VERO BEACH — Piper Aircraft Inc. is delaying
deliveries of the new PiperJet, according to a
report from a major aviation news organization.
The Aviation Publishing Group, which
published the report on its Web site at 10 p.m.
Wednesday, said Piper spokesman Mark Miller
informed the organization the PiperJet would
begin delivery during the second quarter of
2013, instead of the anticipated fourth quarter
2011.
Miller declined to comment Thursday.
“I certainly wish we could keep the time
frame that we had in place,” Indian River County
Commission Chairman Wesley Davis said. “This is
the first I’ve heard of this.”
A sample letter informing customers and
dealers of the delay is signed by Piper CEO
Kevin Gould and Piper President John Becker.
“Even as the PiperJet program is gaining
momentum, we find it necessary to make a change
to the PiperJet delivery schedule. Our
successful efforts to engage a strategic,
long-term ownership group coincided with a
drastically weakened business environment. This
forced us to temporarily redirect resources from
the jet, but the end result is that we are today
a better company with a brighter future,” the
letter states.
The company also plans to hire about 50
engineers and technicians by the second quarter
of 2010, the letter states.
Piper had the media debut of the PiperJet
prototype, a single-engine, very light jet, in
September 2008. The six-passenger PiperJet, with
an option for either a seventh seat or enclosed
lavatory, has a base price of $2.199 million. At
the time, the company had 203 retail and
wholesale orders.
Imprimis, a corporate finance and investment
management firm backed by the Brunei Darussalam
Ministry of Finance, purchased Vero Beach-based
Piper from American Capital Ltd. on May 1.
Michael Fitzgerald, executive vice president
of Skytech Inc., a large aircraft sales dealer
and service center for Piper, Pilatus and Cessna
Caravan, was aware of the delay.
“There’s a little bit of disappointment,”
said Fitzgerald, who has locations in South
Carolina and Baltimore. “In general, we feel
very good about the product, but that doesn’t do
us any good until it’s here.”
Fitzgerald speculated the certification
process with Federal Aviation Administration
could be contributing to the delay.
“The FAA has to pay attention to everybody,
so basically, everyone is in line,” Fitzgerald
said. “And when you tell the FAA to hurry up,
it’s like talking your way out of a (traffic)
ticket.”
Fitzgerald said the delay might cause some to
reconsider their purchase.
“When a buyer makes a buying decision, they
want their toy right away,” Fitzgerald said.
“The biggest problem, quite frankly, is the
profile of these customers. They’re mainly
high-end business owners, who are fairly wealthy
and at an age where they want start flying now.”
John M. Lowe, president of Des Moines Flying
Service Inc., which sells the PiperJet, said he
was confidant the PiperJet will continue to
sell, despite the delay.
“It takes a tremendous amount of time to
bring a new airplane to the marketplace,” said
Lowe, who has met twice with Imprimis Managing
Partner Stephen W. Berger. “We’ve lost some
deposits, but that’s not unexpected.”
Piper is one of the largest employers in
Indian River County. In 2008, executives said
Piper employed about 1,200 workers. Since then,
an estimated 500 employees have been laid off.
Piper also has instituted weekly furloughs every
month until the end of the year.
Earlier this month, County Commissioner Peter
O’Bryan, the commission’s liaison to the
Economic Development Council, said he would meet
monthly with Piper’s Vice President of Human
Resources Steve Johnston and County
Administrator Joe Baird for company updates and
to discuss the status of the state and county’s
$32 million incentive package.
The incentive package is tied to employment
levels and production of the new PiperJet. Piper
had contemplated relocating to Oklahoma City or
Albuquerque, N.M., before the local offer was
presented in 2008.
