Page 14 - April 2015 Volume19 Number 4

SPECIFICATIONS Pilatus PC-12NGPowerplantPratt & Whitney Canada SeatsFuelCertified ceiling Max. cruise speed Stall speed Takeoff distance (50 ft. obstacle) Landing distance (50 ft. obstacle) Max. range (w/reserve) Climb rateWeightsDimensionsWingspan Height Length Cabin length Cabin width Cabin height BaggagePT6A-67P 8-11402 gal.30,000 ft. 280 kts 67 kts 2,650 ft1,830 ft2,210 n.mi. 1,920 fpm10,495 lb 10,450 lb 9,039 lb 9,921 lb 6,602 lb 3,893 lb53.33 ft 14ft 47.25ft 16.9 ft 60 in 58 in 40 cu.ft.PerformanceRamp MTOW Zero Fuel Max. landing Empty Useful loadInformation: www.pilatus-aircraft.comto have a very long nose, the sight picture from the pilot seat makes it relatively easy to see everything in front of you. With the help of brakes, turning radius is a reasonable 32 feet, wing tip to wing tip. Similarly, it’s an easy airplane to taxi in and out of small spaces, thanks to a large viewing range and easy “tribal knowledge” aircraft reference marks to locate the position of tires, etc. Additionally, the aircraft’s lighting makes it easy to see and be seen at night. Having a large prop with beta control also limits the required braking, so as to facilitate smooth and steady taxiing. There is no separate propeller control.After completing the before- takeoff checklist and ensuring that the “takeoff configuration” Crew12 • TWIN & TURBINEAlerting System (CAS) message is extinguished, you’re ready to advance power. With 1,200 shp coming to life, torque is strong. Right rudder to counteract the pulling tendency is necessary, although steadily advancing power reduces the extreme pull. Power response is smooth and, with the help of the torque limiter, takeoff power is set easily. Unlike older models of the PC-12, the NG’s flat rating means the time limit for power reduction is a thing of the past. Observing proper temperature limits, however, must be maintained. Once off the ground with flaps and gear retracted, the aircraft accelerates nicely. With the help of the yaw damper and autopilot control of the rudder trim, rudder control takes little effort.APRIL 2015