Pipers New M-Class

Building on the success of their proven Matrix and Meridien airframes, Piper has launched the M-Class, a line of single-engine, business-class personal aircraft that offer more performance, range, efficiency, comfort and safety. The M350, M500 and M600 feature major updates to avionics and electronics as well as new wing and interior designs.

An alternative to the Cirrus parachute?

Interesting safety feature: the “Blue Button.” Essentially it’s an Automated Level Mode function that, when triggered, will return the aircraft to a wings level attitude with zero vertical speed. So if the pilot in command experiences any problems, he or anyone in the plane can reach forward, press the button and return the plane to a safe flight mode.
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Meh. How about a system that detects cabin depressurization and crew incapacitation and descends to a minimum safe altitude.

 

I've seen that feature on other airplanes-- maybe even the Cirrus?

Mooney built some airplanes in the 1960s where the autopilot was alway engaged. You could press a button and hand fly (similar to control wheel steering on many autopilots), but that was it.

 

The M350 and M600 have it.

M600 tops Piper product line - AOPA




Mark

 

The Citation Mustang has that capability built in...

 

The PC (positive control) system was for roll control only, and would not have helped much in an extreme attitude condition. It did make for a very stable platform in normal cruise and approach conditions. It operated off a vacuum driven gyro.

 

I just read a flight test on the M500, great plane was the overall impression, biggest complaint was that when fully fueled it only has a about a 350lb useful load.
Hardly enough for two people....

 

I think any newly certified airplanes with maximum altitudes above some figure (maybe 30,000 feet?) are required to have that. I know the new Gulfstreams have that, and the big Citation models (VI, VII, Sovereign, X) have all had that for many years now.

 

Probably better off $-wise buying an older Malibu/Mirage and just refresh the engine and avionics, although even those planes suffered from useful load issues with full fuel.

 

....and with very little luggage too.......

 

One of the myriad of times having a 100 pound girlfriend makes good sense.

 

Unless her luggage exceeds her own weight...

 

Many of the G1000 variants have it. It's called ESP.

...and yes, the Cirrus has had the level blue button for years.