June 20th, 2009: Piper Selects Garmin G3000 For PiperJet
Innovative Avionics Suite Incorporates Touchscreen Technology
ANN REALTIME UPDATE, 1212 EDT, 10.20.09: In
remarks associated with the introduction of the Garmin G3000 at
NBA2009, Piper officials surprised a number of folks attending
with the revelation that the company plans a 50% increase in
production numbers for 2010. Also; Piper's John Becker has
confirmed that the passive thrust corrective system (designed by
Williams) has resulted in a design that will not only not
require any stability augmentation but that the aircraft will
keep a fixed stabilizer -- calling the current pitch/power
issues 'as good as any of the aircraft in the PA46 line.'
Original Report:
Piper has announced that the PiperJet will be among the first to
deploy the new Garmin G3000 - the world's first touchscreen-controlled
integrated FlightDeck for turbine aircraft.
"The PiperJet is an amazing aircraft with a unique blend of
capabilities that makes it the best-in-class choice for pilots
focused on performance, style, utility, capability and pricing,"
said Piper President John D. Becker, who led the engineering
team that brought the PiperJet from concept to first-flight and
beyond. "We have a long and rich relationship with Garmin, and
our choice builds on that legacy while incorporating avionics
excellence equal to the PiperJet's promise."
Designed specifically for Part 23 turbine aircraft, the G3000 is
Garmin's evolutionary leap forward in taking glass avionics to a
much higher level. It seamlessly integrates numerous
Garmin-designed system components into an easy-to-use FlightDeck,
the heart of which is the all new GTC 570 vehicle management
system: a 5.7-inch diagonal touchscreen controller that uses a
desktop-like menu interface with intuitive icons. The
console-mounted GTC 570 allows full control of radios, audio
management, flight management, weather systems management,
synoptics (graphical systems displays) and other key vehicle
systems.
"The PiperJet's revolutionary design and impressive performance
have positioned it to be another great Piper aircraft," said
Gary Kelley, Garmin's Vice President of Marketing. "We are proud
to continue playing a vital role on the PiperJet team with what
we believe will be one of the most intuitive and powerful
FlightDeck systems ever designed for Part 23 turbine aircraft."
The PiperJet team emphasized that the G3000's focus on being
intuitive is key to melding with the PiperJet's focus on
avoiding needless complexity and enhancing user-friendliness.
With an icon-driven interface that leverages the experience
Garmin gained by designing and delivering millions of automotive
consumer products, the G3000 will play an integral role in
making the PiperJet second to none.
By eliminating buttons, switches, and extraneous knobs, the
touchscreen G3000 relies on common sense functions that have
been the mainstay of cutting-edge smart-screen technology in
consumer electronics. In effect, the G3000 lets pilots quickly
retrace their steps or alternatively return to the home screen.
The system has gone to great lengths to ensure simplicity in
operation.
"PiperJet pilots will have the ability to reach out and touch
real-time information," said Becker. "Gone will be the days of
looking for cursors and cryptic confusing menus that lead to
heavy pilot workloads."
The G3000 adds significantly to state-of-the-art safety measures
featured in the PiperJet's design. With its strong, smooth
all-metal body, the PiperJet is capable of reaching a cruising
speed of 360 knots and a maximum operating altitude of 35,000
feet. The six passenger PiperJet - with an option for either a
seventh seat or enclosable lavatory - offers a range of 1,300
nautical miles and a full-fuel payload of 800 lbs.
The PiperJet proof-of-concept aircraft continues to advance
through various stages of flight testing. To date the aircraft
has logged in excess of 230 hours of flight time and 160
flights.
From Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI) to FADEC, Piper says that
the PiperJet's focus is on optimal operational excellence,
user-friendliness, and safety. Configured to be flown by a
single pilot, the PiperJet will be certified in the Normal
Category under FAA Part 23 and applicable foreign certification
standards. It will also be RVSM certified. The PiperJet will be
certified to a maximum operating altitude well above the weather
while combining performance with the latest safety technologies
and features.
