25 May 2025, 19:07 [ UTC - 5; DST ]
|
| Username Protected |
Message |
|
Username Protected
|
Post subject: Re: Talk me into / out of a Meridian  Posted: 17 Mar 2023, 17:36 |
|
 |
|
|
Joined: 08/24/13
Posts: 9697
Post Likes: +4528
Company: Aviation Tools / CCX
Location: KSMQ New Jersey
Aircraft: TBM700C2
|
|
Username Protected wrote: Our 2001 also does NOT have the GWI and while I wish it did, its not worth the $80K for me today. Wow, you'd think that STC was for a jet at that price. Is the STC just paperwork? No actual change to the airplane? Just changing some numbers? Wink, wink, say no more. Mike C.
It adds vortex generators on the leading edge
|
|
| Top |
|
|
Username Protected
|
Post subject: Re: Talk me into / out of a Meridian Posted: 17 Mar 2023, 17:41 |
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: 10/31/18
Posts: 4
Company: Semiplane
Aircraft: Bonanza 35
|
|
|
Jason,
That 2001 Meridian would have been priced in the low $600k range 5 years ago, so, as with Bonanzas, prices have risen. So, engine life cost per hour can be offset by appreciation.
|
|
| Top |
|
|
Username Protected
|
Post subject: Re: Talk me into / out of a Meridian Posted: 17 Mar 2023, 18:07 |
|
 |
|
|
 |
Joined: 11/30/12
Posts: 4800
Post Likes: +5416
Location: Santa Fe, NM (KSAF)
Aircraft: B200, 500B
|
|
Username Protected wrote: Our 2001 also does NOT have the GWI and while I wish it did, its not worth the $80K for me today. It adds vortex generators on the leading edge
Yep, just Vortex generators and paperwork! Oh - and a spar strap splice, changed fasteners and changed fittings. It takes about 300 hours to replace the 900 parts.
https://cutteraviation.com/aircraft-ser ... ification/
Seriously, nobody would survive selling a GWI for 80k if it's just VGs. That doesn't pass the sniff test.
|
|
| Top |
|
|
Username Protected
|
Post subject: Re: Talk me into / out of a Meridian Posted: 17 Mar 2023, 18:11 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: 12/03/14
Posts: 20099
Post Likes: +25225
Company: Ciholas, Inc
Location: KEHR
Aircraft: C560V
|
|
Username Protected wrote: If you can live with the payload, you will far exceed -21 or -28 PT-6A performance in the 90 series King Airs. No doubt. A slow King Air is the worst economics. Quote: Yes, the insurance cost will shock you For $900K hull, what are typical insurance premiums? Quote: so long as you join CAA and maybe World Fuel discount fuel programs. I'd add Everest to that list. They seem to beat WFS nearly everywhere I compare them. WFS does have more international options, if that's important to you. CAA is a *must*, 262 FBOs in the US. Cheapest jet fuel in the country right now is Cutter at KHPX, well under $4, on CAA. We're starting to see a number of places in the $3.xx and a whole lot of places in the $4.xx ranges. 60% of all CAA FBOs are $5 or less. Mike C.
_________________
Email mikec (at) ciholas.com
|
|
| Top |
|
|
Username Protected
|
Post subject: Re: Talk me into / out of a Meridian Posted: 17 Mar 2023, 18:13 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: 12/03/14
Posts: 20099
Post Likes: +25225
Company: Ciholas, Inc
Location: KEHR
Aircraft: C560V
|
|
Username Protected wrote: Seriously, nobody would survive selling a GWI for 80k if it's just VGs. That doesn't pass the sniff test. That's a lot of money and work for 242 lbs. You could spend that money on making the plane lighter, say with avionics upgrades or interior refit or something. Being lighter is always better. Mike C.
