The major aircraft manufacturers developed product lines of single-engine aircraft with something in mind: There should be step-up models for pilots who desire greater range, speed, and comfort.
So it is with Piper and its Malibu Meridian. The Meridian is a single-engine pressurized turboprop that itself is a step up from the company’s higher-end PA–46 Malibu and Malibu Mirage piston-engine singles. Its airframe is akin to those models, and it stands at the same height of 11.3 feet tall at the tallest point, although it is a bit more than eight inches longer than the Mirage, spinner to tail, because of its turbine engine. Piper’s PA–46 series of aircraft is now marketed under the Piper M-Class banner.
Moving up to a turbine aircraft such as the Meridian brings a lot of utility. The pressurized cabin means the airplane can go into the flight levels without requiring the use of supplemental oxygen for pilots or passengers. There’s room for six, including the pilot, which makes the airplane perfect for shorter business trips, large families, or lots of friends.
SPEC SHEET
Piper Meridian
Powerplant: 500-shaft-horse- power Pratt & Whitney PT6-42A
Seats: 6
Length: 29 ft 7 in
Height: 11 ft 4 in
Wingspan: 43 ft
Empty weight: 3,433 lb
Useful load: 1,698 lb
Max gross weight: 5,134 lb
PERFORMANCE
Cruise speed: 260 kt
Range: 1,000 nm
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