Have I just flown the perfect solo aircraft?

[@desmodromic4586]

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

[@EvanAndersen-et9qy]

Piston engines are much worse than that. FAA says 1/3200hr. Looking at crash reports, it's about 1/5500hr. (but that excludes failures that are flown to a safe landing)

[@sdakjfa]

That's is true. But we should remind ourselves that 75% of the causes of the incidents in GA are pilot errors. And the rest 25% are divided 12.5% for truly mechanical issues and 12.5% for maintenance induced failures. So technically speaking, it doesn't mean that flying turbine is automatically 10x safer. It's roughly 13% safer because only the engine failure part (and maybe better maintenance) are contributing to overall safety.

[@macmccune21]

About 10 times more expensive as well!

[@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 !!

[@sdakjfa]

And no vibration!

[@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.

[@dsdsdsdsdsds3139]

this was brilliant cheers stefan

[@tamtam19454]

I recently got to see the Gran Lusso TDI at Jandakot. Gosh Tecnam have really raised the bar on luxury in the small 4 seat market. Different mission profile from the Piper but if 140kts and 1300nm range is not a problem is a very nice place to chill out.

[@normannutbar424]

In my opinion the cirrus is capable of “light IFR”. It’s an amazing adventure machine, but there are still plenty of days where I wouldn’t fly it. I’m lucky enough to fly turboprops for an airline, and I have learned that I would never fly even moderate IMC without boots and radar. Ice and bangers are a huge part of the deal. Particularly in Australia.

[@salvatoremarinello278]

Always the Turbine for reliability

[@GrumpyOldMan2]

Very impressed by Steven's professionalism.

[@randc47]

I’d go with the SR22. Way more fun to fly. If I truly need to go faster, higher or longer, I’m getting an airline ticket.

[@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.

[@SimonAmazingClarke]

As you covered, mission profile. I'd prefer the larger air, more options. Plus, you can't beat the sound of the turbine winding up,cand the ignitors starting to crackle.

[@jordandegraaff]

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

[@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

[@swiftadventurer]

😂 single turban

[@dezmo7]

Piper all day. Grandfather owned a comanche 260B when I was a kid. Flew all over south east queensland.

[@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.

[@PaulColeAU]

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

[@jordan65730]

Last summer I took off in my TBM700B maybe 10-15 mins after a Piper Meridian on an identical route to the bay area. After 45 mins or so ATC asked the Meridian to deviate for a few minutes for overtaking traffic. It was all good fun, but the chase certainly put a smile on my face. I know we were staring at each other on ADSB/TCAS traffic for a long time :) I understand the M700 is a beast, but I'd take any older model TBM over even a newer Piper Meridian any day.

[@gs2162]

M500 version of this Meridian has Maybe the coolest panel I've ever seen.

[@georgeamiouni8864]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@AbsolutelyEverybody1]

Great vid as always. I love this aircraft.

[@muttleysmith]

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

[@StefanDrury]

Thank you, a very Merry Christmas to you too. Have a great 2025 🎉

[@WingsOverTO]

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

[@steve_wilson]

Agreed. The correct answer is simply "YES." 🥳😂

[@TridentCapital]

I think having CAPS puts Cirrus in the lead for a lot of personal GA flyers. It's just a real peace-of-mind feature.

[@capchuckpriceutyoub]

The reliability of the turbine will outweigh the existence of CAPS. Engine failures just aren’t a thing in turboprops.

[@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?

[@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

[@StefanDrury]

Yes we spoke a lot about this vs the SR22 for a round the world trip. Both would do it very capably, but a different experience (with pros and cons) in each. One day…

[@daemotron]

There you go Stef, got your Avidyne panel back 😄

[@StefanDrury]

Haha, just like the old days.

[@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

[@MahyarMadadi]

Love your videos Stephan...from Melbourne 😊

[@StefanDrury]

Thank you 🙏

[@IvanProsper]

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

[@StefanDrury]

Well said, me too!

[@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.

[@thomasdavis5514]

Now in retirement, my wife, dog and I spend much of our winter months on the west coast of the US, the opposite side of the country from our primary home. It is actually more comfortable to drive than fly the SR22, given the dog and stuff we take with us. If I could upgrade to a turboprop for that mission, I would. But all of my other flying is less than 1000-miles and most is much, much shorter, so a big thirsty plane doesn't make sense. If only I could have both!

