I am looking at upgrading to a Mirage from an SR22. Is there any sage words of wisdom I should consider? The plane fits my mission profile perfectly and I want to make sure I go into the process with the correct expectations.
Mike, I would suggest you join the Malibu Owner Association. Great bunch and excellent website and forum. I've been involved with a Malibu and JetProp Malibu. Both are fine airplanes with different mission profile sweet spots. I have a T-Arrow and have also been involved with a 601P Aerostar. I found out that the Malibu is a talented and capable aircraft that flys high and requires a high percentage of the performance of the engine to propel it to 200 kts at 25,000', pressurize the cabin, keep the cabin warm and free of condensation, and shed ice. Although you might think that the Mirage is just like a turbo'd Saratoga or Sirrus with pressurization, I would suggest that it has significantly more intricate systems. And those systems require tender care and feeding.
One of the premier maintenance technicians on Malibu's is a frequent contributor to this forum - Kevin Mead. You might contact him and get him to help you understand the complexity step up going from your fine aircraft to a Mirage. The Mirage is a wonderful plane. You just might find a conversation with him both interesting and rewarding.
I would be happy to help. I don't sell Malibus, I just work on them and could help with the pre-purchase / annual. Please feel free to call 620.728.1356 or stop by HUT if you want to see a bunch of PA46 aircraft in different stages. We own a 1985 Malibu and have been happy with it. It was easy first aircraft to buy, I've taken care of it since 1993 and know where all of the skeletons were.