Piper Aircraft Acquired To 'Secure New Growth
Opportunities'
OK... we know that such a headline is likely to worry some
folks... so let's get right to the nitty-gritty. Piper's new
owner is Imprimis... a company that assures ANN that it "fully
supports the PiperJet development" program. Piper will stay in
Vero Beach and Imprimis has stated that it is "committed to
keeping Piper's headquarters, production and product development
facilities in Vero Beach, Fla."
Now to the details.
As rumored, Piper Aircraft's owner, American Capital Ltd., has
sold its 100 percent stake in the company to Imprimis in a
private transaction that 'aims to secure the long-term success
of Florida's 72 year-old General Aviation company.' Imprimis is
a corporate finance and investment management firm that operates
from its offices in Bangkok, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam.
Imprimis intends to invest significant capital in Piper's
current operations to strengthen its position in its traditional
markets and support the development of key new products such as
the PiperJet. Imprimis was drawn to Piper because of the
significant potential that it sees for Piper to expand its
activities into new markets in Asia Pacific, which is expected
to experience steady growth for two- to six-seat aircraft over
the next five years, in part due to shifting demographics and
increasing demand for pilot training from training schools and
flying clubs (commercial and private). Outside of long-term
plans for growing market share in Asia, the new shareholders are
committed to keeping Piper's headquarters, production and
product development facilities in Vero Beach, Fla.
"Imprimis brings a level of support that will propel Piper from
its current status as a company with a strong heritage, track
record of innovation and great potential to one that is growing
and pushing the envelope within General Aviation," said Piper
President and CEO James K. Bass (Pictured below). "Imprimis'
commitment to grow Piper in both existing and emerging markets
comes at a time when we are poised to enter a new era in
aviation history."
Imprimis Managing Partner Stephen W. Berger pointed to 'Piper's
substantial track record and respect the company enjoys within
the General Aviation industry as being among the primary reasons
to acquire Piper.'
"Piper's capabilities, its excellent dealer family and extensive
customer base, coupled with Imprimis' capability to provide
financial support, our dedication to growing the companies we
invest in and our contacts within Asia provide fertile ground
for Piper to expand its business in the Asian market and
throughout the world," said Berger.
Berger said that "Imprimis had been looking for some time to
invest in an aviation company with a proven track record of
prospering in the face of serious challenges. Piper has a strong
order book despite challenging times thanks to its position as
the only general aviation manufacturer to build and offer
aircraft for every general aviation mission."
Recent examples include:
The Piper Matrix,
based on the world-renowned Malibu Mirage, has been a leader
in its segment (high-end, cabin-class unpressurized
aircraft) and has delivered unprecedented sales in recent
Piper history.
The Piper Meridian,
Piper's flagship, turboprop aircraft, this year relaunched
with the Garmin G1000 avionics suite - essentially the brain
of the aircraft - to excellent reviews. Much more than an
upgraded aircraft, the Meridian with the G1000, its
integrated autopilot (the GFC700) and Garmin's Synthetic
Vision Technology performs more like a business jet than a
personal airplane.
The PiperJet
continues reaching new milestones with regularity. The
PiperJet's first flight took place last July. Since then,
Piper test pilots have flown more than 150 hours and to
35,000 feet, where they assessed and in the months ahead
will continue to explore the high altitude performance of
the aircraft. Piper has 204 contracted orders for the
PiperJet, which is more than the company had for the highly
successful Piper Meridian at this point in its development.
"Piper's iconic status, coupled with its commitment to product
innovation, excellent quality and a management team and
workforce second-to-none made it a compelling choice," Berger
said. "Imprimis sees this acquisition as a perfect fit as we
develop plans for Piper's continued growth in its existing
markets and for significant expansion within the Asian markets
where much of our focus lies."
Another top priority for Imprimis 'was a proven track record for
innovation and bringing excellent products to market,' Berger
said.
"Even with the existing worldwide economic recession - and the
toll it has taken on General Aviation, including Piper - Piper
remains strong and well-run, with a strong balance sheet, a
comprehensive product line, and a workforce dedicated to
providing its customers with excellent products and services,"
Berger said. "At the same time, Piper has extensive expertise in
international markets and the facility to expand into new and
emerging markets as well - all essential to our search
criteria."
