Malibu

Malibu
Mirage
Mirage
Volume 19 Number 2 SUMMER 2010

Amelia Island: Preconvention

by Jeff Schweitzer

Representing Owners and Pilots of High Performance Single Engine Pressurized Aircraft Worldwide
SUMMER 2010 2 M MOPA
Table of Contents ...

6 Letter from Editor

by Jeff Schweitzer

10 Piper Perspective
by Kevin Gould

16 Notes from the President

by Jon Sisk

26 Aviation News
by Richard Rochfort

34 View From a JetProp

by Travis Holland

32 Meridian:
by Justin Lazzeri

42 Issues & Answers

by Mary Bryant

48 Malibu Maintenance
by Kevin Mead

50 Notes from MMOPA

Headquarters
by Russ Caauwe

53 Classified Ads

54 Training Update

54 Calendar of Events

FEATURE ARTICLE

18 Amelia Island:
Preconvention
by Jeff Schweitzer

ON THE COVER
We have a seat reserved for you at
Amelia Island

SUMMER 2010 3 M MOPA

 Advertisers’ Index ...
Editor
Jeff Schweitzer
Advanced Flight Training Lester Kyle’s Aircraft Training (512) 264-8026 ● Fax (512) 264-8025
Page 25 Pagae 52 e-mail: [email protected]
Air Sure, Ltd., LLC Mariani Aviation Service Send all publishing inquires, manuscripts
Page15 Page 38 and photos to the Editor. The Editor
Aircraft Training Services Murmer Aircraft Services is responsible for initial review of all
Page 39 Page 48 submissions and content.
Arizona Aircraft Accessories On Eagle’s Wings
Page 52 Page 14
ASI/Modern Aero Publisher
Page 33 Pilatus Association Management, Inc. (AMI)
Page 5
Aviation Sales, Inc. San Antonio, TX 78232
Piper Aircraft
Page 32
Page 11 Ship To: AMI
Aviation Training Management 140 Heimer Rd., Suite 560
Page 53 Plastech Corporation
Page 39 San Antonio, TX 78232
Avidyne (210) 491-9473 ● Fax (210) 525-8085
Page 24 Professional Insurance Management
Page 9 Email: [email protected]
Bruce’s Custom Covers
Page 25 Ron Cox Aviation
Classified Ads Page 48 Design
Page 53 RWR Pilot Training Diana Ramirez
Columbia Aircraft Sales Page 12
Page 37 Schweiss Bi-Fold Door
Des Moines Flying Services, Inc. Page 31
Page 49
Scope Leasing
Eclipse International, Inc. Page 8
Page 43
Sim/Com Training Center
Finnoff Aviation Back Cover,Page 56
Page 14
Skytech, Inc.
General Aviation and Modification, Inc.
Page 7
Page 41
Hartzell Propeller, Inc. Socata Aircraft, Inc. Disclaimer
Page 40 Inside Front Cover Page 2
Southeast Piper The comments, articles, stories, letters and information contained in this
JetProp
Page 44 Page 33, 55 magazine are the personal opinions of the writers and are not to be construed
to be-official policy or commentary of the Malibu-Mirage Owners and Pilots
Kansas City Aviation Center Trend Group Association.
Page 45 Page 10
Wright Aviation Neither the Association nor its directors, officers nor the Publisher give any
Page 31 official sanction to any articles, stories, letters or information contained
herein.

The Malibu•Mirage owners and Pilot Association appreciates the support of its advertis- THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFE AND PROPER
ers. Please use their services whenever possible and tell them you saw their ad in the OPERATION OF HIS/HER AIRCRAFT AND IT IS THE RESPONSIBLILITY OF THE
Malibu•Mirage Magazine. PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO OPERATE THAT AIRCRAFT IN COMPLIANCE WITH
THAT AIRCRAFT’S PILOT’S OPERATING HANDBOOK AND OTHER OFFICIAL
MANUALS AND DIRECTIVES.

Officers, Directors and Staff

Jonathan Sisk, Tom Kieffer, Mona Rathmel,
President & Ombudsman Vice President & Secretary/Treasurer
Lexington, KY, (KLEX), jsisk@audio- Website Publisher Dallas, TX, [email protected]
authority.com Phone: 859-351-5429, Eden Prairie, MN, & Scottsdale, AZ, Phone: 972-532-2439
Committees: Executive, Bylaws, & Con- [email protected] Committees: Safety & Training,
vention Planning, Member since 1998, Phone: 612-636-0300, Committees: Marketing, Mem- Finance, Convention, Academic,
2000 Mirage owner, N555JV, Day Job: Electronics bership & Publicity, Magazine, Website Member since Member since 1998, Day Job: Aircraft Insurance
manufacturer, Audio Authority Corporation 1998, 1989 Mirage/JetProp N816TM Broker, AirSure Ltd.
Day Job: IT consulting & services, Virteva

Jim Yankaskas, Jeff Schweitzer, Manny Casiano,

Past President Director and Director
Chapel Hill, NC, [email protected] Frederick, MD (KFDK),
Magazine Editor [email protected]
Phone: 919-967-7182 Spicewood, TX, [email protected]
Committees: Nominating, Bylaws, Phone: 301-606-2850
Phone: 512-264-8026,
Academics, Advocacy, Member since Committees: Academics
Committees: Magazine, Nominating, Convention
2000, 1984 Malibu, N4372B, Day Job: Physician, Member since 1998. 1989 Mirage/JetProp N49PK
Planning, and Website, Member since 1998, 1996
Professor of Medicine Pulmonary and Critical, UNC Day Job: Surgeon, Hospital administrator
Mirage/JetPROP N722ET, Day Job: Author, marine
biologist, former White House Asst. Dir.
Eric Roehl,
Larry Johnson, Bart Bartlett, Director
Director Director Crystal Lake, IL, Eric.Roehl@sbcglobal.
McKinney, TX, ljohnson@cutteravia- Raleigh, NC, bartman4@stanfordalum- net, Phone: 847-910-9215
tion.com, Phone: 214-335-0605 ni.org, Phone: 919-789-1482 Committees: Chair Finance, Member
Committees: Nominating, Logistics, Committees: Academic, Convention Bylaws & Policy, Member Since 2000,
and Marketing, Member since 2000 Planning, Marketing, & Website 1999 Mirage, N90ER, Day Job: Enterpreneur
Day Job: Aircraft sales, Cutter Aviation Member since 2003, 1985 Malibu, N43911
Day Job: VP Sales & Marketing, Pancetera Software Bill Alberts,
Convention Coordinator
Dick Rochfort, Russ Caauwe, Pittsburgh, Hilton Head, Bo-
Director Executive Director
nita Springs, FL, Alberts46@aol.
Baltimore, MD, mail@rwrpilottraining. Green Valley, AZ, [email protected]
com, Phone: 843-785-9358, Member
com, Phone: 410-435-3333 Phone: 520-399-1121, Member since
since 1990, 1,100 hrs in Piper Mirage,
Committees: Nominating, Academics, 1991, 3,500 hrs in Malibu & Mirage
Retired Business owner, and former MMOPA President,
Safety & Training, Member since 1997 Retired USAF Pilot, engineer,
Event planner for several owner groups, and avid
Day Job: Full time flight instructor for PA46 entrepreneur & corporate pilot
motorcycle enthusiast.

SUMMER 2010 4 M MOPA

SUMMER 2010 5 M MOPA
 M•MOPA
Letter from the Editor
Jeff Schweitzer

Annual Exam
efforts and a willingness to question all While I miraculously seem to get younger
assumptions, the Board has taken an every year, my airplane does not. And with
entirely fresh look at what our members age comes (so I am told) an ever-growing
need and want. All of this will be evident number of small infirmities and failed
at the convention. We will, by the way, parts. Hey, I’m talking about the airplane.
reinstitute airport day based on popular My 1996 airframe is no longer a spring
demand. chicken. The old girl made that abundantly
clear last year when my windshield heat
Please share this issue with your significant failed, leading to an unexpected and most
other so that I can rightly claim to have one unwelcome $25,000 expense, all a sad
more reader. As a side benefit, once your consequence of the aging process.
spouse’s imagination has been captured
by the luxurious embrace of the Ritz- So, as do most of you, I maintain my
Carlton, island life, white sand beaches aircraft to the highest possible standards,
and tons of shopping, you will be unable including an extensive inspection every
to weasel out of the trip without incurring 100 hours. With some surprise then
spousal wrath. So you’ll go. And we want did I find that my annual resulted in 55
Amelia Island, Florida: you there. separate action items. Most were fairly
MMOPA’s Twentieth trivial and simply reflect normal wear and
Anniversary Low and Dry tear on parts with limited lifetimes. But a
few really caught my attention. These are
With a weird sense of déjà vu I approached taken verbatim from the work order:
You probably believe that you hold in your
hand a humble aviation magazine. Like the Fredericksburg, Texas, airport (T82)
for a weekend of flying and ground school • Hydraulic fluid is standing under aft
me, you might wonder obsessively why
with the MMOPA Safety and Training cabin door; degree fitting o-ring is
the publication has not already garnered
Foundation. Like last year, the field was leaking at hydraulic pump
all possible top literary prizes. Perhaps,
reporting below minimums, this time with • “B” nut is leaking on LH fuel pump
too, like me, you wake up in a clammy
overcast ceilings at 200 feet and ¼ mile outlet line
sweat every night lamenting the dreadful
visibility. The lowest approach, a GPS • LH fuel sump valve is leaking fluid
fate of a neglected editor born to greatness
RNAV with an advisory glideslope, goes to • LH brake wheel is leaking fluid
but relegated to the forgotten corners of
682 feet. That is not a good match. Willie • Break reservoir cap is cracked
history, tragically obscured by the weight
of anonymity. What? No? Well, I thought Sutton explained that he robbed banks
because that is where the money is; well, You would think that some of these would
we might have had a shared experience.
I shoot approaches because that is where be obvious during a pre-flight. But I never
Alrighty-then, moving along…so anyway,
the fog lies, and behind that my desired saw leaking fluid (hydraulic or fuel) from
my point was before you distracted me
destination. So I shot the approach. Not any source. The floor of my hangar is bone
that you grasp between your fingers right
even close. At 682 feet all I saw was dry and clean, and no tell-tale glistening
now not merely an award-winning-worthy
cloud, not even a slight discoloration of surfaces were ever evident during any
periodical but instead your new passport
land below; and that did not change as I preflight. I look at but do not remove the
to adventure and opportunity. Because in
leveled out until the MAP shortly thereafter. cap on the brake reservoir before every
this issue we invite you to explore Amelia
So missed I went, yet again, and circled at flight, but never noticed a crack.
Island, Florida, where MMOPA will hold
its 20th anniversary annual gathering on UCETI. Once there I decided to hang out
for about 30 minutes to see if conditions I do not take kindly to leaking hydraulic fluid
October 27-30, 2010. I provide the dates
might improve. I have to say that with and fuel! I shudder to think what happens
now so we can initiate the annual process
GPSS, no more skill is needed to enter to an airplane seen only at intervals of one
of repeating them thirty times before fewer
and fly a hold. I guess that is a good thing. year, which is perfectly legal for Part 91.
than half of our members ask, “So when is
Shockingly, conditions did not improve, What this annual brought home is the fact
the convention this year?” C’mon, admit
so after drawing racetracks in the sky for that our complex aircraft really require
it; you’ve done it. I know this seems
an eternity I returned to Austin, picked up constant, continuous maintenance to
radical, but the “planners” among you
my car, and drove back to Fredericksburg. remain truly squawk free. Since that is not
might consider marking the calendar.
Upon my return the sky was clear with practical, we choose maintenance intervals
unlimited visibility. My timing is nothing that are hopefully shorter in duration than
For the big 20 year celebration, we
if not exceptional. All in all, the 80 mile the average frequency of parts wearing
are making significant changes to the
trip took me more than six hours by car out and systems failing. Clearly, no matter
meeting, as I discuss in the pre-convention
and plane, for an average speed 13 mph. how well we maintain our airplanes, we
article. Based on your survey responses,
I stand in awe of the incredible efficiency can never get complacent. Flying an
feedback from past meetings, an honest
of my travels. aluminum tube with hundreds of moving
evaluation of wins and losses from past
parts through a hostile environment at

SUMMER 2010 6 M MOPA

250 knots causes wear and tear. Nuts get was nothing but myth no more real than a tiny bit. So I had a 100 knot headwind
loose, hoses and seals leak, parts wear unicorns. But there she was, pushing me all the way back home. I was so terribly
down, avionics fail mysteriously. If I ever along to yield a ground speed of about close to experiencing that ever elusive
considered, in moments of weakness, 350 knots. Since my wife Sally and I would scenario of having a tailwind stronger than
extending by just a wee bit past 100 hours, be at Amelia, and then the Bahamas, for my headwind. Yet so far. Oh well.
I will no longer have those bad thoughts one week, I was finally in perfect position
cross my mind. That is probably the to experience a tailwind greater than a MMOPA News
longest interval we should allow between headwind on a round trip. In my 4000-
visits to the maintenance shop. plus hours and 20 years of flying, I have In this issue, with Dick Rochfort’s inaugural
never experienced that scenario. Now column we have re-christened Aviation
This annual also afforded me the for me to break the jinx all that needed to News under the new title of MMOPA
opportunity to install a g-meter in the happen was a small shift in the Jet Stream News. The name change is meant to
panel and widen the tail cone holes. Both pattern. I was fully confident that such a reflect a significant shift in emphasis. Dick
are highly recommended by a certain shift would occur for the following reason. will include not only accident reports from
unnamed CFI (lives in Vero Beach, initials Every single time I fly west to California our fleet, but also any other news items
J.M., of Italian heritage) who harassed me from Austin, I hit the expected headwind. that meet the test of relevancy for PA46
incessantly to do both. Then even if I return the next day I no drivers and that will remain important in
longer have the benefit of those winds to the time frame of a quarterly magazine.
So Close push me; instead the pattern has shifted Given that we publish every three months,
to create much lighter winds or even a you will certainly have read most of the
The time is nigh once again for me to headwind on my return. That pattern news previously; what this column offers
whine, pout, complain, and in general holds whenever I fly west on my first round uniquely is a coherent summary of the
throw immature tantrums about the trip leg. So I reasonably expected that the most important developments over the
injustice of it all. I begin with good news. same pattern change frequency would previous quarter. I hope this serves not
On my way to Amelia Island from Austin, be seen when first flying east round trip. only as a reminder of significant events but
Texas, to gather information and take After all Mother Nature does not know also as an opportunity to see connecting
photos for this issue, I experienced the where I’m flying when she’s planning her threads between stories that might not
joy of a 100 knot tailwind. Yes dear friend weather mischief for the week. But I was have been obvious when they were first
you read that correctly, a tailwind. I was wrong. Over the week the Jet Stream held breaking. Enjoy.
beginning to believe that such an animal rock steady, not changing its pattern even