[@gregtodd-d4l]

That's always the rub isn't it, having to choose between a "destination" airplane vs a "journey" airplane is always a tough choice if you can only have one. As a pilot I'll always choose the journey, but I can certainly see how some passengers just want that quick trip.

[@thomasdavis5514]

@@gregtodd-d4l Is that Greg Todd from Visalia?

[@CaptainReverendo]

Pilot experience the citrus interiors are nice. Yet Passengers and the key here. Cabin class pressurized will always win over passengers. They want to stretch their legs and the larger cabin and entry just feels like a much more premium experience.

[@d.b.cooper6112]

The present-me wants Meridian Future-me wants Cirrus

[@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...

[@RHSDPrefurbia]

I've flown SR22's and owned a Malibu - hands down I'd go with the Piper

[@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.

[@Mike-vs3dv]

If money wasn't a factor, a perfect fleet for me would probably be the SR22T + something similar to the meridian, perhaps a TBM. Unfortunately money IS still a factor and i'll have to wait till I'm a tad bit older to afford any airplane.

[@CHARLESCRANFORD]

Just in time for Christmas .... The trip that shall not be mentioned has turned into 11:17 "Theoretically speaking, going to do a trip around the world, say!" EYZ RTW 2026! LET"S GO!

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 !

[@sly.sydney6165]

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

[@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…

[@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?

[@leeCann]

Good to 'see' you Stephan. It's been decades since my piliot days yet still like keeping up, or trying too. The real answer as you stated is, what's your mission, v your budget! What you didn't address is the difference in complexities. 1) Your SR22 you do not deal with or "maintain" landing gear or pressurization. 2) Your friend (my opinion) understated the cost of maintainance differences. I think, the cost of maintaining the Meridian is MUCH more than your SR22. All that said, assuming your budget can afford the turbo prop aircraft, the Meridian is gorgeous. LASTLY, once you forge your way into the world of Turbo prop aircraft, you need to dive into the competition to the piper. :) Enjoy mate! What a fun proposition to dive into !!! Lee

[@capchuckpriceutyoub]

I’d pick a TBM over a Piper. (I DID pick a TBM over a Piper.) Older TBMs can be had for a price similar to a new SR22T. They are better than a Cirrus in every way except cost of maintenance. Turboprop annual inspections are more costly (by a lot) than annuals for the SR22T. Parts are similarly much more expensive. The PT6 turbine engine itself represents most of the cost of an older turboprop. They are $1M engines, overhaul cost over a half million. TBO for the PT6 in a TBM is 3600 hours. I budget for an annual operational and maintenance cost of around $250,000 for my TBM. That does include fuel, hangaring and insurance, but doesn’t include the overhaul reserve. Put away about $175 per hour for the overhaul, and you’ll be good. (Maybe put it in crypto, haha.) Turboprops in my opinion are the ultimate personal travel machines. Pressurization makes a huge comfort difference. Speed makes it a practical alternative to airlines. Weather capability (deicing boots, weather radar, FL310 ceiling for the TBM, and speed) makes them practical for a wide variety of missions. And the TBM is a tank structurally. Stronger and a little more roomy than the Meridian, especially for pilot seat access. Plus the TBM has an optional pilot door. Turboprops are complex aircraft. You should have your IFR rating and have at least several hundred hours PIC time before considering such a beast. You should be very comfortable in the IFR ATC system, because you’ll be doing almost 100% of your flying on an IFR flight plan. And you’ll be mixing it up with fast passenger jets. ATC will expect you to know what you are doing. Things will come at you very quickly in such a plane.

[@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!!! 😉😄👍🏼

[@StefanDrury]

Ooh nice, congratulations on the new aircraft!

[@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.

[@francescaf7967]

It’s an apples and oranges comparison… piston singles are great fun but obviously the PT6 is statistically safer and the pressurisation and weather radar are game changers. Also in Europe other factors come into play like Euronav charges for aircraft >2 metric tonnes - the meridian would incur airways fees whereas the cirrus would be exempt… the biggest question is how much are you willing to spend? 😅

[@shanelewis1986]

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

[@StefanDrury]

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

[@libertine5606]

The perfect airplane depends on your mission. A turbo prop is a lot of airplane and expects a well trained pilot. That means keeping currant as a single pilot. A pilot that will have to be the pilot, flight attendant, and dispatcher. Many, as we have seen recently, are not up to the task and they take passengers with them. If you would even think about declaring a emergency just because the auto-pilot malfunctioned you are not up to standard needed to be a pilot of such aircraft.

