Page 15 - Volume 15 Number 10

path vector, which indicates the airplane’s trajectory, not its attitude. This particularly helps when making a visual approach to an unfamiliar airport, or at night. Even with no visual approach slope indicator near the runway, setting up a three- degree glide path to the touchdown zone is as simple as putting the flight path vector on the little picture of the runway on the primary flight display. Of course, synthetic vision helps tremendously with situational awareness in mountainous areas, as well.The Phenom 300 features a mixed-use spoiler system. Two spoiler panels are on top of each wing and are hydraulically actuated. At slow speed with flaps partially or fully extended, when the pilot commands a high roll rate by deflecting the control wheel in the cockpit significantly, the spoiler panels on the wing-down side deploy partially to augment the roll control provided by the ailerons. The pilot commands the “speed brake” feature with the speed brake switch near the thrust levers. There is no variable deflection available in this mode – it’s either fully open or fully closed; however, the speed brakes deploy and retract smoothly and comfortably. Once deployed, descent rates of greater than 6,000 feet per minute are possible.The “ground spoiler” function automatically deploys the spoiler panels on landing as soon as the main gear touches down, and in case of an aborted takeoff, when the pilotretards the thrust levers to idle. This function is completely automatic and does not require any arming.The Phenom 300 handles beautifully. Although it has a swept wing, the feel on landing is nearly identical to that of its straight- winged Phenom 100 little brother. Vref at maximum landing weight is 118 knots. At more typical landing weights, Vref is around 108 knots. Published landing distances at allweights and 4,000 foot elevations and below are 3,000 feet or less. With its powerful carbon braking system and automatic ground spoilers, these numbers are very achievable.Phenom 300 Cabin and FeaturesWalking up to the Phenom 300 on the ramp, you feel that this is a large airplane. Its striking swept wing with winglets and tall stance give it great ramp appeal. The cabin entry door is wide and has a built-in air stair. TheOCTOBER 2011TWIN & TURBINE • 13