SUMMER 2010 7 M MOPA

SUMMER 2010 8 M MOPA
SUMMER 2010 9 M MOPA
 Piper Perspective
Piper Momentum

Kevin J. Gould
President & CEO

Since my last column, we have with Hawker Beechcraft Corp. (formerly including the company’s legacy, its
continued to make great headway. From Raytheon Aircraft Company), where he commitment to recruiting and maintaining
improvements in projected sales to held positions of increasing responsibility, a committed and talented management
engineering progress and from product including President of Global Customer and engineering team and Piper’s strong
improvement to new hires, we have Service and Support and President financial stability resulting from its recent
been moving forward on every front. As of Beechcraft. On the dealer side, he acquisition by Imprimis.
I write this column, we are gearing up for held several senior sales and executive
some major announcements at our news positions with Piedmont Hawthorne “One of the main reasons I was attracted
conference scheduled for the opening Aviation, Inc., culminating in his to Piper is because I love their products
day of Sun ‘n Fun, Tuesday, April 13. appointment as Senior Vice President after and really believe they  are the right
serving as Vice President of Aircraft Sales aircraft for these times,” he said in
By the time you read this, the news will and in other management positions for announcing his decision to join the
have been out. You will already know Piedmont Hawthorne Aviation/Piedmont Piper team. “No other  general aviation
about much of it, unless you haven’t been Aviation Services. manufacturer has such a comprehensive
reading the General Aviation press. But lineup of  single-engine aircraft in every
what you may not know is the context: A graduate of Oklahoma State University, class, ranging from  a  great looking LSA
what do these announcements mean for where he earned his B.S. and an M.B.A. PiperSport clear up to the very cool and
Piper and our customers? in Marketing, Randy is an instrument- affordable  Meridian turboprop.  We also
rated commercial pilot and has logged have the trusted and respected Seminole
Well, let me begin with the announcements, more than 10,000 accident-free hours in and Seneca V workhorse twins.  And I
as well as a few other recent developments his 40 years of flying, 18 of those years as can’t wait to get involved with the PiperJet,
at Piper. Then I’ll put it into context. an aircraft owner. He also worked his way which will provide our customers with truly
through the university as a flight instructor breakthrough performance, comfort and
Randy Groom, Executive and charter pilot, and was the youngest efficiency.”
flight instructor for the U.S. Air Force at
Vice President age 19. On the product front, we also have lots to
point to.  First is a major offering for our
First, the most exciting news inside the Randy`s extensive experience and superb flagship aircraft, a segment near and dear
company recently is that Randy Groom track record in general aviation are the to your hearts: the PA46 line.
is our new Executive Vice President. His credentials that we looked for in filling
primary focus will be on Sales, Marketing this strategic position. Randy knows the
and Customer Support. A highly Enhanced Vision
business from both sides of the aisle. As
respected veteran of the industry, Randy a seasoned corporate executive and a
comes with a broad range of experience As announced at Sun ‘n Fun, we have
professional with extensive dealership selected Forward Vision Systems’ EVS-
in both OEM and distribution worlds, in all experience, he has the breadth of
more than 36 years of leadership roles in 100 and EVS-600 Enhanced Vision
knowledge and experience that are vital Systems (EVS) for installation on our
general aviation.  to Piper`s growth strategy. Perhaps most Piper Malibu, Matrix and Mirage models.
important, we want you, our customers, Moreover, in addition to offering this
Randy comes to Piper from Groom to know that Randy’s addition to the team
Aviation, LLC, a company he founded technology as an option on all new
is further evidence of our commitment versions of those PA46 models, Piper and
and that has worked with a wide variety to providing you with industry-leading
of general aviation businesses.  At Groom Forward Vision will be teaming up to offer
customer support. STC-approved systems for Malibu, Matrix
Aviation, he and his team provided
customers with both strategic and tactical and Mirage aircraft in service worldwide.
I also think it’s worth noting why Randy Piper will also offer an optional system on
guidance to make the most out of existing decided to join us. Frankly, it’s an
markets and to uncover new markets  to new Piper Meridians, as well as an STC-
indication of how far we’ve come. approved system for Meridians already in
maximize business performance. In
addition, Randy’s extensive experience service, once an EVS is certified to address
Randy said his decision to join Piper the Meridian’s higher performance
includes senior executive positions centered on a number of key factors, envelope (maximum approved altitude of

SUMMER 2010 10 M MOPA

30,000 feet in particular). EVS systems, To give you a sense of what kind of known for their reputation as rugged,
commonly known as infrared or thermal passion and enthusiasm the PiperSport is reliable and proven aircraft.  Last year we
imaging cameras, present a real-time generating, let me give you a few quotes built 13 trainer aircraft; this year it will be
picture outside the cockpit to offer pilots a from the owners of our first delivered close to 100.
view that penetrates haze, fog, smoke and aircraft: three men who bought the first  
precipitation eight to 10 times farther than PiperSport together. The owners, all from G500 and G1000
the unaided human eye. It requires no Miami, Florida, are Charlie Carlon, 62, a
programming or interpretation and permits 20,000-plus former Delta Airlines Pilot who Also on the product front, the G500 is
pilots to see animals or unlit obstacles works for Airbus North America as a CFI/ now available on the Archer, and soon
during nighttime taxi and takeoff. CFII teaching pilots how to fly the Airbus on the Piper Warrior and Seminole. And
via simulation; Brian Garhammer, 52, a later this year we will offer the G600 on
In flight, pilots can use EVS to avoid 16,000-plus former ATA pilot, who also the Piper Seneca.  These are excellent,
clouds, fly between layers, and note works for Airbus North America as a CFI/ capable systems that carry most of the
detailed ground features out of the night CFII teaching pilots how to fly the Airbus functionality of G1000 at a more affordable
landscape. EVS offers daytime safety via simulation; and Dr. Mike Morduant, 62, price.  And they lead the way to the PA46
advantages as well, allowing a clearer a veterinarian and a pilot for 42 years. line, and presumably, more membership
view to the pilot in reduced visibility such for MMOPA. With our three flagship PA46
as smoke, haze or even thin fog. The All of them cited useful load, construction, models, the Matrix, Mirage and Meridian,
Forward Vision EVS 100 provides pilots ramp appeal and range as deciding all are now available with G1000, in
with an infrared 40-degree by 30-degree factors in making the purchase. Here’s addition to what I told you previously
field of view, while the EVS 600 adds to what they said: about Forward Vision.
that the ability to distinguish visible light
fused to the infrared image and presenting Charlie Carlon, who first flew the
both on the display. What does that mean? PiperSport at its debut in Sebring at the PiperJet
More capability, more sophistication, LSA show: “Both Brian and I are retired
better performance. Those are the key airline pilots and this aircraft gives us the At the same time,  PiperJet development
words and the commitment we have to chance to enjoy aviation in a different light continues at a rapid pace.   We’ve hired
our customers when it comes to product than we have in the last 25 years. At the 70 engineers over the past four months
enhancement. same time, Dr. Mike has been working and completed Preliminary Design
with Brian and me on his IR rating and Review last month. The aircraft is right on
Our focus is on meeting and exceeding like us believes this is one of the standout schedule to meet all performance, weight,
the wants and needs of our customers airplanes in the LSA (segment). I’ve had and cost targets.  Now we begin detailed
at every level, and we do that in part by a passion for aviation since I was a boy, design and production of conforming test
providing the very best technology our and this plane speaks to that passion. It’s aircraft, with first deliveries still slated for
industry has to offer. Piper supports EVS fun to fly. “ early 2013.
technology as a substantial improvement  
in the safety of flight and situational Brian Garhammer: “The airplane is sexy. Moving Forward
awareness. Forward Vision’s EVS virtually You can go out and buy a BMW or a
turns darkness into daylight, giving pilots PiperSport for about the same amount of We’re also hiring again in manufacturing
a real-time, real-world view of what’s in money. But who wants a BMW when you and other areas. In total Piper has hired
front of the airplane, both on the ground can have a PiperSport? Oh, and another back 240 people from our recessionary
and in the air. thing, the plane runs on alternative fuel lows. Even better news is that we’re not
(read: automotive fuel).” done. Beyond the factory floor, we’re
PiperSport looking to hire in marketing, human
Dr. Mike Morduant, who flew the PiperSport resources and information technology as
Elsewhere on the product front, the many times in its first incarnation as the well.
PiperSport is coming on strong. With SportCruiser: “I liked it from the get-go;
the PiperSport, we have entered what is it’s all-metal, conventional construction, Much of these gains are due to help from
undeniably one of the most exciting market its useful load, its range and the fact that our parent company, Imprimis, in making
segments in general aviation: the Light when my son and I sat in it, we weren’t headway in the Asian market. We have
Sport Aviation Segment. The PiperSport crushing elbows. When I flew it, I really made breaking into the Asian market
is an amazing entry-level aircraft that loved it. I was so happy to see that Piper a top priority, and to that end, we have
will bring new customers into Piper and agreed with me (and went on to license formed Piper Aircraft Asia, Sdn Bhd, with
lead the way for those customers to step the PiperSport distribution).” headquarters in Brunei Darussalam. The
up into more sophisticated and higher result has been significant fleet sales in
performance aircraft within our line over Trainers Australia and throughout the Pacific Rim,
time. To date, we have received our first as well as ongoing plans to establish a
units from the factory and, by the time you As for trainer aircraft, Piper recently flight training academy in Brunei (requests
read this, will have made our first delivery renewed its support of the trainer market for Proposals are out now, with decisions
at Sun ‘n Fun. with the Piper Warrior and Piper Seminole, cont. page 12 ►

SUMMER 2010 11 M MOPA

 Piper Perspective
(continued)

expected soon). Last year trainers were of people, many of whom are friends and customer support. We are not content to
15 percent of our total mix; this year they neighbours who were laid off when sales follow. We are committed to grow and
are going to be about 50 percent, much dropped dramatically. lead and give you our very best.
of it driven by growth in the Asian market,
especially with fleet sales for flight training Today our game plan is focused. Our
schools. strategic vision encompasses every
front, from product development and
That is all against the background of our engineering through marketing, sales and
expectation that we will see an increase in
overall sales by more than 50 percent in
2010 from the 90 planes sold in 2009.

We’ve all been through a very difficult

period in the wake of the recession, but no
one has had it worse than those who lost
their jobs when the economy came to a
standstill.  We were forced to reduce staff
as aircraft orders declined, but we were
committed from the beginning to bringing
people back to work as soon orders
began increasing.  Our growth strategy
has enabled our business to grow and
come back strong in recent months, and
the resulting rise in demand has made it
possible for us to bring back hundreds

SUMMER 2010 12 M MOPA

SUMMER 2010 13 M MOPA
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SUMMER 2010 15 M MOPA
 Note from the President
MMOPA Board Meeting

Jonathan Sisk

Jon is an entrepreneur, presently the founder and CEO of Audio Authority Corp in Lexington, Kentucky, an
electronics manufacturing company that he started in 1976. Audio Authority designs and manufactures
a variety of specialized electronics to help retailers demonstrate home entertainment products, plus an
audio-video intercom for drive-up banking and pharmacies. Jon began flying in 1979 to visit customers
all over the US. He has owned a single-engine Commander, Piper Turbo Saratoga, Cessna 335 twin, and
a Piper Malibu Mirage since 1998. “The Malibu design represents the perfect balance of speed, size,
comfort, and economy. That it is still contemporary and relevant in today’s market is a tribute to Piper
and the original PA46 design team. They really got it right! From 2001-2009, Jon also was the owner of
Enhanced Flight Group, an aviation modification business specializing in performance STCs and upgrades
for the PA46 Malibu series aircraft. For fun, Jon and his wife Diana (a Piper Dakota pilot) enjoy flying to
Deerfield Resort (TN44) in Tennessee with their 4 parrots (surrogate grandkids) to enjoy the mountains,
boating on Norris Lake, and the aviation community there.
Jon can be reached at [email protected] or 859-351-5429.

In addition to the membership meeting at a candid, constructive dialog will enhance meantime, MMOPA has established direct
our annual convention, the MMOPA Board the many interests we have in common, communications at the highest levels
of Directors assembles every spring for to the association’s benefit. This year’s within Piper to provide feedback from our
a mid-term business meeting, an all- meeting was the first ever attended by members and repair facilities when things
day Saturday gathering held at a hotel Piper’s President and CEO. I appreciate are not going well.
convenient to a hub airport to mitigate Piper elevating its level of participation
travel expenses. Since the convention, and making MMOPA’s affairs a corporate Ombudsman and Advocacy
the MMOPA Board and committees had priority.
met many times online and by telephone. After Kevin’s presentation and discussion,
But even with today’s high tech resources, I arranged our agenda such that areas I reported on the several member
eliminating all face-to-face meetings is of interest for both MMOPA and Piper advocacy issues in play. In preparation for
just not possible, or desirable. Some could be addressed first, after which our meeting, I had solicited feedback from
discussions and brainstorming cannot Kevin had to fly back to VRB. Kevin made members and selected repair facilities
happen any other way. I would like to a presentation that included updates on on the effectiveness of replacement fuel
acknowledge and thank all of our volunteer Piper’s current business situation, their senders for the piston PA46s. I am happy
directors who gave up their weekend to response to the global recession, updates to report that the data from those who
participate in this marathon event. on new products, and how their expansion have installed the upgrade is universally
into Asia would impact their business. positive, both with the parts and the
This year’s Board meeting was lively with Some of that information is in this issue’s quality of installation.
debate. Every topic seemed to stimulate Piper Perspective, so I will not repeat that
questions, discussion, suggestions, ideas, news here. I also asked respondents to report any
and solutions. You can be proud of all our other service difficulties or issues that they
directors for their personal commitment to Understanding Aviall wanted me to bring to Piper’s attention.
the well being of the association. Several provided well-documented lists
We learned a great deal in hearing a of issues and I was able to provide these
Piper Participation helpful background behind Piper’s directly to Piper. Kevin explained that he had
decision to integrate all replacement created a special cross-department team
On April 10, we met at the Embassy parts delivery through Aviall. I think I called RACE (Reliability and Customer
Suites in Charlotte, NC. Present of course can summarize by stating that the Aviall Experience) to compile, research and
were our directors and staff, but I also transition is strategically necessary for act on these issues, assigning highest
invited Kevin Gould, President and CEO Piper, but during the transition of several priority to those items that affect the
of Piper Aircraft, to send a non-voting months there will be some pain. Aviall largest number of the fleet. He gave us his
representative as well. I give our Past has collected and analyzed Piper’s parts assurance that Piper would address these
President, Jim Yankaskas, great credit transactions for the past several years issues as part of their larger strategy to
for starting this tradition. The Board and invested many millions in purchasing improve the ownership experience.
meeting is a great opportunity for the a much larger inventory of parts based on
directors and Piper to work together, what the data teaches. Until these parts 20th Anniversary Convention
learn from each other, and clear the air orders are filled by Piper and put into the
of any misunderstandings. Both MMOPA Aviall distribution system, there will be Planning
and Piper understand that there will some difficulties. Piper believes that well
always remain some areas in which our before the end of the year, the situation Progress on planning the next convention
interests conflict, and obviously each will have dramatically improved and is always a big subject at each mid-term
organization remains fully independent of we can anticipate a much better flow of meeting. The Board and its committees
the other. That said, we also realize that replacement parts than in the past. In the have made a huge effort this year to

