FAA Ruling Adds Flexibility For Operation Of The Business
Turboprops
Unpaved runways are no longer off limits to owners and operators
of Piper Meridian single-engine turboprop business aircraft,
according to an FAA ruling announced Friday at the 2011
Malibu/Mirage Owners & Pilots Association (MMOPA) Fly-In
Convention held here in Hot Springs, AK. Up until now, the Meridian
had been limited to operations from paved runways.
"We are pleased to offer this added performance capability
immediately to the nearly 500 operators of Piper Meridian
turboprops," said Piper Executive Vice President Randy Groom. "And
we are especially pleased to make the announcement today at the
MMOPA Fly-In and Convention, where Piper enthusiasts from around
the world gather every year to advance the interests and safety of
owners and pilots who fly Piper M-Class airplanes."
"The ability to land and depart from unpaved runways adds increased
operating flexibility to an already outstanding aircraft through a
change to the POH and without requiring any kind of airframe
modifications," Groom said. "This demonstrates our continuing
commitment to providing Piper owners with the finest and most
capable business aircraft available today and tomorrow."
According to Piper, this upgrade to the Meridian's performance
package was accomplished through extensive operational flight
testing by Piper's engineering team. With its expanded performance
and the ability to operate from unpaved surfaces, the Piper
Meridian can now take off and land on grass and dirt landing
strips, opening up thousands of additional runways to Meridian
flight operations. Changes to the Piper Meridian Pilot Operating
Handbook (POH) reflect new unpaved takeoff and landing
distances.
Baseline (paved) Takeoff Distance
Ground roll: 1,650 ft. (503 m)
Total over 50-ft. obstacle: 2,438 ft. (743 m)
Unpaved (dry grass) Takeoff Distance
Ground roll: 1,980 ft. (604 m)
Total over 50-ft. obstacle: 2,926 ft. (892 m)
Baseline (paved) Landing Distance
Ground roll: 1,020 ft. (311 m)
Total over 50-ft. obstacle: 2,110 ft. (643 m)
Unpaved (dry grass) Landing Distance
Ground roll: 1,224 ft. (373 m)
Total over 50-ft. obstacle: 2,532 ft. (891 m)
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ANN's Daily Aero-Term (12.14.25): Local Airport Advisory (LAA)
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