Page 36 - Twin & Turbine May 2017

Next, make your way to the cockpit. What are your first impressions? Did you find it easy to enter and get seated? Is it comfortable with good visibility? Does the instrument panel appear logical and organized? In most advanced cockpits, the switches are grouped in common clusters (electrical, lighting, ice protection, etc.). The more features you can familiarize with on the ground, the more informed and productive your time will be in the air.
The “Typical” Demo Flight
Often, a demo flight starts out with a normal start followed by flight plan input and after-start checklists. If you are not pressed for time, ask to be walked through some of the checklists. Note how many items are first-flight- of-the-day checks, and how many must be completed before each flight.
Prior to taking the runway, the demo pilot should take a few moments to brief the plan for the take-off and initial climb, emphasizing what is expected from you and what can be expected from him or her. A normal take-off is standard, but it is helpful to understand the takeoff configuration
and what other configurations are possible. As you take off, observe the climb and handling characteristics.
“I frequently f ly customers on a triangular-type flight – three fixes demonstrating the climb, speed and descent,” said Layson. “We’ll take off and climb to a fix, and from that fix to the next. It’s perfect for testing the speed during climb and cruise. Then the next fix is the descent back to the airport. This pattern can be as short or long as needed, but really shows what the airplane is capable of.”
Tips during the cruise phase: take a few photos of the engine power settings and speeds for reference, and review the cruise power charts for your altitude and compare with what you actually see. If they are close, you can assume other charts will be accurate and dependable for studying purposes later. This is also a great time to experiment with the avionics. For instance, explore how Vnav or a user- defined hold works.
Once you begin the descent, evaluate the checklists and see how easy or difficult is to slow the aircraft
down. You can also plug in an approach and watch how it is sequenced.
“During the descent, pay attention to how things are being accomplished,” said Teeter. “What variables are you working with to slow it down? Is any step particularly inconvenient or difficult? Will it take a lot of practice to make a good landing? This is the time where you can compare the book to actual feel and experience.”
Now that you understand what a “typical” demonstration f light looks like, feel free to add or subtract. Flight maneuvers such as steep turns, stalls, slow flight and short field takeoffs/ landings are commonly requested and allowed.
The Debrief
Following the flight, take the time to sit down and discuss your thoughts on the aircraft’s performance while it’s fresh in your mind. Does it appear to suit your mission? Do you have any additional technical questions?
Before parting ways, ask for contact information from everyone involved, including the demo pilot, owner and salesperson. Should you have additional questions, which you most likely will, you can contact them directly for information. Demo pilots can provide real-world operational data that will ultimately help you decide which aircraft is right for you.
Demo flights can be an instructive, i n f o r m a t i v e• a n d f u n s t e p i n g e t t i n g y o u into your next airplane. However, what you get out of the experience is directly proportional to what you put in. Like the old adage goes, plan your flight and fly your plan. T&T
Jacobs is a private pilot and aviation marketer. Though raised around general aviation, it would take her learning to fly in a Piper J-3 Cub in 2010 to pursue a career in aviation. She has worked at Piper Aircraft and as an aviation content marketing specialist at Sullivan Higdon & Sink. in Wichita, Kansas. You can contact Rebecca at rebeccagjacobs@gmail.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PILATUS
34 • TWIN & TURBINE
May 2017