“I hit 313 knots in a Mirage in level flight, running lean of peak at 15.6 gph. That calculates out to 20 nautical miles per gallon!!!”

Chuck - I thought, perhaps incorrectly, that the Mirage (Lycoming) did not run well LoP (as opposed to the Continental powered Malibu which only runs well LOP). What TAS did you get in the flight levels LoP with the Lycoming?

Thanks,

Sebastien

Funny how flying a turboprop redefins ones definition of efficiency

I hit 400 knots in a Meridian once in level flight. Burning 38.8 gph. That calculated out to 10.3 nautical miles per gallon. That did seem efficient.



I hit 313 knots in a Mirage in level flight, running lean of peak at 15.6 gph. That calculates out to 20 nautical miles per gallon!!! Now that did seem pretty efficient.



Pretty sure I lost all that efficiency going back in the opposite direction.

I specialize in headwinds most days.

I had a 98 Mirage. The first engine did not like LOP even w GAMIs. I purchased a new replacement engine (when the first one started making metal) that did fine with it. I asked Lycoming "what had changed, did they use different injectors in the newer engine?". They replied nothing charged. I did not believe them.

My 2019 M350 would run LOP perfect at around 15.5 GPH and a turbine temperature of 1620,the TAS would be around 180 KTS and all cylinders would be below 370 degrees

Same on my 2012. My dads 2000….not so well

Thanks all for the clarifications about the Mirage’s LOP capabilities.
Sebastien

I’m currently a Baron driver and have been looking at SETP’s. The biggest issue I have encountered is my size. Being 6’6” with an athletic build doesn’t equal comfort in most I’ve sat in.
I recently has the opportunity to fly in the Epic on a lengthy trip from NQA to MTH. The plane was extremely comfortable and cruised consistently at 320kts at FL330 with a service ceiling of 340. Fuel burn was just over 50 GPH. It is a true six person, full fuel and bags airplane that was rock solid.
Anyone else have any experience?

I’m currently a Baron driver and have been looking at SETP’s. The biggest issue I have encountered is my size. Being 6’6” with an athletic build doesn’t equal comfort in most I’ve sat in.
I recently had the opportunity to fly in the Epic on a lengthy trip from NQA to MTH. The plane was extremely comfortable and cruised consistently at 320kts at FL330 with a service ceiling of 340. Fuel burn was just over 50 GPH. It is a true six person, full fuel and bags airplane that was rock solid.
Anyone else have any experience?

Have you flown in a TBM? The seat goes back as far as you like and the rudder/brake pedals push forward. I am 6'2" and I fit w plenty of room. You also can move the emergency O2 for the copilot to the back of the seat to give some more head room.

I have not flown in an EPIC so I cannot compare.

I came from a PA46 so I guess anything is an improvement from that tiny cockpit :-).

I’m also over 6’ and have to scoot the seat forward and raise it from the lowest position to have the right seat position. With a pilot door, it’s especially easy to get in and out of once you figure out which steps to take first.

Evolution is pretty compelling, but I thought it was pretty limited and difficult to get insurance? Unless you are taking 6 people, loading bags or golf clubs in the TBM seems way better.

Epic is a nice plane, feels nice inside. It is a good bit behind the tech in the M600 and TBM, and doesn't have much of a real world track record. Is not FIKI certified yet, unless that recently changed. Does not have radar yet which is a little sketch for a flight level bird. But has some nice ergonomics and some great performance. Needs another 5-10 years to convince me that it is ready for prime time, but watching.

I've flown the TBM 900 extensively and have some experience with the Epic.

First, the Epic is now definitely FIKI Certified, though it's possible all early models have not yet had the minor retrofit to achieve certification. New deliveries all are and the factory is providing FIKI free to charge to prior owners.

If I were to balance the Epic's more basic tech (eg 1000nxi) against its performance benefits (climb and ceiling), I would take the performance benefits any day of the week. The climb performance through icing is especially awesome, relatively. The Epic potentially has less range than the TBM, so that's a negative. The TBM holds easily 15 more gallons of fuel than advertised because the fill line is deep in the tank to provide a lot of room for fuel expansion on the ramp in hot weather (so if you top off and go you have 300+ gallons, more when cold). Not sure how the Epic does relative to that.

As to size, the TBM and the Epic are almost identical from the outside. The Epic has a bunch more leg room between the club seats, but the TBM has a forward baggage compartment (which is great for oil, tools, tugs, cleaning supplies, and other things you don't want in the cabin) and a larger rear baggage area. The TBM's W&B range is incredible. I actually can't recall where the Epic comes out on this.

Finally, for large folks, the TBM's pilot door is awesome. One of the things I miss most now that I fly a Piaggio. Climbing in and out of the pilot seat couldn't be easier. And you can load in px and then walk around, rather than squeeze by.

Sure, but… you can’t get up and mosey down the aisle to the lav like you can in the Piaggio.