One of three remaining "legacy" manufacturers of general
aviation aircraft, Piper currently manufactures seven models:
the Warrior III, Arrow, Seminole, Seneca V, Matrix, Mirage and
Meridian. The company is also developing the PiperJet.
Feb. 24th, 2009: The GA Heartbreak Continues: Temporary
Piper Shutdowns Extended
Piper to Close Plant for an Extra Two Weeks
Talk about a gut check... an industry that has reinvented itself
over the last decade, having improved itself with new
technologies, methodologies and tremendous progress, continues
to be victimized by an economy that has no sense of direction,
unless that direction is "down."
A brief, painful, missive from the folks at Piper tells ANN
that:
"The most recent GAMA (General Aviation Manufacturers
Association) report on aircraft deliveries indicates the
worldwide general aviation market has continued to deteriorate.
The decline is being driven by overall weakness in the economy,
the inability of customers to obtain financing, and the increase
of both new and used aircraft inventory. As a result, and to
ensure our continued viability, Piper Aircraft has decided to
shut down operations for one week in May and another week in
June, in addition to the previously announced closings of one
week in April and one week in July. These shutdowns will be
without pay and will affect all employees in the Company, from
Executive Management to Hourly manufacturing employees.
We realize and regret the impact that this has on our employees
and are doing everything possible to preserve the 650 jobs Piper
continues to provide. Piper is focused on taking all necessary
actions to weather the current downturn in such a way that we
will be positioned for growth when the economy improves.
These actions will help support the company's ongoing operations
by facilitating a reduction of raw material and finished goods
inventory, focusing on expense control and providing the company
an opportunity to determine how President Obama's new stimulus
package will impact the market. While we are pleased that the
President's stimulus package contains a provision for bonus
depreciation and feel that will help facilitate a market
recovery, we are, however, still deeply concerned about high
inventory levels of new and used aircraft, lack of available
credit and the overall continued decline in consumer confidence.
Although no one can predict how long this recession will last or
how deep it will go, we believe that Piper's focus should be on
preserving as many jobs as possible while continuing to dedicate
ourselves to building aircraft of the finest quality and the
most exacting safety standards of any within General Aviation."
ANN E-I-C Note:
Folks; this is heartbreaking stuff... the industry is,
ultimately, a small one and the decisions we've seen in the last
few weeks are nothing less than what these companies must do to
survive until better times. Still, as we can personally attest
to having heard it in their voices, or seen it on their faces,
the decision-makers of the GA world are taking great pains to do
what they must... and hating the result. We can only hope that
the current economic maelstrom finds its way to some sense of
solution as soon as is possible... as one of the finest
industries in this nation deserves much better than it's
getting. -- Jim Campbell, ANN E-I-C.
2/9/2009: Piper: 'Necessary To Take Further Actions' In
Slumping Economy
Company Lays Off Approx. 300 More Employees, Plans Week-Long
Shutdowns
Aero-News has learned Vero Beach, FL-based Piper Aircraft will
take further actions in the wake of a massive slump in sales,
releasing approximately 300 employees effective immediately.
"As a result of the deepening global recession, Piper Aircraft
finds it necessary to take further actions to ensure the Company
remains viable," said Piper spokesman Mark Miller. "Similar to
many other businesses, General Aviation has been experiencing
one of the worst downturns in its history and sales of airplanes
have sharply deteriorated over the past few months. These
unforeseeable business circumstances are virtually unprecedented
and have caused the company to take agonizing and painful
actions."
In addition to the layoffs, Piper will shut down for one week in
April, and again in July, "to avoid building up unnecessary
inventory and to provide time to assess rapidly changing market
conditions." The shutdowns will be without pay, and will affect
all employees, Miller added, from Management to hourly
manufacturing workers.
