Page 20 - March 20 TNT

Concorde Battery
Mode, or QPM, allows the operator to run one engine at a lower RPM and fuel f low with the associated noise reduction to serve as an APU. This is especially important at smaller air- ports or even dirt strips. Williams has calculated the average usage time of QPM in their calculations for inspections, and it does not af- fect the inspection intervals of 2,500 for a hot section inspection or 5,000 for an overhaul. One of our flights, with the right engine in QPM mode (only the right engine is enabled for this feature), the N2 percentage was reduced from 53.4 to 45.4, fuel flow decreased from 168PPH to 120PPH, along with a noticeable reduction in noise. In QPM mode, the generator has a lower maximum electrical load of 250 amps, more than ample for ground needs.
During the preflight you also notice the upper trailing edge of the nacelle extends past the lower edge. Williams has implemented their patented EX- ACT exhaust nozzle technology on the PC-24. This patented technology takes advantage of the Coanda effect. At relatively low speeds, such as takeoff, the exhaust stays attached on the up- per surface of the rear nacelle, which bends it upwards, resulting in three degrees of passive nose-up thrust. At high speeds, such as cruise, the exhaust exits straight and is aligned with the flight path. Ingenious!
Cargo Versatility
With a turn of the handle on the large 4-foot by 1-inch (1.25 m) wide cargo door, it opened to reveal an enormous 90 cubic feet baggage area, easily accessible from the ground or the cabin. This particular PC-24 has the adjustable cargo frame op- tion with a secure curtain, which is required for commercial operations to preclude direct access by passen- gers in flight. It can be removed for alternative loading options. While this PC-24 is only flown under Part 91, it was useful as a way to organize the luggage while providing access in flight.
The capabilities of Pilatus’ cargo flexibility were a key factor on my past PC-12 relief flights, enabling me
to load a donated X-ray machine with a forklift at Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE), and three hours later, unload it in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. With the additional speed of the PC-24, you can easily understand why it could be very useful in carrying cargo. Opera- tors can quickly turn the aircraft into a variety of configurations (includ- ing medevac), supporting medical and relief services in remote areas of the world.
Once loaded and secured, it was time for our first leg. The PC-24 has a range up to 2,106 nm, however, we were stopping in Texas on our way to Florida. The f light plan distance was 750 nm and we planned on us- ing 2,700 pounds of fuel on the two- hour f light. The weight and balance loading graph showed us well within the envelope. The PC-24 has a broad loading envelope, which is extremely useful when operating with a variety of configurations.
Front Office
The avionics are extremely pow- erful, featuring a sophisticated in- tegrated checklist system, complete with context-sensitive graphics. These system graphics appear as you pro- ceed through the various checklists. Kyle and Gilbert were flying our first leg, allowing me the opportunity to observe the process. With the pre- start checklist complete, it was time to start our engines.
Battery voltages are checked. The thrust levers are confirmed at idle position, then the engine control was turned to “Run.” After verifying the fuel pump is operating, you simply push the “Start” button.
We didn’t need QPM mode this morning, so after waiting for the bat- tery charge to drop below 150 amps, the left engine was started. The checklists are designed to minimize pilot workload, especially when f ly- ing single-pilot. The checklist items are grouped to ensure that only a few items need to be checked during Taxi, Before Departure and upon line- up. Even the ice protection check is simple. If anticipating icing conditions
Pilatus PC-24 continued on page 22.
18 • TWIN & TURBINE / March 2020