Page 11 - Volume 15 Number 10

to move the throttle or other lever or switch to introduce fuel; this all happens automatically. Also, the full authority digital engine control (FADEC) automatically aborts the start in case of hot start or hung start.On initial taxi out, a pilot new to the Phenom 300 will notice that the braking system feels a little different than that of other airplanes: the airplane has a brake-by-wire system. Similar to fly-by-wire flight control systems popular in airliners these days, the brake-by-wire system has no direct physical connection from the brake pedals to the brakes. Instead, potentiometers behind the rudder pedals send a signal to a computer, which then activates the brakes. It takes a little bit of getting used to, but the carbon brakes are very effective. The engines have quite a bit of thrust at idle, so there’s no need to advance the thrust levers to taxi, and you end up using the brakes a bit more than you might like during taxi.On takeoff, smoothly advancing the thrust levers to the takeoff position results in very rapid acceleration. With 3,360 pounds of thrust per side, you really get thrown back in your seat. Holding the brakes, advancing the thrust levers, and then releasing the brakes could result in a broken neck. Initial pitch attitudeInitial pitch attitude after takeoff is 15 to 20 degrees – anything lower and the pilot risks shooting right through the 180-knot limit for flaps extended. The POH indicates a time-to-climb from sea level to FL450 of 25 minutes at maximum takeoff weight.after takeoff is 15 to 20 degrees – anything lower and the pilot risks shooting right through the 180-knot limit for flaps extended. Some prefer to reduce thrust almost immediately after takeoff to provide a more comfortable ride for passengers, but I like the rocket ship effect.The recommended climb profile published by Embraer calls for maintaining 225 knots indicated airspeed until hitting Mach 0.60, at which point the climb is continued at Mach 0.60. However, climbing at 250 knots to Mach .70 works well, too. The POH indicates a time-to-climb from sea level to FL450 of 25 minutes at maximum takeoff weight.Cruise CharacteristicsLike all jets, cruise performance varies with altitude and weight. The Phenom 300 thrust levers have five marked positions: Idle, MAX CRZ (max cruise), CON/CLB (continuous and climb), T/O (takeoff), and MAX (an emergency setting that will be discussed later). Interestingly, there is no limitation in the flight manual preventing you from cruising in the CON/CLB setting, which is higher than MAX CRZ. Although there is guidance from Embraer and theembraer PhotoOCTOBER 2011TWIN & TURBINE • 9bill Shull Photo