Piper Generalvertretung Deutschland has the first example of Piper’s Matrix in Europe. The aircraft touched down in Germany just a few weeks ago and is here at Berlin making its air show debut.
The Matrix is a variant of Piper’s longstanding PA46 series of aircraft, which also offers the piston-powered Malibu and the turboprop Meridian.
The Matrix is effectively a Malibu, but doesn’t feature cabin pressurisation and has only two glass displays. A single PFD and MFD make up the Avidyne FlightMax Entegra flat panel displays. The co-pilot’s panel is empty.
“This is really a very high-end VFR aircraft, but with a cruise speed of 250kts,” explains Frank Wortmann, demonstration and sales.
“This is the type of machine that appeals to the SR22 or Columbia (now Cessna) aircraft owner and wants to step up to a bigger cabin. We are seeing a lot of interest from France,” adds Wortmann.
The Matrix was unveiled in early October 2007 and received FAA certification. Wortmann believes that EASA certification will be completed by the end of this year, or at the very latest the beginning of 2009.
Wortmann envisages a demand for perhaps two or three here in Germany but is upbeat about the type’s appeal further afield.
The Matrix base price is $757,000 and can be fitted with the necessary equipment to allow for FIKI (Flight Into Known Icing).
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Source: Flight Daily News
