Page 11 - Volume 17 Number 5

version of the 850-shp PT6A-42 in the King Air 200), the Meridian was introduced in 2001 as a powerful step-up from the Malibu/Mirage series that began in 1984.Its development involved much more than just dropping a turboprop engine into a Malibu: the horizontal tail is 37 percent larger and wingroot strake areas were added. Piper strengthened much of the airframe to accommodate more than 500 pounds of added gross weight, and also increased fuel capacity and complied with numerous FAA certification requirements applicable to turbine-powered airplanes. The company was hardly new to the turboprop business; it was able todraw on its considerable experience building Cheyenne corporate twin turboprops.Delivering 260-knot cruise speed and ranging as far as 1,000 nautical miles, the Meridian’s five- to six-seat cabin works well for an owner-flown business aircraft. The 1,750-pound useful load is adequate for its role, although it must be balanced between fuel and payload, given the airplane’s 173-gallon fuel capacity. Maximum operating altitude is 30,000 feet; most operators will fly up to FL280. With a 43-foot wingspan, 11.3 foot heigh,t and a length of just under 30 feet, the Meridian hangars more easily than the larger turboprop singles.The Team Chambliss Piper Meridian, Chambliss says, gives him the most bang for the buck of any airplane out there. It’s large enough for their needs, it’s fast and comfortable, and the Meggitt Magic 1500 EFIS and Garmin avionics do a good job. He may upgrade to a newer instrument panel at some point; later airplanes were equipped with standard AviDyne EFIS, and the newest ones have Garmin G1000 cockpits. But, he’s content for now and enjoys flying the Meridian from the Flying Crown Ranch, the Arizona residential airpark he calls home. His personal airstrip is 30 feet wide and 2,500 feet long; not many Flight Level airplanes can be flown from a base like that.Some typical Meridian missions, other than commuting to and from airshow locations, are using it as a photo ship for media flights at shows, where the local reporters need to be flown alongside Chambliss while he poses upside down in the airshow airplane, smoke on. It carries parts and team members, and generally supports Team Chambliss wherever the mission leads. It is, quite frankly, a business tool, making it possible to carry on the work •of the team. For Kirby Chambliss, it’s proven to be perfect for the job. T&TMAY 2013TWIN & TURBINE • 9