Piper's M500 Gains EASA Approval Piper announced on Monday that their M500 turboprop has been given the greenlight by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This means that deliveries can start to filter into the European region under European registrations and operations. Brazil, Canada and Japan's respective agencies have already given approvals to the M500. “EASA certification is an important milestone allowing us to kick off a major sales campaign to bring the M500 to the European market,” said Simon Caldecott, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft. “This is the third international certification for the M500 including Brazil, Canada, and Japan, and is significant because there is a growing demand for an aircraft that offers the advanced safety features and the best value proposition of any aircraft in its class. Its reliable Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A engine, unpaved field approval, and added safety of the enhanced autopilot flight control system, make the M500 well-suited for European topography and the market’s requirements.”
The five-place M500 features the latest advances in Garmin G1000 technology, with industry leading safety features unique to this class of aircraft. Electronic Stability Protection, Underspeed Protection, Coupled Go-Round, Synthetic Vision Technology, and Automatic Level Mode are also featured for consumers seeking the safest aircraft possible, without sacrificing speed and power. GFC 700 remains standard, as well. Other major improvements for the M500 include the Aspen EFD-1000 standby instrument, electroluminescent placards in the cockpit, GTX 33 Extended Squitter Transponder, a centrally located single audio panel, dual USB charging ports, and an optional GTS 825 Traffic Advisory System, which coupled with the GTX 33ES gives the aircraft ADS-B In and Out functionality. For more information: Piper 2926 Piper Drive Vero Beach, FL 32960 www.piper.com ***
