BeechTalk - BT

Username Protected · **Posted:** 27 Sep 2018, 11:17

Holy cow!
Congratulations!
The smell of Jet a.....
Contract cards....
Stay away from Hangen!

Jealous!

Username Protected · **Posted:** 27 Sep 2018, 11:42

B-E-A-youtiful. That will be awesome when it's done!

I don't how I'd do with an airplane in the shop for 6 weeks though (4-5 weeks = 6 weeks in shop language...).

Username Protected · **Posted:** 27 Sep 2018, 12:41

Nice choice!
Sounds like your mission will fit the plane well. I made the same choice in early 2017 after 7 years in a Baron and have not looked back. As you get more comfortable (and you have mission creep as i did) you will be able to manage the fuel load for the trip and carry more when needed.

I have a similar panel upgrade with dual 750's but without the 500's.
My 2005 plane has been solid now for 300+ hours (1700tt) with similar Direct Operation costs PER MILE as my baron. Similar..... until there is a big maintenance issue of course. I am planning for new front window, $30k, Hot Section, $30k and a few other big ticket items that will some day bite.

Transition from the Baron was not an issue at all as far a flying the plane. But as stated by others...its the additional weather planning that requires the leaning curve.
Crosswind training with a pro was really helpful for me as there are a few P46 specific tendencies that need addressing.

My second set of training hours after flying 100 hours was the best money spent. No longer overwhelmed by the new systems I could really concentrate on emergency scenarios and pro pilot techniques .

Good luck with the new plane! I am sure you will love FL 28000!!

Username Protected · **Posted:** 27 Sep 2018, 13:34

Username Protected wrote:

Nice choice!
Sounds like your mission will fit the plane well. I made the same choice in early 2017 after 7 years in a Baron and have not looked back. As you get more comfortable (and you have mission creep as i did) you will be able to manage the fuel load for the trip and carry more when needed.

I have a similar panel upgrade with dual 750's but without the 500's.
My 2005 plane has been solid now for 300+ hours (1700tt) with similar Direct Operation costs PER MILE as my baron. Similar..... until there is a big maintenance issue of course. I am planning for new front window, $30k, Hot Section, $30k and a few other big ticket items that will some day bite.

Transition from the Baron was not an issue at all as far a flying the plane. But as stated by others...its the additional weather planning that requires the leaning curve.
Crosswind training with a pro was really helpful for me as there are a few P46 specific tendencies that need addressing.

My second set of training hours after flying 100 hours was the best money spent. No longer overwhelmed by the new systems I could really concentrate on emergency scenarios and pro pilot techniques .

Good luck with the new plane! I am sure you will love FL 28000!!

Beautiful panel. What are the few P46 specific tendencies?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 27 Sep 2018, 21:50

Although some may argue this is just my opinion and worth exactly that:

For me, Flying the A36 or my B55 landing center line and keeping the airplane center line was never an issue. Didn't even think about it if the crosswind component was under 10-12knts. Just used standard techniques and made it happen every time no drama.

That was not the case in the P46T for me. It took a bit of help from a pro to understand why we were shooting off centerline on random occasion. I am not the only one here. There have been a fair amount of recorded runway exits in this aircraft the last few years with damaged planes.
However if the plane is sound..(tires, linkage, alignment, etc) then its just a technique that is slightly different than our Beechcraft products.

All I was recommending was to do some crosswind work while your instructor is around to speed up the process.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 02 Oct 2018, 12:33

Congratulations Brian! I just sold my Meridian after (7) years of ownership and loved the airplane. I will agree with Troy that making sure you learn everything you can about landing it is a must! The airplane can be a handful on landing if you don't pay close attention to your rudder pedal inputs as the nose gear strut compresses. Speed is also critical. Lastly make sure whoever maintains it keeps the adjustment on the bumpers on the nose gear adjusted correctly. You can tell by grabbing the rudder and seeing how far you can move it back and forth. It should be no more than 1"

If you haven't already make sure you join MMOPA. It's a great member group

Rodney Cobb

Username Protected · **Posted:** 02 Oct 2018, 23:12

Attaboy!

Username Protected · **Posted:** 06 Oct 2018, 04:00

Congratulations! I’m in the same position you were in before you “ pulled the trigger”. I’m seriously considering moving into a Meridian or JetProp. Please keep us posted on all aspects of your transition!

Username Protected · **Posted:** 06 Oct 2018, 05:27

Very cool aviation fairytale!!!

Congratulations!!!

Patrick

Username Protected · **Posted:** 06 Oct 2018, 18:41

That’s so nice!
MC

Username Protected · **Posted:** 07 Oct 2018, 16:23

Username Protected wrote:

The new panel should roll out right around 100AMU plus or minus. The bank rolled it into the purchase so at least the capital is being amortized. Estimate is 4-5 weeks to cut the all new panel and lay out all the new goodies.

Here's an example (not mine) with the same equipment except G500 not txi which should be close to what the end result will be:

It will be a a great looking and functioning panel when completed. If you need a backup for the 500txi, would recommend the Midcontinent 302 (SAM) or other battery powered units. That would give you independent power source and would be able to ditch the steam gauges. OTOH, many folks like the round gauges as well.

Hope it goes smoothly (expect delays, its a big project)

RM

Username Protected · **Posted:** 11 Oct 2018, 15:57

I can't wait!!! I'm glad I have a very busy few weeks to distract me from the fact that I can't even train in it yet.

I'll keep you posted. As of now theres a lot of time spent reading and playing with the txi simulators.

Brian

Username Protected · **Posted:** 10 Jan 2019, 15:13

Well.... avionics overhauls take a long time.....

Almost there!!! Initial training starts January 29th

Working on the emotional process of listing the Debonair very soon.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 10 Jan 2019, 15:57

September acquisition and end of Jan training. That's a long time to wait for new avionics. I'm sure a lot of other things happened in between but I'm sure the upgrade far exceeded time estimates as well.

Still, you will be the envy of the Meridian fleet with those new displays. GORGEOUS!!

Username Protected · **Posted:** 10 Jan 2019, 20:28

With the quality of the aftermarket avionics available I think you did this right. Buy an older SETP and then invest some of the savings in a new panel. At the end of the day you will have a very capable aircraft with avionics comparable to a new aircraft. Is the GFC600 certified for the Meridian yet?

Big Leap.... Debonair to Meridian