I am looking to move to a malibu, what difference in owning one vs a turbolance? any info really apreciated, a lycoming or continental?

Hello,
I am a corporate pilot with about 1200 hrs in Seneca II and 300 in Malibu Mirage, only a handful in T-Lances. Beware limitations in useful load for the Malibu. Our Seneca has about 180# more payload with full fuel than our Malibu. That said, the Mirage is a great airplane. Won't set the world on fire on takeoff, especially at higher density altitudes, but goes like hell when cleaned up.

Some say the Lycoming is more robust than the Cont., and since I flew our Lycoming quite successfully 200 hrs beyond TBO (then we sold it), I would agree. But you must mind temperatures and rates of change, even more so than T-Lance or other smaller turbocharged engines (eg: Seneca). Some have problems with TIT probes: need to be replaced every 250 hrs.

If you want speed, pressurization and roominess, go for the Malibu. It is expensive to operate however: our costs were about $375/hr @ 100 hr per yr. Fuel @ 19-21 gph (cruise). Hangaring will bite, because the a/c will not fit in standard 40' hangars. Insurance also, because of 6-seat and high-performance aspect. Also, most insurance co's require annual training (unlike T-Lance and Seneca where you can keep yourself current).

But again, it is a great aircraft -- there's nothing like a "cabin-class" aircraft to make you and passengers feel like bigshots. The pressurization allows for high fast flight (200 kts @ FL200+), plus airconditioning, club seating, etc.

Caveat emptor: Some Malibu POH's have the performance specs at "mid-weight" -- that's you, fuel, and a sack lunch. Read the fine print before you believe all the speed and economy hype!

Good luck!
Zulutime

the original malibus had that kind of payload

Once you go to pressurization, deice and air conditioning, you'll never go back. I fly a 2006 with the Avidyne Entegra panel. With 5 moving map displays (one on each PFD and one on the MFD, one on each Garmin 430) if you get lost then you shouldn't be flying. The situational awareness is awesome.

The full fuel payload isn't all that great, but there really aren't any weight and balance issues and it is nice to know that the Malibu will carry anything you can put it in and still be able to shut the door. Not legally, of course.

High altitude fields (highest I've tried is 6500' on a hot day) are no problem. It doesn't care. Get it up to 85 kts and it is flying. Whatever the weight. Period.

You have to be careful in coming down. Reduce MP by 1" every 1 minute, until the CHT's are under 350 degrees, and you're good. I start reducing about 20 minutes out, just to be sure. Shock cooling is the worst thing you can do to this engine and if you do it, it just won't last.

Overall, I think it's a great aircraft. 195 kts at 16,500' on 20.5 gph. If you want to see 200 kts, try 20,000+. If you want to see more than that, buy a Meridian.

hi i'm looking to buy a malibu and need to know if it's a good safe reliable aircraft.are there any know probleams with them?i am not sure whether to get a saratoga or the malibu.
regards,
Ivan