Page 47 - Volume 15 Number 12

EN ROUTEPiper Rolls Out Improved 2012 M-Class Aircraft; Available NowLAS VEGAS, Nev., Oct 4, 2011 - Piper Aircraft Inc. has enhanced both pilot and passenger comfort for its signature series of 2012 model year M-Class single engine business aircraft - the turboprop Meridian, pressurized piston Mirage and unpressurized piston Matrix. The 2012 Piper M-Class aircraft are available today.Ease of Cockpit AccessThe biggest design changes have enhanced pilot comfort and cockpit access through incorporation of newly designed seating. Getting into a new Piper M-Class cockpit has never been easier, with flat fold-down aft- facing seats, a fold-down co-pilot seat and a cockpit assist handle to aid access.The cockpit has been sculpted to provide more elbow and hip room and additional seating comfort. The newly designed side panels have larger map pockets capable of handling pilot iPads, which are quickly becoming essential flight tools.When folded flat, the co-pilot seat offers a work surface and cup holders. The cockpit seat backs also are restyled for a modern appearance. The aft-facing seats have been redesigned with larger and reshaped bottom cushions, and the back cushions have been enhanced for firmer lumbar support, all for added long-range comfort.Brighter LightsNew 2012 top-of-the-line Piper M-Class airplanes fly with brighter external LED lighting, including taxi and landing lights and navigation illumination. Cabin reading lights and threshold lights have also been replaced with LEDs. These modern lighting systems are more efficient, more durable, and use less power.Better SoundIn the cockpit and cabin, sophisticated Bose® A20 headsets are now standard equipment and the receptacles are hardwired for more power and better noise-cancelling capability while eliminating the need for batteries. The A20 is Bose’s most advanced pilot headset and includes an auxiliary audio input and Bluetooth phone connectivity for pilots and passengers.Better Electrical ServiceThe turboprop Meridian now has two 110-volt outlets for onboard recharging and for mobile devices, while the Mirage and Matrix have one additional outlet. All are configured to support numerous international plug configurations. Utilizing the EmPower(r) System by Astronics Corp., Piper has added cabin power to support passenger electronic devices for additional productivity and entertainment value.More Air DistributionMaking the cabin environments even more appealing, Piper has revamped internal air distribution. The Matrix and Mirage cockpits have newly engineered ducting and adjustable directional air flow vents for improved heated air volume distribution. In the unpressurized Matrix, a shutoff has been added to the modulation valve for cockpit control of ambient external air. The piston Matrix and Mirage aircraft also have beefed up cabin vents for more durability.For further information, contact: PIPER AIRCRAFT - www.piper.comT&T •DE • 45DEEECCEEMMBBEERR 22001111&TWIN &NE&TT TUURRBBIIN