Miller stressed that "when the economy improves, every attempt
will be made to rehire impacted employees," but added Piper may
be forced to take further action before then if the market
continues to "deteriorate."
The layoffs are on top of the 150 workers Piper laid off in
November.
As ANN reported, last month Piper CEO Jim
Bass told commissioners in Indian River County the planemaker
planned to curtail production this year by at least 40 percent
compared to 2008 levels, due to the ongoing sales slump.
"We deeply regret the pain this is causing," said Miller, "but
the truth is that people aren’t buying planes, or, boats, or
cars or making any other big-ticket purchases for that matter.
It's never business-as-usual when people lose their jobs. We're
talking about friends and neighbors, and the impact on them,
their families, and everyone else in the community is heart
wrenching. But we have had to do this to preserve the business
and the approximately 650 jobs Piper continues to provide in a
very difficult economy.
"We are building far less than we normally would and cannot
afford to keep a full workforce when we don't have the sales to
support that," he continued. "This is a very difficult and
agonizing situation driven by virtually unprecedented and
unforeseeable business circumstances. Our hearts go out to the
people we have had to let go, and we're focused now on bringing
back as many people as possible once the economy recovers.
"Piper designs, builds and sells some of the best aircraft in
the world, and we are hopeful that we will emerge from this
downturn with renewed optimism that better days are ahead of
us," Miller concluded.
Piper CEO Confirms 150 Layoffs... So Far
And If Things Don't Improve Soon, More Cuts Are Possible
Piper Aircraft CEO Jim Bass had some bad news for officials in
Indian River County on Tuesday -- that the planemaker has laid
off 150 workers, and may need to thin its ranks further.
Despite the gloom, however, Bass and other Piper officials
assert the news isn't entirely bad.
The Treasure Coast Palm reports Bass made his
comments Tuesday during a special county commission meeting,
called at the request of officials who wanted Piper to publicly
address news of the layoffs,
which were first reported in December but
not confirmed by the company at that time.
Bass followed up his confirmation of the layoffs with an
announcement the planemaker intends to pursue further
installments of a $32 million incentive package down the line...
but is holding off on asking for more money until the economy
stabilizes.
As ANN reported, Piper received that
financial package in May 2008, in exchange for keeping the
planemaker's headquarters and production facilities in Vero
Beach, FL. Under terms of the deal, the company must meet
certain criteria, including maintaining employment levels and
ultimately adding workers in the future.
To date, Piper has received the first installment of that money
-- $4 million from the county, and $6.67 from the state. The
planemaker faces penalties if staffing falls under a minimum
level, though Piper is allowed to request an extension as long
as two years.
"We think that this is both good for Piper as well as Florida
and the county because ultimately it extends Piper's
commitment," Bass said of the incentive package.
Bass conceded the first round of layoffs may only be the
beginning. "If it gets worse, we may have to have more layoffs,
but we hope we won't have to do that," he said. ""We hope it
will be better, but we also recognize in today's environment ...
it could get worse."
Piper has cut back production levels on reduced demand for its
aircraft, in line with similar cutbacks throughout the GA
industry.
The company estimates a roughly 40 percent decline in deliveries
this year over 2008 levels. "There simply is no need to build
planes and have them stacked up on a runway to sit around and
rust," Bass (shown below) said.
So far, Piper hasn't reduced pay levels for workers or
management, except in cases of reduced work schedules. Bass
noted production workers received "two pay raises in 2008."
A spokesman for the company told ANN that even with the current
downturn -- and the resulting grumbling among some
local officials about the level of incentives granted to the
planemaker -- the community's investment in Piper has already
started paying off.
"Piper contributed more than $60 million to the Indian River
County community in payroll and purchase of goods and services,"
the spokesman noted. "The reality is that the incentives have
resulted in amazing results -- ROI on the county’s $4 million
and the state's $6.67 million is $60+ million.
"When you factor in the ripple effect, estimated at $500 million
by the Washington Economic Group, that is more than
substantial."
