Home / Photos / Piper Matrix Photos Piper Matrix By February 23, 2008 The Matrix is a big airplane, it feels like it. But doing airwork is pleasant, and the controls are nicely harmonized, like most Pipers. Robert Goyer One of the big selling points of the Matrix is its considerable ramp appeal. Just think if your friends could see from this vantage point. Robert GoyerThe Matrix flies just like the Mirage, that is to say, just like a big Saratoga. Here Robert hand-flies it on the approach at St. Augustine. Photo By Tom Harper, AvidyneThe Matrix uses a slightly pared down Avidyne Entegra avionics suite. It lacks a second, copilot’s side PFD, and it ties into a less expensive, rate-based autopilot, the S-Tec 55X. Photo By Tom Harper, AvidyneThis Piper-supplied shot shows the cabin of the Matrix. And while this wide-angle view makes it seem enormous, it’s in reality pretty darned big anyways. This is one feature airplanes like the Cessna 400 and Cirrus SR22 simply can’t compete with. Photo By Piper Aircraft, Inc.With a nicely executed, built-in oxygen system, the Matrix is ready for the flight levels. Robert GoyerPorts on the ceiling of the airplane allow the occupants to hook up their masks or cannulas to the system. Robert GoyerThe Matrix is lighter than the Mirage, and as a result it seems to sit slightly higher on its gear. Robert GoyerSpeaking of the gear, that’s one feature of the Matrix that Cirrus and Cessna can’t match either, the retractable gear. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing is open to discussion. Robert GoyerThe airstair door of the Matrix is virtually identical to that of the Mirage. And it’s nice. Robert GoyerAnother cost savings on the Matrix is the glass. Because it’s unpressurized, it can use much less thick windows than the Mirage. Robert GoyerNice styling touches abound on the Matrix, like this custom aluminum transition piece between the cabin and the airstair doorway. Robert GoyerThe leather work in the Matrix is very nicely done, with high-end embellishments like custom stitching and wood veneer writing tables. Robert GoyerFeaturing the same TSIO-540 as the Mirage, the Matrix has 350 ponies to get it up to altitude quickly and make good speed once up there. Robert GoyerThe prop is a Hartzell composite three-blader with an 80-inch diameter. Robert GoyerPiper says they’re building Matrixes, and they are. Here some of the first of the models undergo assembly at Piper’s Vero Beach factory. Robert GoyerThe Matrix in flight in the late afternoon over the Atlantic coast of Florida. Robert GoyerComing in for a landing back at Vero with a good crosswind, I got a chance to witness the airplane’s excellent crosswind capabilities. Photo By Tom Harper, AvidyneOne of the advantages of the Matrix is that it’s a proven airframe. As with any 20-year-old design, the bugs have been found and dealt with. Robert GoyerOne of the advantages of the Matrix is that it’s a proven airframe. As with any 20-year-old design, the bugs have been found and dealt with. Robert GoyerThe Matrix in flight heading south over Florida’s Atlantic Intercoastal waterway. Robert Goyer More From Photos A Fond Memory: Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo 2023 Gallery: The Evolution of Van's Aircraft Gallery: Tails on Display at Oshkosh Gallery: Wednesday at Oshkosh Photos: <i>FLYING</i> Honors Award Winners at Adventure Party First Look: Supernal's Air Taxi Passenger Cabin