Have I just flown the perfect solo aircraft?

[@davidtesch3205]

Hey Stef, you've already flown your perfect airplane ! Vision jet ! You do look comfortable in a Cirrus !

[@desmodromic4586]

The biggest advantage is failure rate…Turbine 1/2,000,000 hours, Piston 1/200,000. so about 10 times safer

[@CookieKnabberer]

I simply love turboprops because of the sound :-) Sometimes I just watch videos with turbo prop engines powering up. Great video! I wish you a nice christmas time and greetings from Germany.

[@StefanDrury]

Yes they do make a great sound, and the reverse thrust on the runway is pretty cool too. Merry Christmas to you too.

[@ThePorkyPilotShow]

With the fuel prices at my local field and using the trip statistics that you put for the comparison flight. The Sr22 would cost £297.6 and the PA46 is cheaper at £253 plus you save that hour. But i would assume the maintenance costs and annual on the piper is considerably more.

[@bobbyjoedill]

I think the biggest reason to make the choice between the two, what's your mission? Is your mission to get from A to B? Or is the mission the journey from A to B? If you just need to get to B, then a turbo prop. If you want to enjoy the trip and then arrive at B, then a single piston.

[@LookingForAnswers1111]

As you grow you want more opportunities and levels of freedoms ... the ultimate European and Amercian machine I believe is the PC-12... the issue is always the same for all of us. Acquisition costs and Running costs ...

[@AbsolutelyEverybody1]

Great vid as always. I love this aircraft.

[@pilotlasse]

I'd pick the Piper, there is nothing like the feeling of starting up a turbine engine, gives me chills every single time

[@brandonchappell1535]

Can beat that spool !!

[@dsdsdsdsdsds3139]

this was brilliant cheers stefan

[@muttleysmith]

Love this Ep Stef, keep them coming mate. Also Merry Xmas and have a safe New Years.

[@WingsOverTO]

Well if money's no object, I'm taking both. Different tools for different needs, as you said. :)

[@usmcmech96]

The only thing I hate about the Malibu/Meridian family is the awkward dance from closing the door to the pilot seat. There really is no way to do that without giving your passengers a lap dance.

[@lawdpleasehelpmeno]

If money wasn't an object I'd take the Meridian any day. Cheaper jet fuel, faster, more powerful. What a delight it would be to fly.

[@pjotrtje0NL]

Cheaper fuel but burning more per mile, meaning cost wise, it’ll even out for a similar stretch

[@WildOn2sVlog]

I had a meridian few a bit. Loved it. It was perfect for us since just a family of 3. So 3 people and bags. Affordable in comparison to any single turban

[@GrumpyOldMan2]

Very impressed by Steven's professionalism.

[@jordandegraaff]

Great video! I like the additional space in the Piper Meridian, and the fact you can fly higher and faster…no parachute though.

[@pjotrtje0NL]

At a point in my life when I had the luxury of thinking about buying a private aircraft, I went for the PC-12. Shortly after that thought my finances went belly-up and as such, I am flying the airlines again ;-)

[@PaulColeAU]

Meridian all day long… plus, a cheap and cheerful piston for short hops and fun flying!

[@thumpin250]

Piper. I dont like to just piddle fly. So lets get where we're going.

[@reallynotpc]

Dear Santa,.........Love from Stefan. Interesting analysis, thanks!

[@StefanDrury]

I really hope he's watching this video...

[@reallynotpc]

@@StefanDrury Dear Amy, It followed me home. Can we keep it?

[@WildOn2sVlog]

I got the piper meridian back when the market was down for 700s. Now the same plane is 900s lol

[@gauzed7556]

I'd like to see a comparison of the Piper vs the Cirrus SF50. Yes, jet vs turbo prop, but performance wise, I think that would be more apples to apples.

[@Combatants1]

Would've been interesting to the the hourly cost / 100nm costs compared. While the fuel costs are "similar" at cruise, its that taxi & Climb where the difference would be felt. Also the maintence "reserve" per hour would surely be massively different?

