MALIBU / MIRAGE / MATRIX
MATRIX
The Matrix was certified in 2008. In broad terms it is an unpressurized Mirage. Same engine, same maximum takeoff weight but because of the lighter empty weight could carry about 180 lbs more than the Mirage. Gone was the radar pod with its real time capability. (1) Avidyne 5000 PFD & (1) MFD was standard along with WAAS upgrade to the Garmin 430s.The 3 oxygen generators with their 6 masks were replaced with a single oxygen tank, a fill port, pressure relief outlet, oxygen pressure indicator, pull for activation knob, plumbed-in outlets and oxygen masks with an in-line flow indicator.
MALIBU
The 310 HP Malibu, certified in 1983, was quite a radical break from the other single engine aircraft Piper was building at the time. This twin-turbocharged, single-engine would cruise with 6 people at FL 250 at 225 knots while burning less than 20 gallons per hour. What a change from the 6 seat, 300 HP Saratoga which was unpressurized and would cruise at less than 170 knots. Gone were the Stabilator and the Cherokee look. The 225 knot cruise speed came down some with the addition of de-ice boots but it was still quite a performer. The de-ice boots were optional as was air-conditioning, the second belt- driven alternator and the second, engine driven, electrically clutched, vacuum pump. The early Malibus had hydraulically powered flaps and the Gar Kenyon landing gear system. Later Malibus had electrically powered flap system and still later ones were converted to the Parker Hannifin landing gear. Maximum takeoff weight was 4100 lbs.
MIRAGE
The Mirage came into being in 1989 with a 350HP Lycoming twin-turbocharged engine, acrylic heated pilot’s windshield and radar pod. Maximum takeoff weight increased to 4300 lbs and increase again in 2000 to 4340 lbs. The Mirage gained a glass heated windshield for the pilot’s side in 1993, pitot heat off/inop annunciator in 2005, Flightline engine gauges with the Quad Digital Indicator in 1996 along with numerous electrical switches being moved above the windshield, a 3 blade composite prop in 1998 and speed brakes in 1999. The autopilot changed from a KFC 150 in the earliest Malibus through 1998 to the King 225 in 1999 to the rate-based S-TEC 55 in 2000. Later came the S-TEC 55X with GPS Steering capability. The Garmin 530/430 package came along and the pilot side Meggitt EADI/EHSI combination also was an option. Probably the biggest improvement since the Garmin 530/430 combination was the Avidyne PFD & MFD.
QUIRKS
As with many airplanes, the nose gear piston, and wheel, moves left and right with the rudder pedals when the gear is extended so try to straighten the rudder pedals just before the nose wheel touches the runway upon landing, particularly in a crosswind situation or you may find the aircraft heading for the ditch just when you think everything is in control.
The Mirage has two belt-driven alternators. If one belt comes off it may just take the other alternator belt with it and possibly also the air-conditioner compressor belt as well. Are you ready to lose the battery shortly after this has occurred? Remember to extend the landing gear (emergency extension with the Hydraulic Pump Motor circuit breaker pulled) before you lose all electricity or you won’t know if the gear is down & locked when the battery has exhausted its electrical power.
Be careful with any one of these three aircraft while accomplishing a softfield takeoff. If you’re not careful, the nose will come up very quickly and high enough to block your view of the runway which precludes your ability to see that the airplane is heading for the left side of the runway and the ditch.
As with most airplanes I have flown, you cannot fill the 6 seats with adults and full fuel and remain within the wt & balance limits. You can’t even fill the tanks if you have four adults who each have an overnight bag and a golf bag full of clubs. You also need to watch the maximum forward CG limits with two adults in the cockpit and no passengers.
The Malibu is a fine airplane but has had quite a number of serious engine issues. I’d recommend that you pay particular attention to the simulated engine fail scenario during training seriously. What is the rate of descent, at 90 knots, with all drag removed (gear & flaps up, prop lever full aft, no slips, spoilers or speed brakes retracted?). How much altitude is lost in a 360º engine-out turn? How much difference to the glide does the prop make with the prop lever full forward vs. full aft, how much difference does the landing gear being extended make? At what altitude, AGL, should you be when crossing the Outer Marker in IMC if the engine had failed?
The original Malibu engine, the Continental TSIO 520 runs on the warm/hot side and must be operated at 50º lean of peak at normal cruise power during cruise for proper cooling.
MY OPINION
All three of these airplanes are quite easy to fly and are quite capable aircraft. If you are moving up from a fixed gear, fixed pitch airplane, it is not too big a step to take to move into these aircraft – IF you fly your current airplane with precision. A sloppy pilot will find any one of these aircraft a challenge to fly properly. Although I am not in the market to purchase any one of these aircraft, if money was a real issue I might purchase a Malibu with electric flaps, the Gar Kenyon gear and the Continental TSIO 550 engine. Although one may, or may not be able to operate this engine lean of peak as is required for the original TSIO 520 engine, he may operate it at 65% or 75% of 350 HP rather than 65 or 75% or 310 HP. Fuel burn will be greater but TAS will be a little higher also. I believe that the extra fuel caps, which allow an additional 10 gallons to be put in each wing, would rarely be used. Again, you have to watch the forward CG if you put the additional fuel in. Would I recommend the Jet Prop conversion to either the Malibu or Mirage? A lot of owners are switching over to the Pratt & Whitney engine but I’m concerned that since you can’t carry full fuel with even one 200 lb pilot on board, these aircraft are being flown over maximum allowed gross weight on a regular basis.
If you disagree with me in anything you see here, I’ll be glad to know your thoughts.
OBSERVATION - The Mirage and the Matrix are still being built.