About the PIPER PA-46-310P
The Piper PA-46-310P Malibu is part of the Piper PA-46 family, a series of light aircraft manufactured by Piper Aircraft, Inc. Introduced in 1983, the Malibu series was designed for private and business use, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and efficiency. The PA-46-310P specifically represents the early, turbocharged version of the Malibu, featuring a six-seat, pressurized cabin and powered by a Continental TSIO-520-BE engine producing 310 horsepower.
The motivation for producing the PA-46-310P Malibu was to create a high-performance, pressurized single-engine aircraft that could compete with similar offerings from other manufacturers, such as the Beechcraft Bonanza and Cessna 210. Piper sought to fill a niche for pilots who required an aircraft with the ability to fly above inclement weather and achieve impressive speed and range while maintaining operational costs lower than those of twin-engine aircraft.
Key Features and Capabilities
The PA-46-310P Malibu became notable for its cabin comfort and advanced avionics for its time. The pressurization allowed it to cruise at altitudes up to 25,000 feet, which significantly expanded its operational envelope and provided smoother flights above most weather disturbances. The aircraft's design emphasized aerodynamic efficiency, contributing to its relatively low fuel consumption and extended range, capable of traveling over 1,000 nautical miles on a single tank.
One of the advantages of the PA-46-310P is its versatility. It serves well for personal, business, and air taxi operations. Additionally, the aircraft is valued for its ability to access smaller airports, thus providing greater flexibility in travel plans compared to larger, more complex aircraft.
Market Position and Use Cases
Production of the PA-46-310P Malibu represented a significant step forward for Piper, solidifying its place in the high-performance single-engine aircraft market. The Malibu’s combination of speed, range, and comfort made it a favorite among private pilots and small businesses. Its continued use and production of related models highlight Piper's success in meeting the targeted market demands.