[@jamesplummer356]

I’d pick the piper over the cirrus any day Affording to fly it is a complete different story

[@WingC3]

If money were no object, I’d go for the turboprop due to a factor not discussed: carrying heavier passengers. While the Cirrus can theoretically seat 4, if those passengers are larger in size, one must sacrifice fuel, and therefore range, in order to do so. Naturally, the Meridian has its limitations too, but those same 4 passengers could be quite a bit larger before having to start sacrificing fuel or range.

[@tomdchi12]

But how much per hour the engine is spinning do you need to put away? My impression is that turbine maintenance is wildly more expensive than piston which is already pretty pricey.

[@bendav]

Both are fine planes, but if money were no object, I'd pick the Piper - mostly because of the type of flights I would want combined with comfort. Happy Christmas!

[@angela1984a]

I would pick a TBM. A much better owner of TBM compared to who currently controls Piper Aircraft…

[@AjayAssi-p4p]

I was on the apron when you were taxiing, this thing sounded absolutely amazing! Can't believe it was you!

[@StefanDrury]

Yeah it’s always cool to hear a turboprop at a predominantly piston airport. Hope you had a good flight.

[@spiro5327]

That is a very nice plane and it would be very tempting to sell the cirrus and get one of these. Remember the round the world trip you had planned so long ago ?? Great video, thanks, Stef

[@across8339]

Stef: If you were to take on a challenge of flying from Melbourne to UK (minimum 17 stops with a 1000mi range), which aircraft would you prefer to go in?

[@IvanProsper]

what a lovely plane. i think i am a bit attached to EYZ now though

[@StefanDrury]

Well said, me too!

[@crappyrider381]

the fuel cost per mile is such a surprise make you wonder why per hour is normal to talk about , if i had to choose i would pick a pc12 lol

[@MahyarMadadi]

Love your videos Stephan...from Melbourne 😊

[@StefanDrury]

Thank you 🙏

[@Tomshuski350]

I think i would still choose the cirrus as you can alot more places in it

[@cameronb2765]

if money was no object hmmm, 337 and a turbine legend

[@shanelewis1986]

I’d pick the pc12! But out of the two the piper!

[@StefanDrury]

Haha, that wasn’t an option, but I hear you!

[@georgeamiouni8864]

I think one important factor that you missed. Which power plant is more reliable ?

[@Colin_Holloway]

I would pick the Meridian and fly longer missions like BNE to PER or SYD to AKL!

[@sly.sydney6165]

To be honest if I had the money I would love an M350. Piston, Pressurised and retractable. (plus plenty of space)

[@JoeyB-o5j]

I just looked at the prices for YMMB for AVGAS and JET A-1 and the AVGAS is 0.72 EUR/L while JET A-1 is 1.27 EUR/L. Using the data you supplied @10:33 in the video I calculated that it would cost $186.59 AUD for AVGAS and $489.68 AUD for JET A-1 to fly from Melbourne to Sydney. Unless I am missing something, the Meridian costs 262% MORE than the SR22 to fly from Melbourne to Sydney.

[@thepowersgang]

Not sure about the Moorabbin prices, but Jandakot (my local GA airport, albeit on the other side of the country) has 100LL for about AU$2/L and Jet A-1 for about AU$1.60/L. Using that, 41 gallons of LL100 would be ~320AUD, and 61 gallons of Jet A-1 would be ~370AUD. Not quite as big a difference.

[@littlelawson06]

In the UK Jet A-1 is closer to half the price of 100LL so it wold actually be cheaper to use the Piper...

[@StuTheFarmer]

money no object I'd pick the PC-12

[@FlyingDarkLord]

😂 I’ve just managed to talk myself into a new aircraft too! You can always make the numbers add up if you REALLY want it!!! 😉😄👍🏼

[@julienpalamara9108]

I love the SR22.

