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
- 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.
Statistics: (As of 11-1-09)
246 Jetprops, 33 have -21. 60 are based in Europe
1153 total Piston PA-46’s (21.3% converted to Jetprops)
413 Meridians
FLIGHT PLANNING COMPARISON-ALL PA-46’S
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*Piper |
JetProp |
JetProp |
JetProp |
Piper |
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Mirage |
DLX-21 |
DLX-34 |
DLX-35 |
Meridian |
Time to Climb |
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:22 |
:19 |
:17 |
:15 |
:21 |
FL 25,0 Normal |
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215KTAS |
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FL 25,0 Economy |
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200KTAS |
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FL 27,0 Max Cr. |
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243KTAS |
256KTAS |
262KTAS |
262KTAS |
Trip Fuel Burn |
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84/76 |
112 |
110 |
110 |
139 |
Fuel Capacity |
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120/140 |
151 |
151 |
151 |
173 |
Total Flying Time |
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3:47/4:00 |
3:31 |
3:23 |
3:11 |
3:11 |
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