[@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 ...

[@Stoic-of-Rome]

Dont forget the reliability of the PT6 compared to a piston engine next time you are over water or night vfr. so in the wife and kids competition for me its the Piper!

[@WildOn2sVlog]

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

[@jordank3141]

Hey great video thanks … just wanted to clarify ..he said the service ceiling was 31,000ft and you mentioned it was 29,000ft ? Anyway enjoyed that video

[@jacksonvvv]

the best all around certified single pilot airplane is Epic 1000

[@MrWarneet]

The PA46 is easier for us oldies and passengers to get in and out of too. For me it would be the M350.

[@ClaytonwFirth]

If money was no objects, I’d take both. 😂

[@Tomshuski350]

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

[@nick.simmer]

If money were no object? I'm going at the VisionJet. But since I have to consider money, I fly a PA28 Piper. :)

[@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.

[@RoboMoto92]

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

[@julienpalamara9108]

I love the SR22.

[@Colin_Holloway]

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

[@bikeguy3034]

Living in NZ that is also my thinking! Something that can make it from our isolated island out to the Pacific islands or comfortably to Oz via Norfolk a lot quicker!

[@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 ;-)

[@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.

[@StuTheFarmer]

money no object I'd pick the PC-12

[@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

[@ccousinsr32]

What would I pick? PC-12 😌

[@thumpin250]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@alexandervantwisk8951]

How would this compare to a similar TBM?

[@paratyshow]

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

[@jamesplummer356]

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

[@maximillianairborne3797]

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

[@savageZ4]

The PC12 is in a different league

[@stevesanderson8360]

Great airplane I guess. Other than the fact that the pilot has to tilt his head to keep from touching the headliner

[@alianjohnson6035]

which one would i pick - tbm960 or a pc12

[@davidtesch3205]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@cameronb2765]

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

[@theonlywoody2shoes]

If money is no object, have both 😉😉😉

[@marsgal42]

An extraordinary plane with extraordinary capability. Like TBM and Pilatus, very much a product of 21st century technology. And, at least on paper, I could fly one on my PPL with a type rating. Common sense and the insurance company might have other ideas... On a day-to-day basis I'd likely get more utility (and fun) out of a turbocharged piston single like an Arrow or an SR22T. My last commercial flight (a Q400 to Vancouver to see Taylor Swift) was IMC and moderate icing just about all the way. Could one of these turboprops have done it? Maybe; the Q400's deicing boots were working pretty hard. Would it be any fun? Probably not. I wish you and your family all the best for Christmas and 2025. Fingers crossed on getting back in the air!

[@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..

[@downunderdave5417]

EYZ for character D

[@romeobravo3793]

Pilatus PC-12 all day long.

[@AbsolutelyEverybody1]

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

[@JozuIko]

This comparison is sorta silly. You are comparing a 6 seat turbo with a 4 seat normally aspirated. If you want a real comparison, compare the SR22 with the Mooney Acclaim. Both burn the same fuel (essentially), same HP engine (or close), useful load is close, etc. But the Mooney flies at nearly the speed of the Piper Meridian and only burns 15 - 18 gal per hour (same as the Cirrus). The crazy thing is that the Cirrus underperforms the Mooney but costs around $100K more. Where the Meridian stands out is the ability to take 6 passengers. If that is your normal flight mission, it wins. If not, sell the Cirrus and buy a Mooney.

[@MDSFamily]

Good video, however, comparing a Cirrus to a Meridian? I flew a TTX, which is superior to the SR22 in many respects, IMHO.

[@tubeymcdee]

Is it considered dangerous to fly across water like this with a single engine?

[@district5rookie]

not using a check list is a bold call

[@adriandeeth5456]

A cirrus pilot only needs to know where the chute pull handle is

[@silviozanforlin9785]

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

[@aaryantpatel]

Stefan Drury, I would love to come and fly with you in your aircraft someday as I am very interested in aviation and I would like to meet up with you someday to discuss about aviation and maybe even fly with you. I love your videos on aviation. 🎉🎉🎉

[@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!

[@scottbeyer101]

Turbine for the win. Nothing against the SR22.

[@colind3699]

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

[@coredeveloper]

How this guy is speaking, I have no clue sometimes, captions helps. It's like he had constant nose block.

[@FlyingSenior]

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

[@peteranderson7497]

Diamond DA 52? Mmmmmmm!