_________________
Email mikec (at) ciholas.com
|
|
| Top |
|
|
Username Protected
|
Post subject: Re: Talk me into / out of a Meridian Posted: 17 Mar 2023, 18:39 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: 12/03/14
Posts: 20099
Post Likes: +25225
Company: Ciholas, Inc
Location: KEHR
Aircraft: C560V
|
|
Username Protected wrote: https://cutteraviation.com/aircraft-service-avionics-support/pa-46-meridian-gross-weight-increase-modification/ I can see why it is expensive, there are way too many pictures of staff wearing really nice clothes on that web page. Mike C.
_________________
Email mikec (at) ciholas.com
|
|
| Top |
|
|
Username Protected
|
Post subject: Re: Talk me into / out of a Meridian Posted: 17 Mar 2023, 19:49 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: 03/17/18
Posts: 532
Post Likes: +304
Location: KDAY
Aircraft: BE36
|
|
Username Protected wrote: Jason,
That 2001 Meridian would have been priced in the low $600k range 5 years ago, so, as with Bonanzas, prices have risen. So, engine life cost per hour can be offset by appreciation. I like the idea of free engine time via appreciation but wonder if the long term trend can actually continue?
|
|
| Top |
|
|
Username Protected
|
Post subject: Re: Talk me into / out of a Meridian Posted: 17 Mar 2023, 19:52 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: 03/17/18
Posts: 532
Post Likes: +304
Location: KDAY
Aircraft: BE36
|
|
Username Protected wrote: My advice, is that if you are willing to spend $900k on a plane and can get a single engine turbine, for that amount, then get the turbine and don't worry about time on a first run Meridian engine. I am active in the Malibu/M Class Owners and Pilots Association and know of no one that has been through a turbine engine overhaul. I know of a King Air that had over 9000 hours on it, in 135 air ambulance operations with no overhaul, on a condition-based maintenance program. Yes, the insurance cost will shock you, though other operating costs are not bad, so long as you join CAA and maybe World Fuel discount fuel programs. You will have little to no maintenance between annuals. Pressurization is a game changer, that you will not fully appreciate until you have experienced it in your own plane. I joined MMOPA today hoping to learn what I don't yet know. I'm having a hard time getting my wife to want this upgrade. Not sure if we need to go somewhere in a pressurized meridian or 501 for her to see the difference or if she really will be happy indefinitely in the Bonanza.
|
|
| Top |
|
|
Username Protected
|
Post subject: Re: Talk me into / out of a Meridian Posted: 17 Mar 2023, 19:57 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: 01/07/21
Posts: 405
Post Likes: +391
Aircraft: M20J/R, Sr22, SR20
|
|
Username Protected wrote: My advice, is that if you are willing to spend $900k on a plane and can get a single engine turbine, for that amount, then get the turbine and don't worry about time on a first run Meridian engine. I am active in the Malibu/M Class Owners and Pilots Association and know of no one that has been through a turbine engine overhaul. I know of a King Air that had over 9000 hours on it, in 135 air ambulance operations with no overhaul, on a condition-based maintenance program. Yes, the insurance cost will shock you, though other operating costs are not bad, so long as you join CAA and maybe World Fuel discount fuel programs. You will have little to no maintenance between annuals. Pressurization is a game changer, that you will not fully appreciate until you have experienced it in your own plane. I joined MMOPA today hoping to learn what I don't yet know. I'm having a hard time getting my wife to want this upgrade. Not sure if we need to go somewhere in a pressurized meridian or 501 for her to see the difference or if she really will be happy indefinitely in the Bonanza.
I'd find it hard to believe your wife wouldn't like the Meridian better. If she flew in one or a jet, she's be done with the Bonanza. Mine is. She flew with some friends this week to the Caribbean in a friends Mustang. She wants a Mustang now!
|
|
| Top |
|
|
Username Protected
|
Post subject: Re: Talk me into / out of a Meridian Posted: 17 Mar 2023, 19:58 |
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: 11/30/12
Posts: 4800
Post Likes: +5416
Location: Santa Fe, NM (KSAF)
Aircraft: B200, 500B
|
|
Username Protected wrote: I'm having a hard time getting my wife to want this upgrade. Not sure if we need to go somewhere in a pressurized meridian or 501 for her to see the difference or if she really will be happy indefinitely in the Bonanza. The broad consensus is that this will work immediately.
