Page 8 - Twin & Turbine January 2018

Twenty years ago, Piper announced the Meridian as a natural extension of its highly successful Malibu and Mirage piston-powered aircraft. Certified in 2001, it quickly took hold in the marketplace as an easy step-up to turbine power . In fact, it quickly established a reputation for being an economical-to-operate, fun- to-fly cabin-class turboprop powered by the reliable Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-42A engine delivering flat-rated 500 shaft horsepower.
Over the years, the aircraft has gone through several iterations of cockpit equipment, from the Meggitt Magic, then the Avidyne Entegra and later the Garmin G1000. In 2015, Piper rebranded the Meridian the M500 with a number of flight deck safety enhancements and a fresh updated look to the interior styling.
“What makes the M500 a popular choice for the pilot moving up from a high-performance piston single is not just the size of cabin, but the fact they can step into a turbine product with compelling operating costs. The fuel burn
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6 • TWIN & TURBINE
January 2018