SUMMER 2010 16 M MOPA

accelerate the planning process and get As part of an early bird registration recurrent training to make you a safer
everything in place early to make your program, everyone who registers before pilot. The stats bear this out. I encourage
convention experience the best ever. Jeff September 30 to attend the convention all MMOPA members to take advantage of
Schweitzer has an excellent convention will automatically be entered to win the this incredible resource. Did I mention the
preview article in this issue, so look there following: meetings are fun, too?
for details about the resort and things to
do at Amelia Island, FL, October 27-30. • FREE registration for two; Welcome, Manny Casiano
If you have not already put this event on • FREE deluxe suite accommodations at
your schedule for this fall, please do so the Ritz-Carlton; Among the general business was the
right now. You do not want to miss it. • FREE convention shirts and hats; Board’s unanimous appointment of
• More free stuff from our sponsors! Manny Casiano as a director to serve out
Piper Onboard as the remaining term of John Kihm, who
Convention Sponsor Expanded Role for MMOPA recently resigned. Manny has a record
Website of significant volunteer contributions to
In March, Bill Alberts, our Convention the association, having served on the
Coordinator, and I submitted a proposal Tom Kieffer, our Vice President and also convention Academic Programming
to Piper Aircraft to participate in the 2010 our website manager, presented a pre- Committee, as well as presenting top-
Convention as our exclusive Gold level release version of our next-gen website. rated accident analysis and safety reviews
sponsor. The Board was pleased to hear Like other organizations, our website will at past conventions. We are fortunate
from Kevin Gould that Piper had accepted become the central point of contact and to have him onboard. Jim Yankaskas,
our invitation. Having this decision early transaction processing. Our goal is to Chair of our Nominating Committee
will allow MMOPA and Piper the necessary have the new website operational in time reported that recommendations would be
time to plan well and optimize the value of to process all event registrations online, solicited from the membership for the two
our convention for you. I have encouraged as well as all membership application remaining vacancies on the Board, and
Piper to have on static display all the PA46 and renewals. Other changes include those selected will be nominated at the
models, plus the new PiperSport and improved forum capabilities, a new upcoming convention business meeting.
PiperJet prototype. We are also planning directory of member resources, a MMOPA The Board also voted to increase the
more factory involvement one-on-one with online store, and an expanded section scheduled time for our next membership
members to discuss any and all product for Safety and Training information. In meeting to 1.5 hours, in response to your
concerns during the convention. the meantime, you can help anticipate feedback from the 2009 convention.
the transition by updating your member
Academic Programming profile, paying special attention to make Headed for Home
sure that we have your correct email
Under the leadership of Bart Barlett, this address. In the future, more and more of
year’s academic committee is off to an our communication will be email and text
early start and presented its schedule messages.
of speakers and topics. We’re excited
to report that Dr. Key Dismukes, Chief Safety and Training
Scientist for Human Factors at NASA Ames Foundation
has agreed to provide the Hyman Lecture
this year. Dr. Dismukes has conducted Another guest at this year’s meeting
over 30 years of primary research into was Mark Swatek, a past President
human factors and is well versed in general of MMOPA and currently serving as
aviation (he flies a RANS kit plane). We President of the Malibu Mirage Safety
are also excited about an in-depth course and Training Foundation (MMSTF). Mark
on radar to be presented by Eric Eliel, a We began our meeting at 8 am and, with
presented an update on the foundation’s a one-hour break for lunch, ended just
nationally-known speaker on the subject. training activities for both PA46 pilots
Other topics include WAAS, Glass Panel before 6 pm. I can safely say that everyone
and mechanics. These enhancement was worn out, but left with a feeling of
Challenges, Icing and Turbulence, a seminars are conducted in different
PA-46 Safety Review, Airport Day, type- accomplishment and optimism. We also
geographic regions of the country for the all left with a long list of action items.
specific owner’s meetings, surviving an convenience of our members. There was
FAA enforcement action, companion flight Several of us gathered that evening at the
a lively discussion about enhancing future hotel restaurant and enjoyed a relaxing
training, and iPad flight planning. We’ve curricula, involving more instructors, and
got an excellent program lined up and dinner together before leaving the North
gaining the participation of more MMOPA Carolina hills and heading back home on
hope you will join us members. The Board voted to continue Sunday morning.
funding the foundation to underwrite
May I have the envelope, these noble endeavors. On a personal
please! note, I attended a session in February
at Fredericksburg, TX, and can attest to
This year, some lucky MMOPA member the excellent quality of these events. The
will attend our convention for FREE! sessions go well beyond required annual

SUMMER 2010 17 M MOPA

 A Preconvention Tour

History and Color in the South. Over time, the island of relative tranquility, the seeds of the
has been valued as English plantation island’s long struggle were planted in
land, international port, playground for 1562, when Frenchman Jean Ribault
We are not the first to arrive on this
pioneers and pirates (yes, real pirates), landed on the “Isle de Mai” (Island of May)
southernmost barrier island. Amelia is for
Civil War fortress, tourist Mecca, terminus to plant the first European flag. Spain,
good reason known as the “Isle of Eight
of Florida’s first cross-state railroad, too, fell in love and became intent on
Flags” to reflect the odd fact that this is
and birthplace of the modern shrimping Christianizing the natives of “Santa Maria”
the only community in America to have
industry. when Pedro Menendez de Aviles drove
experienced life under eight different
out the French in 1565. That is until they
banners of dominion. The island’s rich
While attention from so many suitors swapped Florida with England for Havana
history embodies the endless struggle
and such adoration and constant pursuit in 1763. After the swap, British loyalists
spanning across more than four centuries
would spoil most, Amelia’s character and established plantations for the King and
to control this tiny but highly treasured
charisma has only been strengthened, named the island “Amelia” after Princess
land mass. During the 16th century,
making her just as irresistible today as 400 Amelia, daughter of King George II. Admit
France, Spain, and Britain competed
years ago. The lady has matured today it; you thought the island was named after
mightily to extend their claims for land and
into a beautiful and charming seaport Earhart.
riches to the newly discovered shores of
villa characterized by stately Victorian-era
North America, with Amelia standing as a
architecture steeped in quaint Southern Youthful Indiscretions
constant bone of contention. Locals now
hospitality.
say that the French visited, the Spanish
Most tourists today are unaware of
developed, the English named, and the
Love at First Sight Amelia’s checkered past, when she
American tamed. The island’s other
was little more than a playground for
rulers would eventually include Mexico,
Even the European explorers of the smugglers, pirates and other ruffians,
the Patriots of Amelia Island, the Green
1600s were late comers. Long before, all fighting for her considerable charms.
Cross of Florida, and the Confederates.
as far back as 4000 years ago, ancient Even considering the island’s rich history,
Timucuan Indians occupied the area, clearly the most colorful period began
Crucial for shipping routes and global
praising the attributes of what they named during Thomas Jefferson’s Embargo
power struggles, Amelia was prized
Napoyca, which they occupied into the Act of 1807, when the island defined the
foremost as the deepest natural harbor
late 1600s. Following these millennia border between Spanish Florida and

SUMMER 2010 18 M MOPA

 Clinch, an important figure in Florida’s the Gulf of Mexico with a railway system
Seminole War of the 1830s. Construction was the foundation for the plan that
began in 1847 and continued during eventually saved shippers the long and
the Civil War, but was never completed. costly trip across the treacherous Florida
Occupied by Confederate forces when the straits.
war began in 1861, it was taken by federal
troops when a withdrawal was ordered A Shrimp Industry of Jumbo Proportions
by General Robert E. Lee just one year
later. The garrison operation was greatly In the early 20th century, already
reduced in the years following the Civil established as a transportation hub,
War and eventually ceased altogether. Amelia Island became the birthplace
In 1898, the fort was reactivated for of the modern shrimping industry.
several months during the Spanish- Innovators replaced rowboats and cast
American War. In 1935, the state of Florida nets with power driven seines and otter
purchased the then-abandoned fort and trawls. Laden shrimp trawlers return today
surrounding 256 acres. Other than a to the downtown docks, usually backlit
brief period during World War II when the with a brilliant sunset and encouraged on
facility served as a communications and by an enthusiastic audience of onlookers.
security post, the land purchase marked Nearly 80 percent of Florida’s intake of
the beginning of a program that led sweet Atlantic white shrimp is harvested
eventually to the establishment of the first from Amelia Island’s waters. The Burbank
and finest state park in Florida. Formally Trawl Makers, known locally as The Net
opened to the public in 1938, Fort Clinch House, is still one of the world’s largest
State Park offers pristine beaches, trails, producers of hand-sewn shrimp nets. As
ponds, salt marshes and the island’s you might expect the island’s most popular
only campgrounds. Civil War buffs will annual event is the historic Isle of Eight
appreciate the authentic re-enactments Flags Shrimp Festival. Each year more
held the first weekend of each month. A than 100,000 locals and visitors gather
six mile trail through the park takes hikers to celebrate Amelia Island’s livelihood
and bicyclists to a view of the biggest with parades, fireworks, contests, and of
sand dunes in Florida. course, fresh seafood.

Historic District The Ritz-Carlton

The historic district in the local town of Named one of the Condé Nast Top
Fernandina Beach began to grow during Resorts, the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island
the post-Civil War era as soldiers and offers luxury guest accommodations
American territory. With all U.S. ports their families returned to build homes nestled comfortably on a property that
closed to foreign shipping, the island’s and businesses. The picturesque 52- spans across 26 acres of courtyards,
Spanish harbor of Fernandina became block downtown is now home to a unique gardens and an inviting white sand
the nation’s smuggling center for slaves, collection of independently owned shops beach. The resort in fact is one of only
liquor and foreign luxuries. The area and restaurants housed in multi-colored a handful in the United States that offers
now known as Old Town once attracted brick buildings, most dating from late both beach and golf, along of course with
racketeers from around the world. The 1800s. Bricked walkways lined with gas tennis, swimming, horseback riding, fine
bluff overlooking the San Carlos Military lantern replicas light the way to the marina, and casual dining, a world-class spa, and
Site was lined with bordellos. Eventually a focal point of the district. Local housing an ocean view from every one of the 444
Amelia’s town of Fernandina was forced includes 450 ornate Victorians that were guest rooms, each of which has a private
to clean up when the territory was ceded built prior to 1927, many of which are balcony. From these rooms through a
to the United States in 1821. This unruly listed on the National Register of Historic short hallway our convention attendees
past was eventually forgiven and is often Places. will have access to the more than 32,000
forgotten: her rehabilitation was complete square feet of meeting space, including
when Amelia Island was named “Queen Always a Railroad Tie the spectacular new $22 million, 14,000
of Summer Resorts” in an 1896 issue of sq. ft. Talbot ballroom.
American Resorts. The magazine claimed Amelia Island was first bypassed when
that nearly 50,000 wealthy northerners had industrialist Henry Flagler extended his Golf
voyaged from New York to Fernandina growing network of railroad tracks to lure
on the Mallory Steamship Line, making tourists to more southern cities along Amelia Island is home to 117 holes of
Amelia Island Florida’s first true tourist Florida’s east coast. In doing so, Flagler stunning, award-winning, world-class golf.
destination. spared the island from mass modernization To MMOPA members of particular interest
and protected the enduring Victorian will be The Golf Club of Amelia Island at
A Few Wars Later feel. But in 1890, David Yulee, another Summer Beach, which is Amelia Island’s
transportation magnate, later made renowned PGA Tournament Course. The
No island would be worth her salt without Fernandina Port the hub of his shipping 6,696-yards of challenging, beautifully
a fort, and Amelia does her part to uphold and railroad venture, and the beginning of landscaped golf weaves through marshes
tradition. At the far north end stands Fort Florida’s first cross-state railroad. Yulee’s
Clinch, named for General Duncan Lamont idea of connecting the Atlantic Ocean and cont. page 20 ►

SUMMER 2010 19 M MOPA

 and lakes, putting water in play on 14
holes. Guests of The Ritz-Carlton enjoy
playing privileges, as well as full access
to The Golf Club’s practice range, two
putting greens, pro shop and clubhouse.

Adult Playground

After a round of golf, go from turf to

surf, literally. The gentle breaks off the
Northeast Florida coast are perfect
training grounds for a novice wave rider.
Then pick up a kayak to experience the
unspoiled natural beauty of the Intracoastal
Waterway. Tennis lessons anyone? If
not tired enough yet, take the American
Beach Bike Tour through Amelia Island’s
oldest and most historic neighborhoods.
Or if vigorous cardio is more to your liking
complete the Island 5K along tree-shaded
pathways with tranquil ocean views, or
visit the well-equipped fitness center.
After all the exertion you can always relax
on the beach with complementary chairs,
towels, and beach umbrellas.

Dining

The resort is host to the expected number

of fine restaurants, but the experience
does not end there. You have probably
not yet enjoyed a meal quite like what
you will experience at Salt, the signature
restaurant on the island. Salt is one of
the few theme restaurants that actually
make sense. Salt refers to the barrier
island location, between the Atlantic and
intracoastal salt marshes, as well as the
restaurant’s development of multiple
dozens of specialized infused salts like
black garlic, chipotle pepper, citrus and
chocolate, along with pure natural salts
from around the globe. Chef de Cuisine
Richard Gras offers a Chef’s Adventure
Menu, and each dish is paired expertly
with the appropriate salt. This was one
of the best meals that Sally and I have
experienced, easily comparable to our
dinner at Georges V in Paris a few months
ago, at one-fifth the cost. Aficionados will
appreciate the selection of over 500 fine
wines.