Aerospace workers who may have recently been let go from their jobs at
Cessna or Hawker Beechcraft in Wichita, KS are encouraged to attend a job
fair to be held by Piper Aircraft next week.
Piper tells ANN it is currently in search of experienced engineers to work
on the PiperJet and other projects. Representatives with the Vero Beach, FL
planemaker will be at the Hilton Wichita Airport to conduct interviews for
one day only on Thursday, November 20.
The representatives will be seeking intermediate, senior and lead engineers
to start immediately in airframe/structural design, stress analysis,
electrical & avionics design, powerplant design, mechanical systems,
liaison, industrial and manufacturing.
To be considered for an interview, e-mail a resume to
jobs@piper.com or call 772-299-2080 by November 19. More
information is available at the Piper web site.
Piper Nears First Flight Of Single-Engine Piper Jet
Completed Static Load Testing Earlier This Month
PiperJet Begins Taxi Trials
High Speed Ground Tests Imminent
As we enter the home stretch towards AirVenture 2008, these are busy times
for a pair of single-engine jet development programs... and the question is,
which will fly first? Hot on the heels of news Cirrus is now ground-testing
its
"the-jet" concept, now comes word that the first time in
Piper Aircraft's 71-year history, the sound of a turbofan-powered Piper
airplane was heard when the PiperJet Proof of Concept's engine was started
and tested on June 19, 2008.
Piper officials tell ANN the first engine run gave a "personality" to the
PiperJet Proof of Concept (POC) airplane, with the distinctive sound
generated from the Williams FJ44-3A engine mounted high in the vertical
tail. The unique look of the PiperJet POC now comes with a unique sound like
no other Piper built before.
The first engine start and following operational tests were flawless. The
Williams engine in the PiperJet incorporates a full authority digital engine
control (FADEC) system, resulting in the pilot simply pressing the starter
button, monitoring the engine speed as the engine spools up, and then
bringing the thrust lever forward to the run position at a predetermined
engine speed. All other functions are automatically controlled, including
the initiation of an automatic engine shutdown sequence if any unforeseen
problems occur during the start procedure. PiperJet pilots will really enjoy
the peace of mind the Williams FJ44-3A engine provides as they start the
engine in various conditions of heat, humidity and altitude.
After the initial engine starts and operational checks were completed, the
PiperJet moved forward under its own power for the first time. Piper test
pilots began their evaluations with low speed taxi tests to verify nosewheel
controllability and authority. Nosewheel steering in the PiperJet is
accomplished using a direct linkage system through the rudder pedals. No
electrical or hydraulic assists are required.
Nosewheel travels will be determined during flight tests, but for now the
travel in the POC test aircraft is 30 degrees left and right. Piper test
pilots reported light rudder pedal forces and excellent response as the
PiperJet POC was maneuvered with confidence in the tight confines of the
Vero Beach factory test ramp for the first time.
The next major milestone in the Countdown to First Flight is high speed taxi
testing. During these tests, test pilots will accelerate to speeds just
below liftoff to check for basic runway handling characteristics and
elevator control authority. After that, it's on to the excitement of the
first flight with performance verifications and handling characteristics
testing to follow in an extensive flight test program.
Though it shares certain design elements with the manufacturer's
Malibu/Meridian/Mirage line of cabin-class single-engine propeller aircraft,
the PiperJet is billed as the first "clean-sheet" design to come from the
Vero Beach, FL planemaker in a number of years.
Representatives with Piper Aircraft tell ANN that June 5 marked a
significant milestone in the Piper Jet’s progress towards first flight. On
that day, all static load testing was successfully completed on the first
Proof-Of-Concept (POC) airframe... bringing the Vero Beach plane maker one
step closer to the first flight of its single-engine VLJ.
Those static tests consisted of applying loads to the airframe up to its
limit load --the highest loads the aircraft will see in service, equivalent
to +3.8g and -1.5g. The tests gave the engineering test pilots confidence in
the strength and integrity of the airplane, before it leaves the ground for
the first time.
