Press Release

EASA manager Marco Capaccio hands over the STC to general manager and test pilot Martin Albrecht (left) and chief engineer and test pilot Josef Eberl.

Issued by MT-Propeller .

April 17, 2024

On the first day of AERO Friedrichshafen, the MT-Propeller EASA STC for the installation of the PT6A-135A engine in the Piper Meridian was officially handed over by Mr Marco Capaccio, small aircraft, balloons and airships section manager, European Union Aviation Safety Agency, to Josef Eberl, MT-Propeller chief engineer and test pilot, and Martin Albrecht, MT-Propeller general manager and test pilot.

Being the leader in propeller design and the only company that holds more than 220 STCs to install the most modern MT-Propellers with up to seven blades, the engineers and test pilots decided to take the next step and not only certify a more efficient propeller, but also combine it with a more efficient engine. So they took the Piper Meridian and replaced the original PT6A-42A engine with a PT6A-135A engine.

The advantages of the engine replacement are:

Greater efficiency:

Maximum range with maximum fuel (ISA, MTOW, no wind, one pilot, 45 min fuel reserve);

- 203 ktas cruise speed: 1,340 nm (2,479 km) at 30,000 ft

- 203 ktas cruise speed: 1,290 nm (2,387 km) at 28,000 ft

- 240 ktas cruise speed: 1,160 nm (2,146 km) at 28,000 ft

- 258 ktas cruise speed: 960 nm (1,776 km) at 25,000 ft

Reduction in maintenance costs:

Changing the engine family from the mid-size to the small-size category, makes an impressive difference in operating costs. Direct costs per mileage will be similar to the PA46-350P Lycoming-powered Mirage, but with a top speed of up to 260 ktas at 30,000 ft.

Noise reduction:

The new engine has a speed of 1,900 rpm compared to the original speed of 2,000 rpm. The certified outside noise has been reduced from the original 74,9 db(A) to 66,9 db(A) for 1.999 kg. The inside noise has also been reduced.

The five-bladed propeller is mandatory for this STC, but in case the five-blade Quiet Fan Jet MTV-27 propeller is already installed, it can also be used on this conversion.

The MT-Propeller STC kit contains the

following parts:

- One new engine P&W PT6A-135A

- One new propeller MTV-27-()/CFR203-58d

- One new set of exhaust pipes

- One new set of airbox parts

- One new bracket set for the engine power control interface

The Garmin EIS system is not included but is a minimum requirement.

MT-Propeller is the world leading natural composite propeller manufacturer with 30 propeller models from two-blade to seven-blade hydraulically controlled variable pitch propellers for engines producing up to 5,000hp, and two-blade to four-blade electrically controlled variable pitch propellers for engines producing up to 350hp as well as two blade fixed pitch propellers.

The high performance, light weight and durable MT-Propellers can be used on aircraft with piston engines and propeller turbines, as well as on airships, wind tunnels or hovercraft. MT-Propellers can be developed for nearly every aircraft type from motor gliders to regional airliners.

Fulfilling the highest certifications requirements, they are also supplemental type certified on Part 25 aircraft.

MT-Propeller is the holder of over 220 STCs worldwide and the OEM supplier for more than 90% of the European aircraft industry as well as 30% of the US aircraft industry. More than 30,000 propeller systems with over 100,000 blades are in service, and 180 million fleet hours have been performed on MT-Propellers. With the longest industry TBO of 4,500 hours or six years for the five-bladed turbo prop MT-Propeller has proven the reliability of its products over the years.

A factory certified network of 62 service centres provides best service and maintenance all over the world.