Piper Aircraft has announced a long-awaited type certification of the turboprop-powered, $2.85 million M600 six-seater.
The US Federal Aviation Administration approved the type certificate on 17 June, allowing deliveries to begin as scheduled in the third quarter, says the Florida-based manufacturer.
“We are delighted to announce the certification of the M600 by the FAA,” says Piper chief executive Simon Caldecott.
Although cleared for operations, the FAA approval includes one limitation.
The M600 is equipped with a de-icing system for the wing, but it has not yet received approval by the FAA. Piper will deliver M600s with a placard to avoid flight into known icing until the system is certificated by the FAA.
Other aspects about the aircraft’s performance turned out better than expected.
The maximum range of the M600 at entry into service is 1,484nm (2,748km), or 284nm better than Piper first advertised.
Powered by the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A, Piper also reached the targeted maximum cruise limit speed of 250kcas (463km/h), carrying a maximum payload of 508kg (1,120lb).
Piper developed the M600 from its entry-level turboprop, the M500. With a redesigned wing, digital fuel management technology and a restyled interior, Piper is offering the M600 against the Daher TBM-series of high-speed turboprops.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