I’d pick the Cirrus. 160Kt is quite good to fly around here in Brazil and land on short runways. But my dream airplane would be a high wing, turbo Prop, 4 seats, with modern avionics. With that I’d fly around the world !

[@IO-zz2xy]

Aero Commander??

@ Sort of, but a little smaller !

[@kneckedre]

I 100% agree with the sentiment that there’s no perfect airplane. If money was no object (and maintenance in Australia was easier) I’d probably pick a Diamond DA50/42/62 😅. Has the Jet A1, efficiency and low level fun flying benefits. Not as fast though as the Meridian and can’t really take ‘em on grass/dirtstrips.

[@StefanDrury]

Yes the Diamond maintenance can get expensive, and as then engine technology is relatively new there are more unknowns and unplanned events it seems with those aircraft.

[@paratyshow]

👍✅ Going to the dark A1 side Stef 🤣Certainly will make the round the world easier, faster and safer👏

[@iantaylor052]

The Meridian is sexy and has better ramp presence but I'd choose an SR22T (at least a G5) over the Meridian. it can get into more strips, is cheaper overall (particularly if a new engine is required) and insurance, annuals etc. etc. and will get over 90% of weather with just cannulas up to 17k feet and the G5 has better full fuel payload than the Meridian.

[@romeobravo3793]

Pilatus PC-12 all day long.

[@AbsolutelyEverybody1]

Would you fly the Dash 8-400 lol. Imagine owning that.....would be so expensive.

[@RoboMoto92]

How big was the pilot and did he have any issues getting comfortable/fitting in the Meridian?

[@johnqdoe]

For a 3 hour trip, the undisputed order is 1) Phenom 300, 2) TBM 960, 3) Pilatus PC-12, 4) Piper M700, 5) Piper M350, 6) Diamond DA62, 7) Diamond DA50 RG, 8) Cirrus SR22(T), 9) Bonanza, 10) Diamond DA42, 11) Piper Saratoga 2 TC, 12) Vans RV14A, 13) Piper Archer LX, 14) Cessna 185 STOL Taildragger, 15) Carbon Cub

[@God_has_spoken]

You know the da42 is significantly faster then the 50

[@thegeorgenicholas]

Nice hanger.

[@tangocharlie9291]

The only plane on this list a “normal” rich guy might be able to afford is the Saratoga.

[@alexanderdavidson7837]

Correct!!

[@marcburkert2671]

Epic E1000 I would put between 2 and 3. Look how tight that cockpit is. My head would be touching in this thing. PC12 meets my mission better, however….. Like my fellow aviators have mentioned…. Saratoga is the only one, maybe possible, to own relatively affordable. Fun video to dream about. Hope your health is holding up, Stefan.

[@colind3699]

Is that pilot Amy from the USA in the back seat???

[@rustyknight6190]

If, money was no object, the 747, obviously 😂. Seriously though, both, why not. One for those nice short flights and one for the longer flights, so long as you could update them both to a nice glass cockpit. But then I'd be going down the whole Huey, Black Hawk, Osprey route ... oh then, F14, A10 ... oh, now I'm into the WII fight planes ... no, this was a bad idea, take the money back, put it into education 😳

[@Gareth223338]

If money was no object I'd have both, Meridian for the family wagon and maybe not the SR22 but another small, nimble aircraft with short field ability (Being that I'm in NZ) or a Helicopter since I'd have the Turbine rating. Helicopter is great, land anywhere but they're a slow and low aircraft, the Meridian being the fast longer distance in a hurry aircraft, with a number of bums on seats.

[@jackwillis6598]

I’d have to say the piper’

[@downunderdave5417]

EYZ for character D

[@justinepaula-robilliard]

OK< the range, is 1000 NM, one assumes that is actually 500NM in case of a return back to base, or is that 1000NM and still hope in the tank?? Seen a lot of muppets mistake range for hope and end up CFIT..