Upon completion of the static load testing, the airframe was removed from
the test fixture and the landing gear was installed for the first time. It
is important to note that the landing gear configuration used on the
Proof-Of-Concept aircraft is a conventional oleo design. A trailing link
gear is planned to be used on all subsequent aircraft.
The engine was also hoisted into place and installed in the distinctive
vertical tail location. This location provides excellent protection from
foreign object damage and results in superb engine efficiency due to the
fact that air entering the intake is undisturbed and not subjected to
airframe interference. Future PiperJet pilots will enjoy high levels of fuel
efficiency due to this superior aerodynamic characteristic of the powerplant
installation.
As of June 9, the PiperJet's fuselage was basically complete -- with the
wings and fuselage mated, the engine mounted in the vertical stab, and the
entire empennage assembly in place.
Piper is particularly proud of the three-foot-wide cabin door, and the
smooth wing surface using a new rivetless bonding process. The manufacturer
is relying on that low-drag airframe to allow the PiperJet to achieve target
performance parameters of 360 KTAS, 1,300 NM range and 35,000' operational
ceiling.
Maximum Cruise Speed:
360kts (+5%/-2.5%) Useful Load: 800lbs (+/- 5%) full fuel Range: 1300 NM (+/- 5%) with NBAA Reserves
The new PiperJet has a range of 1,300 nautical miles?
The new PiperJet has a full-fuel payload of 800 lbs.?
The new PiperJet offers an optional lavatory?
The new PiperJet offers an optional 7th seat?
The new PiperJet offers an oversized 36" door?
The new PiperJet's wing spar is situated below the cabin
floor to create more cabin space and increased passenger
comfort?
The new PiperJet's dynamic seats are certified to higher
safety standards?
The new PiperJet incorporate's single-engine turbine power
for optimum cost efficiency?
The new PiperJet offers unbelievable value and the promise
of Piper's legendary uncompromising standards?
Piper offers aircraft for every general aviation mission,
from trainers and high-performance aircraft for personal and
business use, to turbine-powered business aircraft to the
PiperJet.
The PiperJet slices through the sky,
reaching a cruising speed of 360 knots*.
Its mission-capable profile and sensuous
luxury set the standard in its class.
With a range of 1300 nautical miles* and
a full-fuel payload of 800 lbs.*, it’s a
jet destined for legendary status. This
six-seat jet aircraft – with an optional
seventh seat – includes ample baggage
space inside and outside the pressure
vessel to accommodate your cargo needs.
Cutting-edge and superbly capable, the
PiperJet will be certified to altitudes
that take you above the weather while
combining performance with the latest
safety technologies and features. It is
this blend that makes the PiperJet an
aircraft to be reckoned with.
*See official
performance guarantees as referenced in
PiperJet Aircraft Purchase Agreement.
Dimensions
Length
Height
Wing span
Cabin seating
Performance
Maximum cruise speed guaranteed
Full-fuel payload (on standard
equipped aircraft) guaranteed
Maximum range guaranteed
33’9”
16’6”
44’7”
6 or 7
360 ktas (+5%/-2.5%)
800 lbs (+/-5%)
1,300 nm (+/-5%)
Features
Six-seats standard, 7th seat
optional.
Optional lavatory, entertainment
center, utility loading
configurations.
Auto throttle (optional)
Engine trend monitoring
FADEC engine
FIKI (approved for Flight Into
Known Icing)
Performance computer
Base Price: $2.199M (in 2006 $
with a CPI-W escalator)
Transitioning into a jet has never been
easier. Piper can help you propel
yourself from your current aircraft to
tomorrow's jet. We offer a complete line
of aircraft ranging from piston engine
and high performance turbo-prop aircraft
to jet powered flight. With Piper's
linkage programs, you can also save
thousands of dollars with incentives (up
to $100,000)
