E3 Aviation Soars High:
Piper M Class Embraces
Sustainable Future With
SAF and Garmin’s PlaneSync
In a significant leap towards a sustainable future, Piper Aircraft announced at AERO 2023 in Friedrichshafen, Germany, that the M500, M600, and numerous Meridian models are now equipped to utilize Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This momentous step aligns with Piper’s commitment to empowering a greener aviation landscape. Moreover, the integration of Garmin’s PlaneSync for the G3000-equipped M600/SLS, expected in Q2 this year, adds a new dimension to pilot tools, enhancing both efficiency and sustainability.
Fueling Sustainability: Piper’s SAF Approval
Amidst global calls for net-zero emissions, Piper’s adoption of SAF in the M class series becomes a beacon of progress. The Pratt & Whitney PT6 twin-shaft turboprop powerplant, a key component of the M500, M600, and Meridian models, receives FAA blessing (SAIB 56-R4) and EASA approval for SAF usage, facilitating a smoother transition to sustainable aviation practices. Ron Gunnarson, Piper’s vice president of sales, marketing, and customer support, emphasizes the global reach of this approval, stating that it applies to every country the M class operates in. This revolutionary move comes without the need for alterations to aircraft specifications, placarding, or the pilot’s operating handbook.
Meeting Demand with a Sustainable Edge
Piper’s commitment to sustainability aligns seamlessly with the current demand dynamics. Building on the success of 236 aircraft deliveries in 2022, a 14 percent increase from the previous year, Piper anticipates delivering around 265 aircraft in 2023—a testament to the continued demand for both trainers and M class aircraft. Gunnarson acknowledges a normalization in production and supply, emphasizing the importance of sustaining growth while meeting market needs. The M350, in particular, stands out with strong demand, attracting pilots seeking a superior alternative within a competitive price range.
Garmin PlaneSync: Elevating the Flight Experience
Piper enthusiasts can look forward to an enriched flight experience with the integration of Garmin’s PlaneSync into the G3000-equipped M600/SLS models. This innovative suite introduces enhanced taxi routing via 3D Safe Taxi and preprogramming of taxi clearances, promoting heightened situational awareness. CAS-based checklists simplify issue resolution by aligning with crew alerting system messages. The addition of a glide range ring, stabilized approach annunciations, and advanced weight and balance performance features further elevate the pilot’s capabilities.
The true marvel of PlaneSync lies in its remote “wake-up” capability, allowing pilots to check functions and status reports from any location with internet connectivity. From database and battery states to fuel and oil levels, this feature provides unparalleled convenience. With anticipated FAA certification in Q2 2023 and subsequent validations from EASA and Transport Canada, PlaneSync heralds a new era in integrated flight deck technology.
E3 Aviation invites aviators to join this transformative journey, where sustainability meets cutting-edge technology, creating a vibrant community dedicated to shaping the future of aviation.
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