FAA flight test pilots have begun evaluating the Piper M600 this week, which could see certification of the single-engine turboprop early in Q3 2016.
The FAA crews will run various evaluations on two M600s, leading to full certification by the autumn. European certification is expected a year after the FAA grants approval.
Piper’s own flight tests proved the model exceeded original design goals in range and speed. The maximum range goal of 1,200 nautical miles was increased to 1,440 nautical miles. Maximum speed projections of 260kts were exceeded too; the aircraft now has an approximate maximum speed of 274kts.
April 22, 2016