Nothing, however, will prepare you for one

of the most unusual dining experiences
of your life when you opt for “A Seat in
the Kitchen” that takes you behind the
scenes at Salt as you enjoy a customized,
gourmet 10-course meal of exotic flavors
and textures. As of this writing, the cost
is $175 per person, or $275 if paired with
wine. Sally and I threw caution to the
wind and dove in. We immediately knew
the experience would be worth every
penny. A small intimate room suited for
one or two couples sits behind a glass

SUMMER 2010 20 M MOPA

 partition that allows for quite conversation
while viewing the kitchen’s main lines,
and everything that happens to make
every order a reality. Participants are
encouraged to get up between courses
and mingle with the chefs as they work
their magic. No matter how busy, the
chefs and staff happily explain everything
happening at the moment, their strategies
for the evening and thoughts on how best
to prepare various types of food. The food
served for our 10 courses was nothing
short of spectacular, created between
the controlled frenzy of preparations to fill
orders from the main dining room. The
flavors in each course were sumptuously
unique. Chef Richard offers personalized
cooking classes to small groups if you
want to pursue the experience further.

The Spa

Named one of the top spas in the world

by Condé Nast Traveler, the Spa at Ritz-
Carlton Amelia Island offers a complete
menu of massages, body skin treatments,
facials, and the famous Island Honey
Butter Wrap, an aromatic scrub. The Spa
here also has the unique bragging rights
of patenting a new massage technique,
Heaven in a Hammock, a highly unusual
accomplishment in this age-old world of
luxury spas dating back to the Egyptians.
Apparently there is something new
under the sun. The hammock treatment
combines the benefits of “zero gravity”
and massage; you remain fully clothed
and no oils are used. I had the pleasure
of experiencing the hammock adventure
with Stacy Myers, one of the technique’s
inventors, and I highly recommend you
sign up during the convention. The entire
27,000 square foot spa facility is newly
constructed and features 26 treatment
rooms, a couples massage room, men’s,
woman’s and co-ed relaxation lounges,
a deluxe spa suite with private lounge, a
cardio/weight room, and multiple steam
rooms, saunas, whirlpools and an adult-
only spa pool. Spa butlers are always
available to serve refreshing signature
spa beverages and light snacks.

River Cruises
Being an island after all, no visit to
Amelia would be complete without a
tour of the scenic waterways. The River
Cruise tours are fully narrated as you
explore surrounding rivers, the Amelia
Island Lighthouse along Egan’s Creek
and Cumberland Island. Day trippers to
Cumberland can visit the Grayfield Inn,

cont. page 22 ►

SUMMER 2010 21 M MOPA

 which has been operated by Andrew
Carnegie’s descendants since the 1960s.
You will also likely see dolphins frolicking
in the river, and wild horses running the
beach.

Shop and Stroll

Amelia Island is home to an eclectic
collection of local stores, shops, galleries
and boutiques, as well as some familiar
retailers. Centre Street in Fernandina
Beach has successfully avoided the
heavy hand of mass commercialization.
As a consequence, the quaint shopping
district successfully blends local flavor
and modern convenience with its Victorian
past, offering a little something for every
taste. The Shops at Amelia Island
Plantation offer more trendy boutiques
in the midst of shady, moss-draped oaks
and a reflective lagoon. For those looking
for familiar names, Sadler Road is home
to an assortment of new big-brand stores,
including Coldwater Creek, Talbots, and
of course the ubiquitous Starbucks.

Nearby Attractions
Particularly for west coast pilots who
spend little time flying to the other side,
the convention is the perfect opportunity
to visit the Bahamas. You are practically
there. From Amelia Island, the capital
city of Nassau on New Providence is less
than two hours away. Even closer are the
islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco. If
you so desire, minimizing the over-water
legs is easy simply by filing to Vero Beach,
and then across to your destination. You
will be within gliding distance of land
during most of the flight. Since you devour
everything I write, you already know how
to file your eAPIS reports, and how to
contact U.S. Customs on your return back
home. Customs on the Bahamian end is
easy; if you are unfamiliar the entry forms
and process the local FBO at any airport of
entry will gladly walk you through. Warm
weather, crystalline turquoise waters and
luxury accommodations on white sand
beaches are just a short hop away.

Serious Stuff
Historically, about 30% of our convention
attendees are first timers. That is in fact
good news, proving that we continue to
bring in our new members in substantial
numbers. But the bad news, since our total
attendance figures are relatively constant,
is that those same statistics prove equally
that we are not getting enough return
guests. The only explanation is that we
are not providing sufficient value to our

SUMMER 2010 22 M MOPA

 members, who conclude that the time and
money needed to attend are not justified
by the experience. We hear that loud
and clear. We get it, really. Therefore,
we are using the celebration of our 20th
anniversary as the perfect opportunity
to make significant, meaningful changes
from top to bottom that we believe will shift
the dynamics of the convention, making
the event something no PA46 owner
would ever want to miss. The convention
at Amelia Island will be like no other, and
the beginning of a new era in MMOPA’s
history.

We have listened carefully, and no doubt

our members want airport day. And
airport day you shall have, in all of its past
glory. In addition, we know that safety and
education remain our primary missions.
We know that we must do better given
the sad statistics about PA46 accidents,
particularly in comparison to the rest of
general aviation. Consequently, we are
completely revamping the academic
program to better meet that mandate with
high-quality professional presentations by
our community’s most respected experts.
Topics will be specifically targeted to
address our most urgent needs. We will
strive mightily to have no repeat of what
everybody agrees was that one disastrous
presentation last year on what was
supposed to be lessons learned from past
accidents. We will build on the excellent
work of our past academic committee
while learning from the detailed feedback
we have received from members. This
is not idle talk; we are questioning all
assumptions, putting all options on the
table, and are fully dedicated to making
the MMOPA convention the best aviation
gathering in the industry. There is no
reason we cannot achieve that goal. I
hope you will join us on Amelia Island
to be part of this historic event. Let us
together make MMOPA the organization it
should be, and certainly will be with your
participation.

SUMMER 2010 23 M MOPA

SUMMER 2010 24 M MOPA
SUMMER 2010 25 M MOPA
 Aviation News
NEWS FIT TO PRINT
Richard Rochfort
A former corporate pilot and primary flight instructor, Dick is a full-time Master Certified Flight Instructor
providing insurance approved initial and recurrent pilot training in the Piper PA46 Malibu, Mirage, and
Meridian aircraft. He is currently flying over 450 hours per year and trains 60-80 pilots every year exclusively
in these aircraft. He holds multi-engine ATP and Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificates with CFII, MEI and
CE-525S ratings. He has been actively involved in flight training since 1991 and has trained pilots all over
the US, Canada and Europe. Dick is an Aviation Safety Counselor for the FAA Baltimore FSDO, a National
Industry Member of the FAA Safety Team (FAAST) and has conducted hundreds of programs for the
pilot community. He is an instructor for the M/MOPA Safety and Training Foundation and The National
Association of Flight Instructors has designated him Master CFI. Less than 1% of all flight instructors have
earned this designation. Dick served as a Staff Sergeant E6 in the US Army Special Forces from 1970 until
1976 as an A team radio operator, training indigenous personnel in field communications. He worked
from 1976 until 1991 as an industrial engineer training manufacturing personnel for the production
of communication and navigation equipment for US military. His education includes undergraduate
degrees in Clinical Psychology and Engineering and a Masters Degree in Business Administration.
Dick lives in Baltimore, Maryland with his wife and two daughters. He is a PADI Certified Scuba Diving
Instructor, First Aid Instructor and an Eagle Scout.

PIPER AIRCRAFT SELECTS AVIALL 2,000,000 catalog items available through with 100 aircraft in 2008 before the
SERVICES TO DISTRIBUTE PARTS 39 customer service centers in North first aircraft was delivered. Barger has
WORLD-WIDE VERO BEACH, Fla., America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. in addition to his experience at Piper
January 4, 2010 more than 20 years of leadership
  “Aviall’s strategically placed distribution experience in manufacturing, supply
Piper Aircraft today announced the centers worldwide, coupled with its chain and finance roles with diverse
selection of Aviall Services, Inc., a wholly- ability to stock sufficient inventory to companies including Gulfstream,
owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, meet customer needs in a timely fashion, Bridgestone and Texas Instruments.
to be its global parts distributor, providing make it the logical choice for Piper,” said Barger joined Piper in 2005 as
supply chain support for the company’s Zimmerman.  “We expect our customers Corporate Controller. He holds an
global dealer network and individual to see a quantum leap in their ability to get M.B.A. from Auburn University and
customers. the parts they need, when they need them a B.B.A. in Finance from Texas State
and at a price and level of quality that University.
“One of Piper’s primary goals is to enhance reflects Piper’s standards of excellence.”
every facet of our customer service • Dennis D. Olcott, formerly Senior
experience,” said Piper President and PIPER AIRCRAFT ANNOUNCES LEADER- Director of Piper Engineering, is the
CEO Kevin J. Gould.  “Aviall’s extensive SHIP CONSOLIDATION company’s new Vice President of
experience and excellent reputation in VERO BEACH, Fla., November 6, 2009 Engineering. Olcott joined Piper in
parts management and distribution will 2007 and has since held a number of
give our customers world-class service Piper Aircraft today announced that positions of increasing responsibility,
that is fundamental to the total Piper Piper Chief Executive Kevin J. Gould including lead development
experience.” Aviall Services, a unit of will assume the company’s presidency responsibility for the PiperJet and
Aviall, Inc., is based in Dallas. effective December 1, 2009. In addition, other major product innovations.
three other Piper executives have been Olcott earned his B.S. and Ph.D.
  “Piper Aircraft has placed its trust and promoted to vice president positions and (1992) in Mechanical Engineering
confidence in Aviall Services to fulfill one to a senior director position. from Brigham Young University,
this important role in its business,” Paul where he specialized in the dynamic
Fulchino, chairman, president and CEO In announcing the other appointments to behavior of composite structures.
of Aviall Inc., said.  “With certainty, we his executive team, Gould noted that they Prior to completing his doctorate,
at Aviall can say we will provide to Piper are seasoned and experienced executives Olcott worked for LTV Military Aircraft
customers, dealers and service centers whose new responsibilities cover every in their Composites Development
a level of service that is unmatched in facet of the company. The appointments Group, at AIM Aviation performing
our industry.  We look forward to this are effective immediately: structural analysis, and at Cirrus
association with such an exceptional Design, where he was responsible
company as Piper Aircraft.” • Jeff Barger, formerly Senior Director for the design and fabrication of
  of Piper Manufacturing, is Piper’s the wing structure on the ST-50
Derek Zimmerman, Piper’s Vice President new Vice President of Manufacturing turboprop aircraft. Olcott was an early
of Supply Chain and Aftermarket Operations. Barger led the effort to employee of Adam Aircraft, and as
Development, underscored Aviall’s bring to market the Piper Matrix, which Vice-President of Engineering helped
ability to offer customers more than sold out its first year of production launch a new company that achieved

SUMMER 2010 26 M MOPA

 FAA certification on the A500 push- Tools Strategic Business Unit at and the PiperSport LTD (professional
pull twin-engine piston aircraft. Ingersoll Rand; Vice President of model), which sells for $139,900.
A licensed Professional Engineer, Manufacturing Operations at Burns
Olcott holds an FAA Private Pilot Aerospace. She holds an M.S.
license with ASEL and glider ratings. in Operations Management from FAA AWARDS PIPER TYPE CERTIFICATE
He holds patents for aircraft design, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and ORGANIZATION DESIGNATION AUTH-
composite processing, and dynamic a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from ORIZATION
aircraft seats. West Virginia University VERO BEACH, Fla.

• Derek Zimmerman, who joined PIPER ENTERS THE LSA MARKET WITH The FAA has awarded Piper Aircraft,
Piper as Senior Director of Supply THE PiperSport SEBRING, Fla., Jan. 21, Inc. with Type Certificate Organization
Chain in 2006, is the company’s 2010 Designation Authorization (TC-ODA),
new Vice President, Supply Chain which gives Piper the authority to act
and Aftermarket Development. His Piper Aircraft, Inc. announced details and on behalf of the FAA in the approval of
duties at Piper were expanded to unveiled its all-new PiperSport here today. airplane designs and certification to FAA
include Production Control in 2007 Kevin Gould made the announcement standards of airworthiness.
and Senior Director, Aftermarket Part during a news conference held this
Sales and Information Technology, in morning at the Sebring U.S Sport Aviation “We’re honored by the FAA’s recognition
2009. Zimmerman joined Piper after Expo 2010. “With the PiperSport,” Gould of our capabilities and expertise,”
more than 18 years of experience in said, “Piper is entering what is undeniably said Kevin Gould. FAA officials Melvin
supply chain operations with large, one of the most exciting market segments Taylor, Manager of the FAA Atlanta
high-value-added manufacturing in general aviation. This burgeoning Aircraft Certification Office, and Mack
companies operating in a variety segment is becoming vital to our industry Riley, Manager of the FAA Orlando
of industries. He came from the and playing an ever-increasing role Manufacturing Inspection District Office,
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, in developing general aviation’s next presented Gould with an official letter of
where he was the Supply Chain generation of pilots. The PiperSport is an authorization during a ceremony held at
Operations Manager for the main amazing entry-level aircraft that will bring Piper headquarters.
Vehicle Assembly plant in York, PA. new customers into Piper and lead the way
Zimmerman received his M.B.A. from for those customers to step up into more TC-ODA is similar to the previous FAA
Auburn University in 2009 and holds sophisticated and higher performance standard, Delegation Option Authorization
a B.S.B. in International Operations aircraft within our line over time. Moreover, (DOA) that Piper held.  “TC-ODA is one of
from the University of Minnesota. as the only aircraft manufacturer to have the most important authorizations that the
models in every market segment, Piper FAA awards aircraft manufacturers,” said
• Mary Messuti, formerly Piper’s Dir- continues to expand its business model a Piper spokesperson.  “This authorization
ector of Production Engineering, is to ensure that we are in tune with the affirms the FAA’s confidence in Piper’s
the company’s new Senior Director, times and that we meet the needs of our ability to design, develop and certify
Asia, a newly formed position customers at every level.” aircraft.”
with responsibility for successful PIPER OFFERS GARMIN G1000 ON All
development, implementation The PiperSport, manufactured under a PA46 AIRCRAFT VERO BEACH, Fla.,
and management of assigned licensing agreement with Czech Sport November 30, 2009
Asian aviation initiatives. She will Aircraft (CSA) and distributed through
be responsible for the distribution Piper’s master distributor, PiperSport Piper Aircraft today announced that it
of aircraft and parts, ground and Distribution, Inc., is immediately available has certified and will offer as optional
flight training, customer service, for sale, with first deliveries scheduled for equipment the all-glass, fully-integrated
maintenance, and operations; Mes- April. Garmin G1000 avionics suite for the
suti will also oversee coordination Piper Mirage and Piper Matrix aircraft. 
with governmental authorities and The PiperSport features a rate of climb of The expanded offering now extends
ensure that Piper’s Asian avia- 1,200 feet per minute and is capable of deployment of the sophisticated avionics
tion initiatives are in compliance reaching a maximum cruise speed of 138 suite to all of Piper’s top-line, PA46
with applicable civil aviation re- miles per hour and an altitude of 10,000 aircraft.
gulations and other governmental feet. The aircraft has a gross weight of   “Our focus is on meeting and exceeding
requirements in the region. 1,320 pounds and 600 pounds of useful the wants and needs of our customers at
Messuti, who joined Piper in 2007, load. With the ability to run on automotive every level,” said Gould.  “With the G1000
has more than 10 years experience in fuel, the PiperSport’s 30-gallon fuel now available for all PA46 aircraft – the
the aviation industry and 24 years of capacity gives the aircraft a range of 600 Meridian, Mirage and Matrix – we are
business management experience. nautical miles and the ability to refuel providing these remarkable aircraft with
Before joining Piper, Messuti held virtually anywhere in the world that offers avionics that enable them to meet their
senior executive positions with a either 100LL or premium, unleaded full potential.”
number of companies, including automotive fuel. There are three variants  
General Manager, Northeast Divis- of the aircraft: The PiperSport, which sells Garmin’s Synthetic Vision Technology
ion, at GES Exposition Services, for $119,900; the PiperSport LT (primarily (SVT™) will also be offered as standard
Inc.; General Manager, Industrial a training model), which sells for $129,900; on all PA46 aircraft when equipped
cont. page 28 ►

