These original panels are nearly obsolete today as they are not WAAS functional or ADS-B compliant, and factory support is nearly non-existent. The original Meridian shipped from the factory with an admittedly inferior panel. As you add upgrades, paint, updated interior and new avionics, the trading price will go up. An early 2001 Meridian with no upgrades, original avionics and average airframe/engine times will trade for just under $650k. Today, the earlier Meridians are regularly trading at an average of about $750k. It is comfortable, quiet and a real performer. The no-wind range of a Meridian with full fuel tanks is about 750 nm (with reserves). The Meridian will cruise at FL280 at an average of 265 KTAS and burn 39 gallons of jet fuel each hour. With cabin-class seating, a huge panel for all the latest gadgets and the bulletproof PT6 turbine engine up front, the Meridian is a fabulous airplane. Based on the successful Malibu/Mirage airframe, which was built explicitly with pressurization in mind, the Meridian was a natural progression upward for the piston pilot who wanted to go higher and faster. The Meridian first came out in 2001 as the first turbine ever created by Piper Aircraft. They both accomplish the same mission, albeit with a few differences. Why? They are both super cross-country machines that attract buyers who want the latest and greatest avionics, who will not compromise on safety, and who want something newer. You’d think these two airplanes would never end up on the same want list, but they do. The Cirrus SR22T is a four-place, composite construction, piston, non-pressurized, fixed-gear airplane. The Piper Meridian is a six-place, aluminum construction, turbine, pressurized, retractable gear airplane. By the way, I really do love getting feedback from readers of my articles! This article is proof that Twin & Turbine will respond to their readers’ requests. I’ve also received an unusually high number of email requests from readers of this magazine to compare the two airplanes. Very different but commonly contrasted by potential buyers. Interestingly, when pilots come to me seeking advice on their next airplane, they often have two very different airplanes on their radar: the Piper Meridian and the Cirrus SR22T. Hence, I get lots of phone calls about this particular move up. But, when you are ready to stroke a three-quarter-million dollar check, you don’t want to make a mistake. Most of these pilots have already done a lot of homework, scouring Trade-a-Plane and talking with their local pilot community. In fact, helping this type of pilot is one of the most satisfying aspects of my scope of work. As an active instructor in the owner-flown market, I am able to fly a lot of cool airplanes and offer no shortage of opinions. You now possess the complete package of skills, credentialing, desire and a $750,000 budget to buy and fly an airplane with an abundance of capability. What started as an expensive hobby with little practicality for actually going somewhere with any questionable weather is being viewed in a new light. You’ve been flying for a while now, have a pilot’s license and instrument rating, filled your first logbook, started the second, and are ready to move up. Let’s say you need a cross-country machine that will carry you, three others and bags to the destination with style, safety and speed.
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