The Piper Malibu Research Page

The purpose of this page.........

This website is designed to gather information about the early Piper Malibu (PA46/310P) and the Continental TSIO520BE with special interest in experiences involving the Continental Continuous Flow Fuel System and /or any unusual electrical malfunctions relating to the landing gear system.

As this information is accumulated it will be posted to the page and be available to anyone who is interested in viewing it.

As a survivor of a serious Malibu crash, I hope to share my experiences and learn from the experiences of others.  Along the way perhaps we can prevent another crash.

Did you know that.....

According to FAA records, 399 Malibu's were built between late 1983 and 1986.  Of the original 399, 286 are registered in the United States.

Of the 286 currently registered, 43 have been involved in an incident or accident.

Does that mean that roughly 1 in 7 Malibu's will likely be involved in an incident or accident?

*One caution to potential buyers.  A check of serial numbers indicates that after an  accident the "N" number of the aircraft is sometimes changed. Always check accident  history by serial number.......   

Now let's move on.....

At this point the questions are:

1.  Does the 2000 hour TBO on the 310 Malibu need to be reduced?

2.  Should the TBO for the Continental Vane Fuel Pump be changed or reduced.

3.  Should the TBO be based on Age as well as Engine time?  

4.  Is age a factor in the wear of the fuel pump?

5.  Do the "vanes" and seals in the pump deteriorate with time with continuous exposure to petroleum?

6.  Why doesn't the backup fuel system include a means to regulate the system flow and pressure to prevent potential engine flooding?

7.  What is a reasonable service life for the aneroid chamber used on the Malibu fuel pump to vary fuel flow and pressure at changing altitudes and induction pressures?

More later................