SUMMER 2010 27 M MOPA

 Aviation News
(continued)

with the G1000 option. SVT presents a configuration of late-model Meridian,

3D depiction of terrain, obstacles and The G3000’s large MFD has split-screen Mirage and Matrix, including Entegra,
traffic on the PFD so that the image capability so that two separate vertical Meggitt Magic, and 6-pack-equipped
replicates what pilots would see outside pages may be viewed side-by-side. Pilots aircraft (applies only to 1995 model year
the cockpit on a clear day. SVT includes may simultaneously view maps, charts, and newer, about 933 aircraft). The first
helpful features like a flight path marker TAWS, flight planning, weather or video R9 certification in a PA46 is expected in
(displays projected path of the aircraft), input pages. In addition, aircraft synoptics late 2011.
Pathways (Garmin’s implementation can be graphically depicted on the MFD
of highway-in-the-sky), and unique to help simplify monitoring and speed AVIDYNE EX600 MFD AWARDED AML-
runway highlighting and airport signs. troubleshooting. As with the Garmin STC APPROVAL FOR INSTALLATION IN
  G1000, the G3000 has full reversionary OVER 650 AIRCRAFT MODELS LINCOLN,
“The G1000 takes our premier aircraft to capabilities, including in-flight dynamic MA, Monday, January 18, 2010
a new level of performance,” said Dennis restarts, so that all flight critical data can
Olcott. “The G1000 deployed in the be transferred seamlessly to a single Avidyne Corporation announced they
Meridian – and now the Mirage and Matrix, display for added safety during flight. have received FAA Approved Model List
as well -- with sophisticated avionics The G3000 also includes a fully capable - Supplemental Type Certification (AML-
gives pilots the feel and capabilities that three-axis, fully digital, dual channel, fail STC) approval for the recently-introduced
are experienced in larger, business-class passive auto flight system. The autopilot EX600 Multi-Function Display (MFD).
aircraft.” includes features you would expect in This AML-STC, which comes on the heels
this class of aircraft, including coupled of the Technical Standard Order (TSO)
PIPER AIRCRAFT SELECTS THE GARMIN wide area augmentation system (WAAS) approval that was granted at the end of
G3000 FOR THE PIPERJET approaches, vertical navigation, and flight December, authorizes installation of the
ORLANDO, Fla., NBAA, October 20, 2009 level change (FLC). EX600 MFD in over 650 Part 23 Class I,
II, and III aircraft makes and models. The
Piper Aircraft, Inc. announced here today PIPER AND AVIDYNE MAKE ENTEGRA EX600 is a full-function MFD. QuickPan
that the revolutionary PiperJet will deploy RELEASE 9 AVAILABLE FOR PA46 allows the pilot to quickly toggle between
the all new, state-of-the-art Garmin G3000, AIRCRAFT MMOPA 2009, SCOTTSDALE, the present position and a panned-to
the world’s first touchscreen-controlled AZ., October 29, 2009 position–such as destination airport–with
integrated flight deck for turbine aircraft. a single button push. All EX600s include
Designed specifically for Part 23 turbine Piper Aircraft Inc. announced that it will offer the ability to display CMax™ approach
aircraft, the G3000 seamlessly integrates the Avidyne Entegra Release 9 integrated charts and worldwide airport diagrams
numerous Garmin-designed system flight deck system as an optional avionics at no additional charge, as well as
components into an easy-to-use flight suite on the Piper PA46 Meridian, Mirage, support for European VFR Charts (aka
deck, the heart of which is the all new and Matrix aircraft. “With the addition of Bottlang Airfield Manual). With interfaces
GTC 570 vehicle management system: a the Entegra Release 9, Piper shows its to nineteen different radar models, the
5.7-inch diagonal touchscreen controller commitment to providing our customers EX600 is the leader in radar-replacement
that uses a desktop-like menu interface with the greatest choice of advanced MFDs, meaning it can act as a display
with intuitive icons. The console-mounted avionics options available in today’s replacement for many out-dated and
GTC 570 allows full control of radios, market place” said a Piper spokesman. un-repairable CRT radar displays, while
audio management, flight management, “The Entegra Release 9 system on our adding significant situational awareness
weather systems management, synoptics Meridian, Mirage, and Matrix aircraft gives and utility enhancements.
(graphical systems displays) and other customers an added avionics option and
key vehicle systems. prospective buyers the ability to choose PIPER AIRCRAFT DEPLOYS NEW
the aircraft and configuration that best GENERATION HARTZELL OSHKOSH,
By eliminating buttons, switches, and matches their specific mission profile.” WI., EAA AIRVENTURE, July 27, 2009
extraneous knobs, the touchscreen G3000
relies on common sense functions that “Piper has been a terrific partner of ours Piper Aircraft will now deploy the latest
have been the mainstay of cutting-edge for many years and we are pleased to be addition to Hartzell Propeller’s Top Prop™
smart-screen technology in consumer making Entegra Release 9 available for the line up, an advanced second generation
electronics. In effect, the G3000 lets pilots Piper PA46 line,” said Avidyne President composite propeller, on its Piper PA46
quickly retrace their steps or alternatively Dan Schwinn. Mirage and Matrix piston-engine aircraft.
return to the home screen. The system has “Entegra Release 9, with its renowned
gone to great lengths to ensure simplicity ease of use, is specifically designed for The three-blade propellers offer significant
in operation. Said a Piper spokesman, single-pilot IFR operations, making it a weight savings, through a combination
“PiperJet pilots will have the ability to perfect fit for this class of aircraft.” of carbon fiber and Kevlar blades, and
reach out and touch real-time information. its new lightweight aluminum hub. This
Gone will be the days of looking for Avidyne has also announced the PA46 combination saves nearly 11 pounds on
cursors and cryptic confusing menus that Retrofit Program, which makes the the nose versus Hartzell’s first-generation
lead to heavy pilot workloads.” Release 9 suite available for virtually any advanced composite propeller that is

SUMMER 2010 28 M MOPA

currently standard on these aircraft. pilot’s preference. As demonstrated in immediate corrective action to avoid a
Additionally, this is Hartzell’s first recent efficiency test flights, the system collision.
certification for the ASC-II approved for ensures ease of operation and automatic
“flight into known icing” (FIKI) with its adjustment of fuel flow to maintain fuel All aircraft accident/incident reporting to
electro-thermal deice system installed. economy and engine operating parameters the NTSB should be completed using
without constant pilot involvement. NTSB Form 6120.1, “Pilot/Operator
Hartzell’s ASC-II advanced composite Aircraft Accident/Incident Report.”
blades comprise a proprietary layup of NTSB CHANGES REPORTING
carbon fiber and Kevlar with an integral REQUIREMENT NTSB STUDY SHOWS INTRODUCTION
stainless steel shank and co-molded OF ‘GLASS COCKPITS’ IN GENERAL
electroformed nickel leading edges. On January 7, 2010, the National AVIATION AIRPLANES HAS NOT LED TO
“This new advanced propeller, which Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) EXPECTED SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
we are offering as factory-installed, published a final rule in the Federal Register WASHINGTON, DC
standard equipment, is a significant that modified when a pilot must report an
product improvement that will enable accident or incident in accordance with The NTSB adopted a study concluding
our customers to take their aircraft to 49 CFR Part 830. The change becomes that single-engine airplanes equipped with
new levels of performance,” said a Piper effective on March 8, 2010. The changes glass cockpits had no better overall safety
spokesman.  “The weight savings and require aircraft operators to report several record than airplanes with conventional
lower noise matched Hartzell’s predicted new incidents: instrumentation.  The safety study, which
targets, making this constant speed was adopted unanimously by the Safety
propeller a major product innovation for 1) Failure of any internal turbine engine Board, was initiated more than a year ago
the Mirage and Matrix.” Given the location component that results in the escape to determine if light airplanes equipped
of the propeller, the weight reduction of debris other than out the exhaust with digital primary flight displays, often
allows a few more gallons of fuel to be path; referred to as “glass cockpits,” were
carried in the extreme-forward CG case, 2) Release of all or a portion of a propeller inherently safer than those equipped with
which increases range.    Moreover, blade from an aircraft, excluding conventional instruments.
measured cruise performance was on- release caused solely by ground
average nearly two knots faster than contact; The study, which looked at the accident
published POH speeds.  Flight testing also 3) A complete loss of information, rates of over 8,000 small piston-powered
showed the use of the propeller reduced excluding flickering, from more than airplanes manufactured between 2002
cylinder head temperatures (CHT) and oil 50 percent of an aircraft’s cockpit and 2006, found that those equipped with
temperatures significantly. displays, such as the electronic flight glass cockpits had a higher fatal accident
instrument system (EFIS), engine rate than similar aircraft with conventional
CONTINENTAL MOTORS ANNOUNCES indication and crew alerting system instruments. The Safety Board determined
TURBO-FADEC RECEIVES FAA (EICAS), electronic centralized aircraft that because glass cockpits are both
CERTIFICATION, OSHKOSH, WI, July 26, monitor (ECAM), or other displays, complex and vary from aircraft to aircraft
2009. including primary flight displays in function, design and failure modes,
(PFDs), primary navigation displays, pilots are not always provided with all
Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) and other integrated displays; of the information they need – both by
announced that it has received FAA 4) Airborne collision and avoidance aircraft manufacturers and the Federal
Certification on the first Full Authority system (ACAS) resolution advisories, Aviation Administration – to adequately
Digital Electronic Controlled (FADEC) either when an aircraft is being operated understand the unique operational and
Turbocharged Engine, the TSIOF-550. on an instrument flight rules flight plan functional details of the primary flight
The TSIOF550 joins the IOF240 and and compliance with the advisory is instruments in their airplanes.
IOF550 in TCM.s growing line of certified, necessary to avert a substantial risk of
production FADEC engines. collision between two or more aircraft NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman
or when the aircraft is operating in highlighted the role that training plays
The certified TSIOF550 engine boasts an Class A airspace; in preventing accidents involving these
impressive rating of 350Hp at 2600 RPM 5) Damage to helicopter tail or main rotor airplanes. “As we discussed today, training
and a 22,000 foot critical altitude. TCM’s blades, including ground damage, that is clearly one of the key components to
PowerLink FADEC allows for single lever, requires major repair or replacement reducing the accident rate of light planes
electronic engine control that reduces of the blades; and equipped with glass cockpits, and this
pilot workload in the cockpit down to 6) Any event in which an aircraft operated study clearly demonstrates the life-and-
selecting a desired power setting using a by an air carrier lands or departs on death importance of appropriate training
single control lever. With the single lever, a taxiway, incorrect runway, or other on these complex systems. We know
the pilot selects the power and the system area not designed as a runway or that while many pilots have thousands
automatically manages fuel to Best Power experiences a runway incursion that of hours of experience with conventional
or Best Economy, depending on the requires the operator or the crew flight instruments, that alone is just not
of another aircraft or vehicle to take cont. page 30 ►

