PIPER HITS THE RIGHT NOTE AS M600 APPROVED FOR EUROPE

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PIPER HITS THE RIGHT NOTE AS M600 APPROVED FOR EUROPE

Piper Aircraft is debuting its M600 at EBACE and announced today that its flagship single-engine turboprop has secured long-awaited European certification.

The approval will enable the US airframer to begin deliveries of the six-type to local owners, with the first aircraft earmarked for handover to a Czech Republic-based customer in the third quarter.

Following EU approval in March allowing commercial air transport operations with single -engined turbine aircraft at night and in instrument meteorological conditions (SE-IMC), Piper can also now promote the M600 to charter operations.

Speaking at the show this morning. Piper president and chief executive Simon Cladecott  called EASA approval “a key milestone” for the M600.

“The aircraft has garnered substantial interest due to the its range, pay-loaded and safety features and outstanding operation economics,” he says. “With the recent approval of SE-IMC, the aircraft is ideally positioned to take advantage of this expanded opportunity.”

M600 validation has come about mid-way through three month European tour, in which the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A-powered aircraft has performed 55 demonstration flights for customers in six cities, Piper says.

The M600 entered service in June 2016 following a 15-month certification campaign, and more than 30 aircraft have been delivered to date.

The $3million aircraft is a development of Piper’s M500 entry-level turboprop, featuring a redesigned wing, a Garmin G3000 flight deck, digital fuel management and a restyled interior.