|
|
| Top |
|
|
Username Protected
|
Post subject: Re: Talk me into / out of a Meridian Posted: 17 Mar 2023, 20:00 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Joined: 01/01/10
Posts: 3499
Post Likes: +2473
Location: Roseburg, Oregon
Aircraft: Citation Mustang
|
|
Username Protected wrote: ...She flew with some friends this week to the Caribbean in a friends Mustang. She wants a Mustang now! Smart lady! 
_________________
Previous A36TN owner
|
|
| Top |
|
|
Username Protected
|
Post subject: Re: Talk me into / out of a Meridian Posted: 17 Mar 2023, 20:05 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: 12/03/14
Posts: 20099
Post Likes: +25225
Company: Ciholas, Inc
Location: KEHR
Aircraft: C560V
|
|
Username Protected wrote: The broad consensus is that this will work immediately. Piston unpressurized versus turbine pressurized? No contest. Mike C.
_________________
Email mikec (at) ciholas.com
|
|
| Top |
|
|
Username Protected
|
Post subject: Re: Talk me into / out of a Meridian Posted: 17 Mar 2023, 20:08 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Joined: 07/16/12
Posts: 87
Post Likes: +73
Location: KHEF & KCPS
Aircraft: C501SP
|
|
Username Protected wrote: I'm having a hard time getting my wife to want this upgrade. Not sure if we need to go somewhere in a pressurized meridian or 501 for her to see the difference or if she really will be happy indefinitely in the Bonanza. The broad consensus is that this will work immediately.
Seeing is believing. To quote my wife, the Stationair was for fun, the Meridian is for traveling.
Don’t do a test flight in a 501 unless you’re willing to buy a 501.
|
|
| Top |
|
|
Username Protected
|
Post subject: Re: Talk me into / out of a Meridian Posted: 17 Mar 2023, 23:35 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Joined: 08/15/11
Posts: 2575
Post Likes: +1178
Location: Mandan, ND
Aircraft: V35
|
|
Username Protected wrote: Also, when you go past TBO and then decide to overhaul, you get charged a “tax” by P&W. Currently $35k on top of the overhaul. How does that work? They just tack on a penalty fee for no actual reason?
Yep, the reason is you went beyond 3,600 hrs.
Quote: Aren't there shops besides P&W which can do overhauls?
Perhaps, but I don’t know of any. Anyone who does PT6 overhauls complies with P&W.
Quote: When you fly past TBO, you also have to watch out for life limits on parts. You may have to break an engine open just for that. I recently saw a Citation where they did HSI and not OH, but had impellers that were going to cycle out in 500 landings. Hmm, not good.
Mike C.
Quote: IIRC, flat rate overhaul on a -42 (not -42A), is right at $400k.
3500 hours at $400K plus ~$50K HSI is $130/hour. That seems kind of high for a small block PT6.
-42 is not a small engine. Considered mid sized with 2 PT turbines.
|
|
| Top |
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum
|
Terms of Service | Forum FAQ | Contact Us
BeechTalk, LLC is the quintessential Beechcraft Owners & Pilots Group providing a
forum for the discussion of technical, practical, and entertaining issues relating to all Beech aircraft. These include
the Bonanza (both V-tail and straight-tail models), Baron, Debonair, Duke, Twin Bonanza, King Air, Sierra, Skipper, Sport, Sundowner,
Musketeer, Travel Air, Starship, Queen Air, BeechJet, and Premier lines of airplanes, turboprops, and turbojets.
BeechTalk, LLC is not affiliated or endorsed by the Beechcraft Corporation, its subsidiaries, or affiliates.
Beechcraft™, King Air™, and Travel Air™ are the registered trademarks of the Beechcraft Corporation.
Copyright© BeechTalk, LLC 2007-2025
|
|
|
|