SUMMER 2010 29 M MOPA

 Aviation News
(continued)

enough to prepare them to safely operate FAA must release aircraft registration the assigned heading (pilot’s last radio
airplanes equipped with these glass information previously kept secret in a transmission) and the airplane continued
cockpit features. special program if it receives a Freedom a left turn until 1133:13 and a heading of
of Information request. 272 degrees, when radar indicated the
“While the technological innovations and airplane began a right turn at 172 knots
flight management tools that glass cockpit GS. At 1133:22 the airplane was at 3,300
equipped airplanes bring to the general RECENT PA46 ACCIDENTS feet msl, 284 degrees heading, and 174
aviation community should reduce the knots GS. At 1133:31 the airplane was at
number of fatal accidents, we have not – This is preliminary information, subject 2,800 msl, 330 degrees heading, and 200
unfortunately – seen that happen. The data to change, and may contain errors. Any knots GS. At 1133:36 the airplane was at
tell us that equipment-specific training will errors in this report will be corrected when 2,000 msl, 006 degrees heading, and 222
save lives. To that end, we have adopted the final report has been completed. knots GS. At 1133: 40 the airplane was at
recommendations today responsive to 1,200 msl, 046 degrees heading, and 254
that data – recommendations on pilot NTSB Identification: CEN10FA065 knots groundspeed.
knowledge testing standards, training, 14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
simulators, documentation and service Accident occurred Monday, December Witnesses indicated the airplane exited
difficulty reporting so that the potential 07, 2009 in Mendoza, TX low clouds in a steep bank turn and
safety improvements that these systems Aircraft: NEW PIPER AIRCRAFT INC PA46- the engine was running. The airplane
provide can be realized by the general 500TP, registration: N600YE impacted a pasture about .16 miles
aviation pilot community.” Injuries: 2 Fatal. southeast of the last radar hit. Ground
scars indicate the airplane impacted in 80
Based on the study findings, the NTSB On December 7, 2009, at 1134 CST, a to 90 degrees right bank and 18 degrees
made six safety recommendations to the New Piper Aircraft Company model PA46- nose low. The debris field was about 1,000
FAA: 500TP airplane, N600YE, was destroyed feet long. Both wings had separated from
after impacting terrain following a the fuselage, the engine and forward
• enhance pilot knowledge and training sudden loss of altitude during vectors cockpit had separated from the fuselage
requirements; for an instrument approach in instrument and empennage. All flight control surfaces
• require manufacturers to provide pilots meteorological conditions near Mendoza, were accounted for in the debris field.
with information to better manage Texas. The private pilot and one passenger Wing fractures, cable separations, and
system failures; were fatally injured. The personal flight control rod fractures were consistent with
• incorporate training elements regarding was being conducted under the provisions overload. Flight control cable continuity
electronic primary flight displays into of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations could not be verified to the cockpit area
training materials and aeronautical Part 91 with an Instrument Flight Rules due to structural fragmentation. Leading
knowledge requirements; (IFR) flight plan. The cross-country flight edges of two of the four propeller blades
• incorporate training elements regarding originated at the Aransas County Airport showed gouging and had one to two inch
electronic primary flight displays into (RKP), Rockport, Texas and was arriving deep gouges.
initial and recurrent flight proficiency at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Author Comment: This accident is
requirements for pilots of small light (AUS), Austin, Texas, at the time of the particularly difficult for me because this
general aviation airplanes equipped accident. Instrument meteorological experienced pilot was a dear friend. This
with those systems, that address conditions prevailed at the time of the accident was, no doubt, born of a major
variations in equipment design and accident. distraction. It may have been buttonology
operations of such displays; or a cardiovascular event; we may never
• support equipment-specific pilot The airplane departed RKP about 1151. know.
training programs by developing The pilot began receiving vectors from
guidance for the use of glass cockpit AUS radar approach controllers at 1127. NTSB Identification: CEN10LA059
simulators other than those that are Preliminary radar data and air traffic control 14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
approved by the FAA as flight training transcripts indicate the pilot was at 4,000 Accident occurred Friday, November 13,
devices; and feet mean sea level (msl) and established 2009 in Elk Mound, WI
• inform the general aviation community inbound on the localizer to Runway 35R Aircraft: PIPER PA46-310P, registration:
about the importance of reporting at AUS about 1132:00. At 1132:22 the N667PC
malfunctions or defects with electronic pilot was told to “expect short vectors” Injuries: 1 Uninjured.
flight, navigation and control systems and received a left vector to 260 degrees
through the Service Difficulty Reporting heading for spacing on a preceding On November 13, 2009, at 1651 Central
system. airplane. At 1132:40 the pilot was told to Standard Time, a Piper PA46-310P,
descend to 3,100 feet msl. At 1133:04, at N667PC, experienced a total loss of
COURT OPENS BLOCKED N NUMBERS an altitude of 3,800 feet msl, a heading of engine power during descent from cruise
Feb 27, 2010 286 degrees, and a groundspeed (GS) of flight. The pilot executed a forced landing
175 knots, the pilot was told to turn right on a corn field resulting in substantial
A federal court has ruled that the to 080 degrees. The pilot acknowledged damage to the airplane. The pilot was

SUMMER 2010 30 M MOPA

uninjured. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was
operating on an instrument rules flight
plan. The flight originated from Fargo,
North Dakota, and was en route to Eau
Claire, Wisconsin.

Author Comment: Less than two percent

of all general aviation fatalities are the
result of engine stoppage. Eighty percent
are pilot error and most of these are
errors of omission (as opposed to errors
of commission); that is, forgetting to do
something rather than doing something
incorrectly. This particular no-injury
accident illustrates that positive results can
happen by focusing on the right thing at the
right time. Proper training will help in this
regard by encouraging you to consistently
use verified pitch-power-configurations
and proper procedure. Best results can
be achieved by training in your aircraft at
least twice per year with an experienced
type-specific instructor.

NEXT UP
The news in this column is brought to you
from a variety of aviation news sources.
Please send your newsworthy comments
and information to me at: mail@
rwrpilottraining.com

SUMMER 2010 31 M MOPA

SUMMER 2010 32 M MOPA
SUMMER 2010 33 M MOPA
 Views from a JetProp
The Silent Emergency:
Detection, Avoidance and New Solutions
Travis Holland

Travis Holland provides ferry and training services for PA46 aircraft in the USA, Canada and Europe.
You can visit his web site at www.holland.aero.

Primary attitude instrument failure remains brown indications we have been trained Although a high speed spiral dive does
a significant cause of aircraft accidents, to trust over our internal equilibrium. not itself cause an in-flight break-up,
and the PA46 family of airframes is not the recovery from this dive can easily
immune to the problem. The KFC150 and When the power source is removed, or lead to over-stress of the right wing and
KFC225 autopilots found in all pre-2000 internal friction degrades the rpm of the subsequent failure of wing lap joint where
model year PA46 airframes rely on the instrument, the instrument will begin to the wet wing attaches to the one piece
KI256 vacuum-driven attitude indicator lose its rigidity in space. The first indication main spar just outside of the main landing
for pitch and roll reference. If either the the KI256 will show will be to very slowly gear.
vacuum source fails or the instrument raise the artificial horizon above the natural
itself goes belly up, the autopilot has no horizon, showing a nose-low attitude. If Mitigation Strategies Before
way to detect the failure and will eventually the autopilot is flying the airplane in level
roll the plane into a high speed spiral dive. flight, this will result in a long-chord pitch Failure
That specific scenario has led to structural oscillation, where the autopilot will very
failures of more than one PA46. slowly climb in an attempt to hold pitch We can take several steps as aircraft
attitude, and then correct for the altitude operators to guard against an attitude
deviation with a rather quick pitch down instrument failure. Flight Safety reports
Early Warning Signs of that 50% of professional pilots entering
to regain the captured altitude. If a human
Failure pilot is flying the airplane, they will also recurrent training are unable to maintain
climb the aircraft while maintaining an control of the simulator when flying only
Understanding the behavior of the KI256 apparent level pitch attitude, and then be on the turn coordinator and altimeter as
and autopilot at the onset of a failure can forced to correct nose down to maintain the primary bank and pitch references.
help avoid the often-fatal consequences. assigned altitude. Early recognition of Hand flying on the copilot attitude
A conventional attitude indicator operates this symptom is essential to avoiding the instrumentation while using the pilot HSI
under the principle of gyroscopic rigidity high speed spiral dive that comes next. is also exceptionally difficult for pilots
in space. When spun up internally to over without recent practice and proficiency
10,000 rpm, the attitude instrument will Approximately two minutes after the flying in this fashion.
erect and maintain the familiar blue over false nose-low indication begins, the
KI256 will begin to roll Install an Electric AI
over, causing a false
wing low indication. The most important mitigation method
The autopilot will is to replace the turn coordinator with
begin to roll in an an electrically powered attitude indicator
attempt to correct with a slip/skid ball. This has been a
the indicated bank legal substitute for the turn coordinator
attitude. As the true for several years and reduces the pilot
bank angle increases, workload in an attitude failure to a level
the decreasing vertical manageable by most pilots. Even with
component of lift will a second (correct) attitude indicator in
cause the nose to the primary pilot scan, the distraction of
drop. The stage is now incorrect indications from an instrument
set for a fatal accident. we have been trained to trust completely
The aircraft will already cannot be overstated.
be in a high speed,
nose down, wing low When a safety pilot is available, practice
spiral dive with rapidly flying the aircraft on your installed standby
increasing airspeed instruments in actual IMC, beginning from
and rapid loss of the top-of-descent point. Do not allow the
altitude. safety pilot to operate radios, GPSs or

SUMMER 2010 34 M MOPA

 avionics shop, which will landing the aircraft. Whether or not this
necessarily involve an is possible, advise ATC that you have a
evaluation of your KI256 primary attitude instrument failure. If
for suitable erection and IMC, request vectors or clearance to VMC
rigidity. If you are lucky, conditions, even if that involves climbing
this two hour process the aircraft. Minimizing your exposure to
will cure your left turning IMC will greatly increase your chances of
tendency through success. Extension of the landing gear
calibration and not will increase the roll stability of the aircraft
condemn your KI256 to significantly.
an expensive overhaul.
Once a factory-new Behind the Curve
KI256 instrument is
overhauled, they often If you do not recognize the failure until
begin to fail again within after the aircraft has entered a spiral dive,
200-400 flight hours. Not extend the landing gear immediately,
all avionics shops have regardless of indicated airspeed and
the expensive calibration gear operation limitations. Your life is
bench equipment, so at stake and gear doors are the least of
verify this capability your worries. Reduce the throttle to flight
before scheduling a idle, and level the wings by reference to
offer any assistance unless you exceed
visit. Only two shops in all of Washington your standby attitude indicator or turn
a 30 degree bank angle or deviate from
State for example are so equipped. coordinator. The PA46 is exceptionally
your altitude by more than 100 feet.
strong in level flight, but not so much in a
Recent flight experience dealing with this
Mitigation Strategies During 60 degree bank. After you have restored a
failure in non-emergency circumstances
wing level condition, smoothly and slowly
will greatly increase confidence and a Failure pull back on the yoke until the aircraft
competence in juggling the numerous
reaches a slight nose low pitch attitude,
aircraft management tasks necessary in Once a KI256 failure is recognized, your as evidenced by either your standby
addition to maintaining aircraft control first priority should be to restore instrument attitude indicator or your VSI showing a
during a descent and arrival. function if possible. Check your vacuum descent rate of 1000 FPM or less. Trim the
gauge, and if this is the cause of failure, aircraft to a neutral pitch force. Only then,
Know and Watch for Warning Signs activate your standby vacuum if flying a increase power to your normal holding
JetProp or un-modified Malibu. If your power recipe (20” manifold in a Malibu,
Know the warning signs of actual vacuum pressure is normal, then you 400 lb torque in a JetProp and 500 lb
instrument failure and be prepared to must take immediate corrective action torque in a Meridian).
identify long-chord pitch oscillations and to block the instrument indication with a
confirm aircraft pitch and bank attitude panel cover and disconnect the autopilot. The fatal mistake in this terrifying situation
with co-pilot or standby instrumentation
is to pull back on the yoke to correct the
as early as possible. Ahead of the Curve overspeed before bringing the wings
level. While you may succeed in arresting
Also be aware of very early warning This will be the moment you (hopefully) the descent and possibly even gaining a
signs of failing KI256 attitude indicators. congratulate yourself for practicing partial few hundred feet of altitude, your inputs
These symptoms will generally show up panel flying in the previous 90 days and can very easily break off the outboard
a couple hundred flight hours or more for having readily available the panel upper wing leading to an unrecoverable
before complete instrument failure. Watch cover in the map pocket. An inexpensive fatal corkscrew to the ground.
for failure of the instrument to fully erect black rubber suction cup instrument
within the first three minutes after engine panel cover, available from any pilot shop,
start. The autopilot may hold the left side will reduce pilot workload during this New Technologies to Remove
of the heading bug and track to the left failure mode by over 50%. The reduction the Source of Failure
side of the LOC or GPS course when the in mental workload required to maintain
KI256 is not fully erect. When operated in control of the aircraft is equivalent to the Until March of 2009, the KI256 had no
ROLL mode (the natural, un-annunciated workload reduction experienced when certified replacement. However, Garmin
lateral mode of the autopilot) the aircraft climbing out of IMC into visual conditions. has now certified the GAD43, which is
will slowly turn left as evidenced by steady Every pilot and every aircraft should have in conjunction with a Garmin 500/600
reduction of your GPS ground track a panel cover when flying in instrument EFIS installation approved to replace
numeric indication. weather while relying on a KI256 attitude your KI256 attitude outputs with a solid
indicator. state “gyro on a chip” ADHRS system.
If these symptoms become evident,
schedule an autopilot calibration with an If you are VMC, attempt to remain so until cont. page 36 ►

SUMMER 2010 35 M MOPA

 View from a JetProp
(continued)

upon any interruption If neither of these glass cockpit upgrades

of power or internal can be installed, your next best option is
error. to go back to the basics mentioned earlier:
place a panel cover in your map pocket
If your budget does and replace your turn coordinator with an
not allow this upgrade electric attitude indicator. To do nothing
to your aircraft panel, ignores the accident record and glaring
the Aspen EFIS system safety deficiency in your instrument
will provide a ADHRS- panel. Your family, heirs, associates and
based primary pilots passengers all deserve a better alternative
attitude reference while than the stock instrumentation delivered
leaving the autopilot with your aircraft.
still driven by the KI256.
The chances of a KI256 KI256 instrument failure has claimed the
failure catching a pilot lives of enough PA46 aircraft occupants for
by surprise reduce our fleet’s lifetime. The Pilot in Command
to nearly zero as the is responsible for recognition, mitigation
pitch and roll deviation and ultimately permanent resolution of
will be immediately this failure mode. Training to handle
recognizable by the the failure and adopting technologies to
pilot displayed on avoid the worst impacts of such failure
The solid state ADHRS is vastly more their primary visual are worthy expenditures of your time and
reliable than a mechanical attitude gyro attitude reference. Aspens claims to be money.
and features internal failure detection that nearly ready to offer a replacement for the
will disconnect the autopilot immediately KI256.

SUMMER 2010 36 M MOPA

SUMMER 2010 37 M MOPA
 Meridian
Turbines, Torque and Temperature

Justin Lazzeri
Justin Lazzeri is the Director of Marketing for Skytech, Inc., which has facilities in the Baltimore,
MD and Charlotte, NC metropolitan areas.  A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University,
Justin is a Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor who has the benefit of significant
exposure to the Piper, Pilatus, and Cessna Caravan product lines.  Justin can be reached via
email at [email protected].   

