Page 13 - April 2015 Volume19 Number 4
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upgrades, versatility is unsurpassed. Whether the mission is flying in a congested terminal environment, where adaptability in airspeed and automation are paramount, using unimproved airfields, with help from trailing link gear and large tires, or flying in mountainous terrain, requiring agility and ultimate pilot control, the NG has you covered, for rather reasonable fixed and variable operating costs. The aircraft doesn’t satisfy every mission profile, but it has quite a large operating envelope.Powering up the PC-12NG gives the feeling of being in a larger aircraft. Its sights, sounds, and spacious cockpit, along with the ergonomics and “switchology”, resemble that of a “big airplane”, albeit, a single-pilot friendly one. Pilatus and BMW have gone to great lengths to design the cockpit (and cabin) with eloquence, durability, and functionality in mind. Cockpit organization is made easy with side storage areas for paper charts, mini drawers behind each seat to fit Jeppesen-binder size items, coat hooks aft of the seat, cup holders for the ever-important cup of coffee, and cockpit lighting in just the right places. The cabin isn’t too shabby either; it’s usually configured with four club-facing seats and two forward-facing seats, plus room for two more, with access to entertainment.Power-up is simple, but proper procedures need to be followed, due to start-up logic within the computers. Along the same lines, using a ground power unit for preloading the flight plan/ performance information, as well as ground heating and cooling, gives the feel of a larger airplane. Be that as it may, the airplane does have two NICAD batteries that are fully capable of battery starts: One powers the starter/generator and the other provides power to maintain essential systems during start.Taking to the SkyTaxiing the NG is fairly easy, despite its size. Although it appearsAPRIL 2015David Clark Company Half Page4/C AdNashua Flight Simulator Sixth Page4/C AdTWIN & TURBINE • 11


































































































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