Thanks Michael. Just what I was looking for, validation. I owned a Cherokee Six-300 in 1997. Enjoy the Saratoga. It's a family hauling machine.
Mike Brown

I have read that a typical annual for a Malibu is around $20K... is that correct? If so, it dramatically increases the operating cost over a TN Bonanza even thought the fuel burn is about the same.

Specially shops flat rate is $4k (or was last I checked in 2012)

$15k of squawks wouldn't be crazy but typical would probably be a bit lower. Lotta parts on a Malibu, tightly packed and many proprietary.

We've had three annuals on our 1984 Malibu. The first one included a top overhaul and additional pre-purchase inspection items that were fixed. The last two have both been "normal" and were under $10k.

It should not cost materially more to annual a Malibu than a turbo cirrus. Same engine. Gear, at least mine, had zero issues. Killer planes. Best traveling single IMO. I averaged 192kts over 400 hours.

I love the Malibu, but I would disagree.

Apples and oranges, but a turbo Cirrus is generally much newer than a Malibu, especially if you mean a true Malibu and not a Mirage.

Malibu has a lot of parts the Cirrus does not
- pressurization apparatus
- pressure vessel making wiring issues more complex
- boots
- various FIKI heated doodads
- gear
- AC (some Cirrus have)
- larger airframe
- heated windshield ($30K/decade expense)
- same engine but operated in more hostile environment on average > shorter cylinder life


None of those things except the windshield is a big deal in and of itself, but over a decade it adds up.

Hal Hayden wrote:

"I have read that a typical annual for a Malibu is around $20K... is that correct? If so, it dramatically increases the operating cost over a TN Bonanza even thought the fuel burn is about the same."

My experience with Malibu annuals is they have not exceeded $10K. The last one for my 1998 Mirage was $5K plus the cost of 2 faulty vacuum pumps. I treat my planes like a lexus, eg: if something important is wrong it gets fixed. I have seen some shops will let you spend all you like on one though. I currently own a Malibu and a Mirage.

Bill To:
Paul Schubert - N135MD
James Aeronautics
Code Description Quantity Rate Amount
001 Annual inspection PA46 Piston 1 $3,200.00 $3,200.00*
1 Hourly aircraft maintenance labor - fix several loose rivets on aft
fuselage
1.5 $85.00 $127.50*
1 Hourly aircraft maintenance labor - remove all old caked on
adhesive from flaps and install new anti-chafe tape.
4.75 $85.00 $403.75*
ANTI CHAFE 3M 8671 anti chafe tape price per foot 21 $5.65 $118.65
1 Hourly aircraft maintenance labor - repair 3 leaking fuel panels
under right wing.
3.5 $85.00 $297.50*
1 Hourly aircraft maintenance labor - replace inop left and right
positions lights with new lamps
0.25 $85.00 $21.25*
A580/28 Bulb A508/28 2 $25.16 $50.32
1 Hourly aircraft maintenance labor - remove and install new vacuum
system filters
0.5 $85.00 $42.50*
FILTER- VAC B3-5-1 regulator filter 2 $2.00 $4.00
FILTER-VAC D9-18-1 central vacuum filter 1 $21.00 $21.00
1 Hourly aircraft maintenance labor - clean and inspect deice valves
as per 400 hour MM proceedures
2 $85.00 $170.00*
1 Hourly aircraft maintenance labor - replace copilots TC with new
unit.
0.5 $85.00 $42.50*
1 Hourly aircraft maintenance labor - fix pilot seat back 1 $85.00 $85.00*
1 Hourly aircraft maintenance labor - replace inop lamps in overhead
switches
0.5 $85.00 $42.50*
1 Hourly aircraft maintenance labor - remove and replace both
vacuum pumps with new pumps
3 $85.00 $255.00*
1 Hourly aircraft maintenance labor - set flap and ailerons to specs
set in 2013
1 $85.00 $85.00*
* Indicates non-taxable item
As of January 1, 2015, we are not accepting non-certified checks.
Cashiers check or money order will be
accepted as an alternative to cash or credit card.
Sorry for any inconvenience.
Subtotal $4,966.47
NCST (6.75%) $13.09
Total $4,979.56
Paid $0.00
Balance Due $4,979.56

I think it comes down to:
- dont bend the engine mount
- dont crack a windshield
- dont pay for a local shop to learn how to maintain a PA46 on your dime.

All true.

I bought a 1985 Malibu 6 months ago. Had flown twin Cessna's for 8 years but hadn't flown for 5 years. Looked hard at going back to the twins, but the Malibu was just too compelling. Pressurized, 200 knots, 15 gal/hr. Very comfortable cabin. It was a little pricy getting in, but all has proved to be true. I have put close to 100hrs going all over the country at 18-22k.
No squawks yet, but I looked hard for the right plane.
Insurance required ground school w/20 hr dual with a Malibu certified guy.(6K)
I love the plane. Still getting used to a single vs a twin....
Call/PM me if I can help...did a lot of research....talked to a lot of people...looked at a lot of airplanes. It was the right choice for me!!

Please send contact info for Matt. I am trying to decide between a Malibu and a Barron 58P. I have not flown in either yet, need to soon. Anti-itch medicine is no longer working

Here is Matt's Office phone number 330.669.0000

MP