One of the most appealing aspects of Creep, Oxidation and Vibration. Using per the power settings set forth in the POH
stepping up to turbine powered aircraft this data and taking into consideration is the manufacturer’s way of ensuring
from pistons is the simplicity of operation airframe influences such as bleed no undue harm is inflicted on engine
they afford. In many ways flying a turbine extraction, accessory loading and inlet components, thus limiting the chances
is as easy as lighting the engine, pushing efficiency, the power setting information of making the book power throughout
the power lever forward to go fast and is established and then published in the the engine’s life. Even though exceeding
pulling back to slow down. Although POH and Airframe Manual (AFM). torque limits for brief periods of time
that is not too far from reality, as with all may seem harmless when ITT limits are
airplanes there are certain parameters and “P&WC’s power rating philosophy is adhered to, the cumulative effect of heat
limits that a turbine pilot needs to adhere to ensure the maximum likelihood that will catch up. It is for this same reason
to for safe, reliable and cost-effective your PT6A engine will deliver the power that many corporate operators choose
operation. specified in the POH/AFM throughout to start their engines while connected
its overhaul life. To achieve this, all to a Ground Power Unit (GPU). The
A misperception common among turbine PT6A engine installations use torque as added power boost of the GPU allows the
pilots is that any power setting is safe as the primary power setting parameter. engine to spool faster, resulting in cooler
long as you do not exceed Inter-Turbine- All other engine parameters are only starts through a minimum amount of heat
Temperature (ITT) limits. This belief is monitored to verify they are within exposure.
wrong and can lead to costly repairs or acceptable limits. The POH/AFM
worse. Whether the confusion stems contains power setting information Furthermore, even though a certain “dash-
from a deficiency in training or a simple which must be used to determine the number” PT6 may be used on several
misunderstanding, there are several torque setting for all ratings which different aircraft models, the engine
resources available to educate and deter vary according to altitude, ambient cannot be operated identically across
operators from knowingly crossing the temperature and aircraft weight. This the board. Variations in the cooling
power setting boundaries set forth in their is important because the P&WC rating architecture, amount or type of engine
airplane’s POH. philosophy is based on the engine driven accessories and many other
being operated per the POH/AFM aspects are airplane-specific. Only that
A recently-released Pratt & Whitney and maintained in accordance with particular airplane’s power setting chart
Service Information Letter (SIL No. GEN the Engine Maintenance Manual and accounts for installation variables.
PT6A-028) addresses this subject in Aircraft Maintenance Manual (EMM/
detail: AMM) including all applicable periodic Turbine aircraft are extremely reliable
inspection recommendations by when operated properly. Not adhering
“In conjunction with the Aircraft P&WC. to a manufacturer’s recommendations is
Manufacturer (OEM), a mission asking for a handful of problems. Proper
profile is established for every PT6A “Operating the engine beyond the torque settings are essential in limiting
engine application. This mission is recommended power settings in the the engine components’ exposure to
used to analyze and establish engine POH/AFM for a prolonged period destructive temperatures and stress.
component lives and durability factors will result in accelerated margin Conditions such as blade creep, fatigue,
such as Low Cycle Fatigue (LCF), deterioration due to hot section vibration and other issues can make
component distress and will affect for costly (and sometimes pre-mature)
engine reliability and durability. This maintenance events. In some extreme
effect is cumulative and will lead to cases, the effect of operating an engine
the engine prematurely reaching an outside of acceptable parameters is much
operating limit (usually ITT) before the more sudden; leaving the pilot to explore
recommended power is produced.” a new realm of flight in a surprisingly quiet
airplane. Clearly the best procedure is to
In short, engines are designed from the follow your POH, adhere to the indicated
factory to produce a certain amount of torque settings and enjoy all the benefits
power throughout their specified life- your turbine engine provides.
before-overhaul. Operating your engine

SUMMER 2010 38 M MOPA

SUMMER 2010 39 M MOPA
SUMMER 2010 40 M MOPA
SUMMER 2010 41 M MOPA
 Issues and Answers
FRZ, SFRA, eAPIS, BUZZ,
WHAT????
Mary Bryant

Mary has been a pilot for over twenty-five years and has instructed in the Malibu since 1988 when
she worked for the Piper Training Center. Subsequently, she was Eastern Region Sales Director and
Malibu Mirage demonstration pilot for Piper Aircraft. Mary was also co-founder and owner of At-
titudes International, Ins., The New Piper Aircraft’s exclusively approved training school for Malibus,
from 1991 - 1998.

Mary urrently provides Malibu-Mirage and Jet Prop training through Eclipse International, Inc. in St.
Petersburg, Florida. Mary holds ATP, CFII, and MEI certificates, and is type rated in the Cessna Cita-
tion. She also has a BA from Northwestern University and an MBA from the University of Illinois.
Mary may be reached at 727.822.1611.

How well do PA46 pilots understand all of c. All flights entering or departing c. Through customs
the new airspace restrictions and Customs from the US except to/from d. False
regulations, and remember the meaning Canada or Mexico.
of the growing list of acronyms? Oh, all d. All domestic and international 10. Non-Compliance with the eAPIS
right, yes, I did just throw in BUZZ to see flights beginning in 2012. results in
if you were paying attention. There is no a. A written warning for the first
BUZZ acronym that I am aware of, at least 4. An eAPIS flight plan must be filed offense
not yet. But we indeed have FRZ (Flight a. 60 minutes before arrival for b. A $5,000 penalty for the first
Restricted Zone) and SFRA (Special Flight entering aircraft. offense
Rules Area), both often used in conjunction b. 60 minutes before departure for c. A $10,000 penalty for the
with the airspace in the Washington, D.C. aircraft departing and entering second offense
area. And eAPIS? No, that is not some the USA. d. No action if a NASA form is
kind of insect but stands for the “electronic c. No more than 24 hours before filed
Advance Passenger Information System,” departure
which was explained in some detail by our d. Electronically 11. The Washington DC Special Flight
editor in a previous issue. We can see Rules Area (DC SFRA)
here if you were paying attention. More 5. An eAPIS flight plan can be filed either a. Extends laterally from the DCA
than one answer below may be correct. electronically or by phone. VOR for 10 miles
a. True b. Extends from the DCA VOR for
Questions b. False 30 miles
c. Extends from the DCA VOR for
1. Implementation of the eAPIS 6. An eAPIS clearance for departure 60 miles
a. Will be in 2010. from the US can be obtained either d. Extends up to 10,000 MSL
b. Is voluntary for US citizens. electronically or by phone. e. Extends up to 17,999 MSL
c. Was finalized in 2009. a. True
d. Doesn’t really impact me if I’m b. False 12. Special training regarding the DC
flying IFR. SFRA
7. When entering the USA an eAPIS a. Is required for all licensed
2. One must register for using the eAPIS landing clearance is obtained in the pilots
a. For each qualifying flight. air from the first US ATC controller with b. For those intending to fly within
b. At the time the first qualifying whom communication is established. the DC SFRA
flight is made. a. True c. For those intending to fly VFR
c. Well in advance of using the b. False within 60 nm of the SFRA
system. d. Is not required for any
d. No registration is required, write 8. After filing an eAPIS flight plan and pilot although it is highly
eAPIS in the remarks section of obtaining landing rights for entering the recommended
the flight plan. US no further flight plan is required.
a. True 13. All flights within the DC SFRA must
3. The eAPIS system must be used for b. False a. Be made under an IFR flight
a. All flights entering the US from plan
another country. 9. An eAPIS flight plan can be updated b. Be made under an SFRA flight
b. All flights departing from the US en-route plan
to another country. a. Through flight service c. Be made under an SFRA or IFR
b. Through ATC flight plan

SUMMER 2010 42 M MOPA

 d. Indicate gate of VFR exit or Answers all VFR or IFR flights to Canada,
entrance Mexico, and nearby islands if they are
1. C. not considered part of the US.
14. Permission to enter the Class B
airspace is provided when DC SFRA 2. C. The registration and filing system 4. B. and D. Plans must be filed at
clearance is obtained. found at https://eapis.cbp.dhs.gov least 60 minutes before departure for
a. True indicates that it may take as long entering or departing aircraft. They
b. False as one week for an eAPIS account can be filed days, even weeks in
application to receive the required advance.
15. When flying IFR in the DC SFRA activation key codes. It often takes
nothing changes from non SFRA substantially less time. I received my 5. B. False. There is a reason the “e”
flight so what’s the big deal! activation information the same day is in the name. eAPIS plans can
a. True as I filed the application. However, only be filed electronically through
b. False plan ahead and apply for an eAPIS the Customs Border Protection,
account early if you think you may Department of Homeland Security
16. Unapproved flight into the DC FRZ or be flying between the USA and other web site noted above.
SFRA may result in countries. After activation information
a. A written warning for the first is provided by email, you have 30 6. B. False. After filing you will receive
offense days to activate the account before it an email at the email address listed
b. Intercept procedures expires. Once activated, an account in your eAPIS account file indicating
c. License suspension will remain in place indefinitely. your submission has been received,
d. Death and giving you a confirmation number;
it does not verify the submission is
3. A. and B. Note well that not only correct. Print a copy of this email
arriving flights have to file but any and keep it with you during and
flight departing the US for another immediately after the flight. Do not
country must also file. This includes depart without it.
cont. page 44 ►

SUMMER 2010 43 M MOPA

 Issues and Answers
(continued)

7. B. False. After filing your eAPIS plan airport changes a new report must instance, the use of a 1200 squawk is
and prior to departing for the USA you be filed. never permitted. Departing VFR and
must call by phone to obtain “landing obtaining IFR once airborne is not
rights” per the instructions provided 10. B and C. Enforcement though the an option. All flights must be on an
in your confirming email. Do not first of 2010 has been somewhat lax. assigned transponder code. A very
depart without obtaining “landing However, CBP has indicated that it few airports such as Leesburg and
rights.” This requirement to phone intends to crack down on violations “fringe” airports have some extremely
beforehand is the same as the old and has starting issuing notices limited exceptions to some of the
rule, and all the old restrictions apply. of non-compliance, warning pilots SFRA flight rules but an appropriate
Make sure to get the name or badge that monetary penalties will now be transponder code must always
number of the officer to whom you implemented. B and C appear to be displayed, and 1200 is NEVER
speak when you call Customs. be eminent. Should you run afoul acceptable. If you are going to be
of the system, you might want to file flying anywhere near the DC area,
8. B. False. Filing an eAPIS plan a NASA ARSA form, but I would not make sure you are familiar with the
does not substitute for filing and/or count on that helping much since, as regulations, even if flying IFR. This
activating and flight plan with flight far as I know, the CBP/DHS is under is the highest security airspace in our
service. no obligation to honor that program. country and violations have extreme
penalties.
9. A. Times of departure and ETA’s 11. B. and E.
can be updated with FSS enroute. 16. B., C. and D. Be sure to know and
In an emergency, i.e. unexpected 12. C. follow intercept procedures should
bad weather, the intended airport of you be intercepted. Further, you may
landing can also be modified. Note 13. C. and D. be literally shot down, especially if
that the eAPIS clearance is good for you violate the FRZ, the inner most
the calendar day for which it was 14. B. A separate “cleared to enter area of the SFRA, since it is right
submitted, so you do not need to the Class B” clearance must be over the White House and other key
resubmit a new eAPIS report if only obtained. strategic landmarks.
the time of arrival and/or departure
changes. If passenger manifest, 15. B. Although true, for the most part,
arrival or departure day, or landing there are important exceptions. For

SUMMER 2010 44 M MOPA

SUMMER 2010 45 M MOPA
 Malibu Maintenance
Propellers
Kevin Mead

Kevin is an IA who has specialized in Malibu/Mirage maintenance for most of his 20 plus
years in general aviation. He is a licensed private pilot with a multi-engine rating.

In 1998, Kevin formed his own business, Mead Aircraft Services, which he runs from a small
farm in Inman, Kansas. He will continue to provide support to the Malibu/Mirage fleet in the
U.S. and abroad.

From an operator’s perspective, your if you notice roughness. There are two and taxiways to significant dents caused
plane’s propeller seems to just take care types of balancing. Static balancing, by whacking the blade with a tow bar
of itself. Aside from routine inspection of which is done by a prop shop after to severe damage caused by the prop
the blades and a quick check for spinner overhaul, is minimal balancing of the hitting something large while spinning.
security during pre-flight, you probably prop while it’s not spinning. A prop can The hit object does not necessarily have
do not give much thought to your prop. be statically balanced but still be out of to be hard to do severe damage. I have in
But your propeller is vulnerable to foreign balance after installation on the plane. my shop an MT four-blade prop that was
object damage, needs careful annual Dynamic balancing is done using special reduced to splinters after hitting a small,
inspection and has regular overhaul equipment while the engine is running. lightweight rubber traffic cone. I have the
recommendations. Several different It is not unlike balancing car tires, with cone as well, which while suffering a cut,
props are used on the PA46, and while weights being placed either on the hub or fared much better than the prop. Minor
their care requirements are similar, a few the spinner bulkhead to compensate for pitting and denting of a two- or three-blade
minor differences exist. In this article, I will weight differences in blades. prop can be filed and smoothed. But if the
give prop maintenance recommendations propeller hits the ground or anything else
and review common problems. Critical for maintaining prop balance is to while spinning, a teardown inspection
make sure the spinner dome is replaced of the prop and the engine should be
We begin with general maintenance in exactly the same spot after removal performed.
information that applies to all propellers for inspection or maintenance. This is
and finish with a list of overhaul especially true for plated spinners. Broken or cracked spinner dome or
recommendations and special notes for bulkhead
each different propeller. So that you do not Common Problems This problem is more likely to be picked
have to wade through material that does up during an annual inspection than by
not pertain to your particular propeller, I Hub grease leakage an operator during a pre-flight. But an
have broken the information down by A propeller hub can leak grease from operator can be on the lookout for a broken
aircraft and propeller model. I accept the blade shanks, from between the two or loose spinner. Give the spinner dome a
resulting duplication as the price paid for halves of the hub or when an obstruction firm whack with your hand and listen for
making the list easy to use. Just find your is trapped under a grease zerk. None of a hollow sound or note any movement.
configuration in the list. these leaks is uncommon and can range Either may be a sign of a broken spinner
in severity. On the inconspicuous end and is reason to investigate further. Be
General Propeller of the spectrum are leaks that result in warned that lead times for replacements of
grease buildup under the spinner dome, either the dome or bulkhead are typically
Maintenance long, usually about five to six weeks. If the
which is usually not discovered until a
routine annual inspection. Often, these crack is not too severe or not in the wrong
General propeller maintenance is fairly place, the spinner bulkhead and dome
routine: inspect the prop for blade damage, leaks are unnoticeable by the operator
during routine pre-flight. Other times, can sometimes be repaired more quickly
grease leakage and spinner security; than new parts can be obtained.
check deice operation; and lubricate the signs of a small leak will be noticeable as
hub on the two-blade and three-blade a spray of grease on the backside of the
blades, which can be very faint and can Prop deice boots
models. If the prop has metal blades, any The most common problem with boots is
nicks or small dents are filed out and the occur on all blades or only on one. On the
highly conspicuous end of the spectrum the failure to heat. This can be caused by
back of the prop blades repainted. But a broken wire (if you are lucky) or a bad
remember; never file the blades of MT are leaks so severe that the windshield is
sprayed with grease. A grease leak can boot, timer, module, or other component.
props or props with composite blades. Occasionally a prop boot may need to be
be corrected by having a propeller shop
reseal the prop. replaced due to cracking or damage and
Balancing boots are always replaced at overhaul.
Blade damage You will also need to make sure that the
All props will occasionally require Like grease leakage, blade damage conductive cement at the edge of the
balancing, especially after reinstallation ranges in severity from light pitting and prop boots is reapplied as needed.
following reseal or overhaul, but also denting caused by debris on runways

