Jetprop-Meridian Talking Points

  • Jetprop conversion is a highly integrated STC-overseen by same certification office (ATL- ACO) Jetprop conversion is not ‘a PT-6 bolted on the front of a Malibu’
  • Jetprop (Rocket Engineering) enjoys strong customer service reputation
  • Serviceability- Jetprop has distinct edge (Battery access, engine accessories access, etc)
  • Jetprop batteries tend to last longer (Dual heavier duty) Can start engine on either one in case of a dead battery
  • Meridian significantly heavier and requires larger engine Magnesium case is 200# heavier than aluminum on -21 thru -35. 
  • Jetprop has ram recovery cowling like later King Airs. Provides 150# of ‘free’ torque
  • Jetprop 5-6 minutes quicker to FL 27,0
  • TAS: Jetprop 255-260. Meridian 260 once at altitude.
  • Jetprop has better fuel specifics (25 gallons less on 600NM, 22% overall)
  • -42A burns noticeably more at taxi, low altitude, holding, etc
  • Jetprop typically flies 3:45 plus reserves. Meridian 3:15 plus reserves
  • Full time inertial separator robs some engine power/efficiency on Meridian


Small aircraft N715LM

Statistics:

As of January 2024, Piper has produced 235 M600s, 695 Malibus Meridian (M500s), 564 Matrixs, 375 Malibu 310P, 845 Malibu Mirage (M350s)

Flight Planning Comparison-All PA-46's

Flight comparison PA-46
Piper Mirage JetProp DLX-21 JetPropDLX-34 JetPropDLX-35 Piper Meridian
Time to Climb :22 :19 :17 :15 :21
FL 25,0 Normal 215KTAS
FL 25,0 Economy 200KTAS
FL 27,0 Max Cr. 243KTAS 256KTAS 262KTAS 262KTAS
Trip Fuel Burn 84/76 112 110 110 139
Fuel Capacity 120/140 151 151 151 173
Total Flying Time 3:47/4:00 3:31 3:23 3:11 3:11
Flight Mirage operating details
  • Jetprop has fwd baggage compartment to hold covers, tow bars, etc. Meridian has two small locations-behind radome and small door in tailcone.
  • Forward header tank on Jetprop eliminates cold-soaked fuel concerns of Meridian (-34C)
  • Early Meridians have approx same fuel/range trade-offs as Jetprops.
  • VG’s on the higher Gross weight Meridians (5092# v. 4850# 2003/later) reduces TAS by 5 Knots
  • Jetprop has 4610# Gross weight increase into FAA. Will be retrofittable.
  • Both A/C have similar Fuselage and Wing life limits (Jetprop better than later Meridians)
  • Airframe life limits: Meridian Wing (4850 Gross) 13,349 hrs Meridian Wing 5092# Gross = 10,255 hrs Fuselage Life limit either Gross weight 10,145 Hrs Jetprop Life limit= 90% of remaining hours at time of conversion for the Fuselage and 85% of the remaining hours for the wing.            
  • Shadin Trend Monitor better than Meggitt (Piper recently switched to Shadin) No wind or Calibrated TAS on 530 interface with Meggitt.
  • -34 and -35 quite similar. -35 has more aggressive compressor blade design like -135. Therefore, the -35 is better at altitude. -34 has 4000 TBO. -35 has 3600 TBO
  • After #90 Jetprop went to -35 and dropped the -34.
  • After Jetprop #100 went to 4 blade Hartzell Scimitar (Metal)
  • Early (pre-2003) Magic 550 autopilot on Meridian more troublesome than Mirage A/P
  • Meridian utilizes single power lever (like a FADEC). Has its advantages however,
  • High idle speed requires more use of brakes and Beta.
  • Being able to control prop (feathering to prolong glide, using prop as a speed brake) gives a utility edge to the Jetprop
  • Meridian certified to FL 30,0 as opposed to FL 27,0 for Jetprop. This accomplished by added a second window pane.
  • Meridian has external rudder trim tab. Jetprops same as Mirage.  Advantage Meridian.   
  • Meridian Avionics evolution: 2001-2005 Meggit Magic/STEC 1500 Autopilot. 2006 Avidyne Flightmax Entegra package with 1500 autopilot. 2010 Garmin G-1000/GFC-700 available for $50,000 up-charge.