have 2-4 kids plenty big. It does have nose baggage big enough for two car seats.

Pm me also if you want to talk on the phone

As a P337 owner/operator, I agree 100%.

Cliff,

I see you fly a Saratoga. the Malibu is in my opinion much larger than the Togo. I am 6'5" 250lbs and can fit in a toga but the Malibu is so much more comfortable.

There are some extensive insurance requirements for the Malibu. You will need to attend a Malibu School and have a fair amount of dual time before you can or should Solo.

We really tried to get into a Malibu but the insurance requirements and cost were just too much, I would need 50hrs of dual before I could solo. So we decided to go to the Toga for a year or so and then move up to the Malibu when we feel comfortable and have more time under our belts.

I don't think you can beet the efficiency and payload of there early Malibu's. 200kts at 16gph and 1350lbs useful load.

MP

Of course that will depend on where you are in your flying career and who your broker is. Earlier this month I got a quote on a Malibu. I have zero hours make and model. For $300k hull, the premium was $4k per year with the only requirement being a two day school given by a local guy and no school the next year (only an IPC) if I fly 100 hours the first year. There were no dual requirements after the two days.

Of course that will depend on where you are in your flying career and who your broker is. Earlier this month I got a quote on a Malibu. I have zero hours make and model. For $300k hull, the premium was $4k per year with the only requirement being a two day school given by a local guy and no school the next year (only an IPC) if I fly 100 hours the first year. There were no dual requirements after the two days.

Yeah you guys are right it all depends on experience and time. I am pretty low time and it was a big step up. the premium we were quoted was $6k year.

But from what I have read even high time guys need some good training in the Malibu which I think the 2 day school will cover. I still think its good idea to have a qualified CFI available to work with you more and really make sure you have it down.

Here is a plane we were looking at. [Link]http://pristineairplanes.com/listing/1987-piper-malibu/[/Link] New Engine, new interior, avionics gone thru, 180hr prop, super clean Paint, and great useful load.

We will be buying our Saratoga from Matt at Pristine. He has been amazing to work with and has some really nice aircraft. You will pay a premium on acquisition cost but you will make it up on maintenance. I would rather pay more per month and know what I am paying then wonder what nutty maintenance issue will pop up each month.

MP

The Malibu flies like a lance. Stick and rudder stuff isn't hard. But it has a lot of systems. Knowing normal and abnormal ops for all wx conditions is the challenge. Flight planning 1000nm trips is a big task too.

MP,
Ironic, just talked to Matt about the Malibu too. Joe Casey @ http://www.joecaseyaviation.com has excellent commentary for those interested in a Malibu. BTW, has anyone had experience with, Aircraft Sales Inc. located in Smithville, OH? (http://www.pristine aircraft.com) The website shows attractive airplanes for sale. Thanks!

Mike Brown
Chattanooga, TN
mike.brown@raymondjames.com

Michael,

I did a ton of research and checked with past customers of Matt. He has plenty of guys that have bought multiple planes from him so that is a really good sign.

I have been working with him for months on a Saratoga and then the Malibu and back to the Toga. I literally have talked to the guy for hours and hours and have had a ton of emails and text. I am pretty good at sniffing out bullcrap and there was none.

I could not find any negative reports from anyone. Given that he has sold over 300 aircraft since 2008 I would assume there would be some bad blood, but there wasn't any I could find.

I would consider him trustworthy and am comfortable doing business with him on a plane site unseen, and I don't take that lightly.

MP