SUMMER 2010 46 M MOPA

Prop Service Bulletins and AD Notes MT prop boots tends to vary, sometimes 72 mo
Few of these affect our fleet and the only enough to seriously affect prop balance. Special needs: this prop, while not
one worth mentioning is the Hartzell I have had several cases where I needed fancy, is pretty trouble-free
spring replacement bulletin. By now to replace not just the bad boot, but also
almost all propellers have complied the boot on the opposing blade in order to Hartzell STC 3-Blade Retrofit
with this bulletin, but we still see a few balance the prop. Overhaul recommendation: 2400 hrs or
stragglers. This can be completed under 72 mo
warranty, but requires some downtime Recommended Overhaul Special needs: this prop is trouble-free,
since the prop must be removed and sent but be warned that the individual blades
to a qualified prop shop. Intervals are expensive (in the range of $18K-
$19K per blade) to replace if damaged
Please note that the recommended beyond repair.
Overhaul overhaul intervals for props (x hours or y
months) are “whichever comes first.” Hartzell 3-Blade Factory Installed
As long as your aircraft is operating under
part 91, propeller overhaul intervals are Overhaul recommendation: 2400 hrs or
only recommendations. But if you keep
PA46-310P Malibu 72 mo
Special needs: this prop is trouble-free,
your airplane long enough, at some point
Hartzell 2-Blade but be warned that the individual blades
you will need to overhaul. Many operators
Overhaul recommendation: 2000 hrs or are expensive (in the range of $18K-
decide to do this in conjunction with an
72 mo $19K per blade) to replace if damaged
engine change so that the propeller and
Special needs: this prop, while not beyond repair.
engine can be “zero timed” together.
fancy, is pretty trouble-free
Others decide to do so if the prop is at
or close to the recommended overhaul MT STC 4-Blade
Hartzell STC 3-Blade Retrofit Used mainly to replace two blades
time and has to be repaired for some
Differences with 520 and 550 engines Overhaul recommendation: 2000 hrs or
other reason, such as a leaking hub.
Overhaul recommendation: 2400 hrs or 72 mo
The most common complaint owners
72 mo Special needs: this prop is much more
(and maintenance shops) have about
Special needs: this prop is trouble-free, delicate than metal or composite blades
propeller overhauls is that the cost can be
but be warned that the individual blades and just routine use can cause serious
unpredictable.
are expensive (in the range of $18K- blade damage. The leading edges
$19K per blade) to replace if damaged of the blades can be dented, the tips
A prop shop usually has a flat rate for
beyond repair. can be easily chewed up and become
overhaul of any given prop, but overages
delaminated, and the aft edges are very
are common. During overhaul, some
MT STC 4-Blade vulnerable to damage from careless tow
parts are routinely replaced but others
Overhaul recommendation: 2000 hrs or bar use.
can be reused as long as they meet
72 mo
certain specifications. Since the prop
Special needs: the blades on this prop Matrix
shop counts on being able to reuse those
are much more delicate than their metal
parts, replacing them if needed generates
or composite cousins; just routine use Hartzell 3-Blade
additional charges and often increases
can cause serious blade damage. The Overhaul recommendation: 2400 hrs or
downtime. This is especially true on an
leading edges of the blades can be 72 mo
older prop or one that has been through
dented, the tips can be easily chewed
overhaul before.
up and become delaminated, and the
aft edges are very vulnerable to damage
Meridian PA46-500TP
As a special note to MT propeller owners,
from careless tow bar use. In addition,
before you send in your prop for overhaul Hartzell 4-Blade
this propeller has had a significant
consider having a back-up loaner or rental Overhaul recommendation: 4000 hrs or
problem with hub grease leaks. A few
prop available. In fact, as a precaution, I 72 mo
years ago, MT largely resolved this by
often recommend that owners keep their Special needs: this prop is trouble free,
replacing leaking hubs modified ones.
two blade prop when they install a four with the most common problem being
But if you still have an original, older hub
blade, since extended down time and prop heat failure. This is usually due to a
installed, be aware that an improvement
parts procurement problems are not failed prop heat module, which being an
is available when reseal or overhaul time
unusual. I have waited as long as ten airframe part, cannot really be blamed
comes around.
months for an MT propeller to return from on the prop.
what I thought was going to be a routine
overhaul. Luckily, I had a loaner two-blade PA46-350P Mirage
prop available for the customer. Another
note for MT owners: be on the lookout for Hartzell 2-Blade
an out-of-balance condition after replacing Overhaul recommendation: 2000 hrs or
one prop boot. The weight of replacement cont. page 48 ►

SUMMER 2010 47 M MOPA

 Malibu Maintenance
(continued)

JetProp conversion MT 4-Blade

Overhaul recommendation: 1500 hrs or
Hartzell 4-Blade 72 months
Overhaul recommendation: 4000 hrs or
72 mo Luckily, you do not have to spend a lot
Special needs: this propeller tends to of time thinking about your propeller.
be relatively trouble free. If there is a The prop just needs to be checked
problem, it is with the propeller being quickly before each flight and thoroughly
drawn so close to the ground during inspected at annual or whenever you
a high power run-up. In our shop, we suspect problems. If you do not hit
fabricated a special collar to fit around anything, your prop should give you years
the nose strut for high power run-ups, of fairly trouble-free service.
to prevent the nose from being sucked
down too low. For the operator, it is
critical that the nose strut be serviced a
little on the high side and that you keep
an eye out for dips in taxiways.

SUMMER 2010 48 M MOPA

SUMMER 2010 49 M MOPA
 Notes From M•MOPA Headquarters

Russ Caauwe, Executive Director

Russ has been crazy about airplanes all of his life. He obtained his license in Norfolk, Nebraska, at the
age of 17. Entering the Air Force at 19, Russ served two years as an airborne radar mechanic. In 1950,
he was accepted for pilot training, and after graduation, was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. and pilot.
Russ served in the 82nd Fighter Squadron, flying F-94’s and F-89”s, in Iceland, where he met his wife
Bjorg (Bea).

After completing his tour with the 76th Fighter Squadron in Presque Isle, Maine, Russ pursued various
business interests, including life as a Customer Engineer for IBM; later as President of his own data
processing company; and finally, as a corporate pilot, from which he retired in 1997, having enjoyed
over 3,500 hours flying a 1984 Malibu, and a 1989 Mirage.

James Arnold David McCowan

N409CP Lexington, KY James Dulick
Lewis Center, OH New Albany, OH
David has over 700 hours and holds an
James has a Mirage. Instrument rating. He lists his occupation James is in Apparel Sales. His company
as “Clergy” with the Ekklesia Christian is Jake Sales, Inc.
Bob Bailey Life Fellowship.
N827CM Hunter East
Ruston, LA Michael Seidman N771BL
N812MB Little Rock, AR
Bob is a professional pilot. He flies a West Bloomfield, MI
Meridian. He is an ATP. Hunter is an Investor. He has a Meridian.
Michael is a Surgeon/Scientist/
Paul Veger Nutritionist. His company is Body Paul Sherry
PH-LUX Language Vitamin Co. He has a Jetprop, Antrobus, U.K.
Noordwijk, The Netherlands and has over 600 hours, holds MEI-IFR
ratings with a Commercial license. Dr Sherry rejoins us after a couple year’s
Paul is Director of a software company. hiatus. He is a Surgeon at Warrington
He has a Jetprop. James Bohart Hospital.
Duncan, SC
Billy Elliott Dave Rosenbloom
Nacogdoches, TX James is Regional Sales Manager for Deerfield, IL
Captial Vaiation Instruments & Avionics.
Billy is an Electrical Wholesaler. His Dave has a Matrix. He holds an
company is Elliott Electric Supply, Inc. Randall King Instrument rating.
N4336W
Keith Fleming Maumee, OH Gary Green
San Antonio, TX Cincinnati, OH
Randall is a Physician. He has over 1150
Keith is a Physician. He has over 2300 hours and holds a Private license and Gary is CEO of Strategic Franchising.
hours and holds SEL Instrument and Instrument and Rotor ratings.
Glider ratings. Charles Ivester
Nora Barnes Ogden, UT
David Fisher N562HP Charles is a Physician at Ogden
Surrey Hills, Australia Norfolk, VA Pulmonary. He has a Matrix and holds a
Commercial license with SEL, MEL and
David is an Engineer. Nora is a Financial Advisor with UBS IA ratings.
Financial Services.
Leverett Lunceford Philip Caiger
Williamsburg, VA G-PTEA
Brian Cavanaugh Knockholt, U.K.
Leverett is a Business Owner. N6021L
Pleasanton, CA Philip is a Software Engineer. His
company is Metricell. He has a Mirage.
Brian has a Matrix. He is a Consultant nd
is self employed.

SUMMER 2010 50 M MOPA

 Gerald Kalin Adrian Matheu
Roderick Warren St. Joseph, MI Barcelona, Spain
Hiawatha, KS
Gerald’s company is Kalin Construction Adrian’s company is Subados S. L. He
Roderick is a Surgeon. Co., Inc. He has over 2300 hours and holds MEL IR and SEL ratings.
holds a Private license with Instrument
John Fletcher and rotocraft ratings. We would like to welcome these new
N5339G members from Piper Aircraft!
Marshall, MO Dwane Hislop
CG-WL Stephen Berger
John is General Manager of Central Grande Prairie, AB, Canada Singapore, Singapore
Missouri AGRIService LLC. He has a
Meridian. Dwane is Owner/Mgr of Spring Fresh Mat Stephen is Chairman of Piper Aircraft,
Rental. He has a Malibu, and has over Inc.
Russ Stromberg 6,570 hours.
N194PM Kevin Gould
Kirkland, WA Andrew Jahoda Vero Beach, FL
Marquette, MI
Russ is an Executive with Corsair Kevin is President & CEO of Piper
Engineering. He has a Jetprop. He has Andrew is a Physician. Aircraft, Inc.
over 4000 hours and holds an ATP rating.
Brian Holmes Randy Groom
Ben Marcus N27PG Vero Beach, FL
Van Nuys, CA Dallas, TX
Randy is Executive VP Sales, Marketing
Ben is a light jet specialist. His company Brian is a Doctor. He has a Mirage. & Support of Piper Aircraft, Inc.
is jetAVIVA.
Derek Zimmerman
Brian Keating John VanPaaschen Vero Beach, FL
N418HP N43605
La Jolla, CA Conroe, TX Derek is VP Supply Chain & Aftermarket
Development at Piper Aircraft, Inc.
Brian has a Meridian. He has over John has a Malibu. He has over 8000
500 hours and holds Multi and Single hours and holds CFI CFII and MEI
Instrument ratings. He is a University ratings. He is retired.
Professor.
Brian Kahan
N900MA
Brandon Laughman Boca Raton, FL
Monroe, LA
Brian has a Mirage. He is an Attorney
Brandon is a Pilot. His company is and has over 665 hours. He holds a
Patrick MacGregor LLC. Private license with an IFR rating.

Tann Chesley Rick Bryan

N1228 N997MA
Westminster, MD Loveland, OH

Tann is Vice President at Skytech, Inc. Rick’ company is Bryan Equipment

He has a 550 Malibu. He has over 4000 Sales, Inc. He has a Mirage and has
hours and holds a Commercial license over 2200 hours. He holds a CFII rating.
and SEL SES MEL ratings, and an A&P
license.

SUMMER 2010 51 M MOPA

SUMMER 2010 52 M MOPA
M•MOPA Classifieds

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Website: www.fly-in.com intricate operations.
Lenny Ohlsson, Broker
e-mail: [email protected] Our Library also includes: The Garmin
800-932-4437 or Evening 386-761-8804 GNS 430, 430W, 480, 530, 530W, GPS
on the G1000, G1000W, GPSmap 295,
196, 296, 396, 496, Bendix/King’s KLN
89B/94, KLN 90B, KLN 900, Lowrance
600C and 2000C. G1000W and G900X
cost $54.95, IFR models $44.95 and Hand
helds $39.95. Add $6.00 for S&H. Other
than U.S. add $6 more. ZD Publishing,
Inc., PO Box 3487, Wichita, KS 67201,
888-310-3134. (In Kansas 316-371-3134)
www.zdpublishing.com

SUMMER 2010 53 M MOPA

 Training Update ...
The following facilities offer initial and/or recurrent training for the Malibu•Mirage.
This list does not constitute an endorsement of any of the trainers listed below.

Advanced Flight Training Eclipse International, Inc. RWR Pilot Training

International, Inc. St. Petersburg, Florida Baltimore, Maryland
Vero Beach, FL (727) 822-1611 1-866-870-8196
(772) 473-7356 www.rwrpilottraining.com
Initial & Refresher with Mary Bryant at
Initial & Recurrent Courses St. Petersburg or Customer’s Location Initial & Recurrent Training for Malibu,
Mirage, and Meridian with Dick Rochfort
Aircraft Training Services, LLC. At any location
Lester Kyle’s Aircraft Training
Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Vero Beach, Florida
(847) 947-2238 SimCom Training Centers
(772) 562-5438
Initial & Refresher Courses Vero Beach, Florida
Initial & Recurrent Training 1-800-272-0211
Aviation Training Management Initial & Refresher by Appointment
Mariani Aviation Services
Vero Beach, Florida
Vero Beach, Florida
(772) 778-7815 Ron Cox Aviation Services, LLC
(772) 567-8666 or (772) 713-4368
Anywhere, USA
Initial & Refresher by Appointment
Initial & Refresher Training with (772) 538-1965 Cell
John Mariani at any location Initial and Refresher Training on all series of the
PA-46

MALIBU/MIRAGE SAFETY & TRAINING FOUNDATION

SAFETY / FLIGHT SESSIONS:

July 16 – 17 October 8 – 9
Seattle, WA Palm Springs, CA
Snohomish County Airport – Paine Field Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (TRM)
(PAE) La Quinta Resort & Spa (Hilton Waldorf
Hilton Garden Inn Astoria)

August 13 – 14 November 11 – 13
Olathe, KS Hilton Head, SC
Johnson County Executive Airport (OJC) Hilton Head Airport (HXD)
Marriott Overland Park Hilton Oceanfront Resort and Spa

SAFETY SYSTEMS / MAINTENANCE SESSIONS:

November 11 – 13
Hilton Head, SC
Hilton Head Airport (HXD)
Hilton Oceanfront Resort and Spa

Events Calendar

20th Annual Convention Helpline ...

October 27-30, 2010
Amelia Island, Fl
620-728-8634

SUMMER 2010 54 M MOPA

SUMMER 2010 55 M MOPA
SUMMER 2010 56 M MOPA