Photography by Jan Morgan
Collection Gift Guide: The Pied Piper
December 1, 2005
Piper Meridian Turboprop
Even when they take delivery on a new aircraft, many pilots are already
thinking about their next plane: one with more speed and enhanced capabilities.
Those who are trading up from a piston-powered single-engine airplane, however,
face a dilemma. Piston-powered twins—traditionally the next rung on the
ladder—have not been built in quantity for two decades, and the older,
maintenance-intensive aircraft may require extensive refurbishing. The
alternatives—a larger twin-engine turboprop or a light jet—might be too much
airplane, requiring additional flight training and perhaps a temporary second
pilot to satisfy the insurance company.
Piper’s solution for these pilots is the PA 46-500TP Meridian, a capable, high-flying, all-weather aircraft with simplified systems that ensure a comfortable transition for those moving up to a new, more complex plane. The single-engine turboprop features the powerful Pratt & Whitney PT-6 turbine engine; it offers speed, reliability, and smoothness with a large pressurized and air-conditioned six-passenger cabin.
The Meridian sits high on its landing gear and looks impressive on the ramp. Entry is through an “air stair” door, the civilized entry portal usually found on jets and other large aircraft. The spacious cockpit is geared to the leather-upholstered pilot’s seat which faces an impressive array of avionics. The Meridian employs the Avidyne FlightMax Entegra Flat Panel Display System as its standard avionics suite; the fully integrated three-screen display carries all of the aircraft’s operational, navigational, and weather avoidance information, as well as an autopilot flight control system and comprehensive airframe ice protection. In addition, the test aircraft included an optional Enhanced Situational Awareness Package featuring Honeywell’s traffic and terrain avoidance system, and a WX-500 Storm Scope, a second transponder, and C-Max electronic approach charts.
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