[@smokingspitfire1197]

Everyone keeps suggesting the PC-12, you all have a very basic and major misunderstanding of aviation if you do so. The PC-12 is certainly a wonderful airplane, but it is almost a category above something like a Meridian. The PC-12 often comes in at double or triple the price of a Meridian and that’ll only be the very basics. They’re also SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive to maintain etc. Do not fall for the ‘oh they’re all single engine turbines’ trap. A PC-12 is a big jump from the Meridian. Even the TBM is a big jump too.

[@peteranderson7497]

Diamond DA 52? Mmmmmmm!

[@alianjohnson6035]

which one would i pick - tbm960 or a pc12

[@robj3857]

I’d pick a PC-12 😂

[@silviozanforlin9785]

Sorry Stephan, Money no object, I’d go for the piper…

[@WaiChungTse1]

Ahaha this is sick! My CFI and I looked back and saw your plane behind us at 17L. I was VCY doing the circuits last Sunday. See you around :)

[@StefanDrury]

That’s very cool, such a great day to fly. Hope you had a good lesson, thanks.

[@fingerhorn4]

All very well, but the load capability is disappointing, it's very expensive to buy, and that shockingly poor view through the canopy window is a real turn off. Apart from that I'm sure it is delightful!

[@sociopathicnarcissist8810]

If money was no object I would have the Piper 600SLS and a Phenom 300...

[@maximillianairborne3797]

Wondering which have higher specifications between the Piper and Pilatus PC-12

[@savageZ4]

The PC12 is in a different league

[@FlyingSenior]

Close in purchase price, then it goes to hourly operating cost - which includes ordinary maintenance cost. If your mission is shorter legs,

[@Laz_Arus]

If money was no object I'd fly the SR-71 😁

[@StefanDrury]

Haha, this is the correct answer.

[@allanforbestv]

SR22 for me....

[@DanFrederiksen]

At 2 aussie dollars per liter, that idle is just shy of 200$/hour. And spoiler alert no it's not the perfect plane :) it's a half decent performer but has serious issues with price. 1½-4million purchase and maybe 25k$ hot section inspection every 1000 hours and when it needs a full overhaul that might be 700k$ AUS. For that you don't get a new engine of course, they just slap it around a little and bill you the better part of a million so you keep going with your 4000 hour old engine. It's just shy of perfect. So close yet so far.

[@angela1984a]

Who owns the corporation that is Piper Aircraft?…

[@mr.ginnationfunlifestyle3891]

I will say, there is a much better airplane in this category. The Epic 1000 is in my opinion much more perfect. So I guess this Piper is need and nice but not the perfect airplane in my opinion. 😊

[@Bluestreak589]

Of the two I'd go with the Meridian... PT6A reliability and greater comfort. Granted both companies are owned by questionable countries... I'd rather give my money to Brunei than to the Chinese government.... For that reason Cirrus is pretty much a non-starter for me. Realistically I'd be looking more towards Pilatus, Daher, Textron or similar with limited/no Chinese ownership if I were in the market to be spending millions of dollars on an airplane.

[@darkofc]

Second hand turboprop ? (the engine - not the frame) You can ask Mike Patey about his experience with Turbulence (with PT6) kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppjTl2ihqbCJeMU - you have to be damn sure that previous owner treated it respectfully .. Your Cirrus engine, while maintaining same level of respect to good maintenance - might be a tiny bit more "robust" in that sense - IMO - worth considering ..

[@adrianodagenova6935]

Moo Moo....

[@76queen]

TBM

[@FLYBOY123456789]

thank goodness for cc because i could not understand one word...turbine all day long...

[@FlySkies]

I have no idea what the pilot flying is saying 😂

[@llamathrust8646]

Don't look at plane sales, don't look at plane sales...

[@MilaPerez-w1t]

Your channel is a place where quality always comes first. Thank you for your hard work and talent!⚓️🤟🤡

[@IamAceBadgeYT]

Are you buying it/ is it yours/Whos is it? Edit: Not a bot

[@Oglongs]

2 650s garmins. and then the avidyne system is a bit crap haha