Page 14 - Volume 16 Number 10

The Seneca V has impressively- low V-speeds.the pipes, leaned to a TIT of 1,420 degrees. We scooted along at 170 knots TAS, but quickly reduced power to a more parsimonious 25 inches and 2,300 rpm, a quiet hum of 70% power. This produced a more-satisfactory 24-gph burn rate and still gave us 147 knots indicated, a true of 160 knots. Vaseynormally cruises at 12,000 feet, where the true airspeed moves up to 176 knots.Handling at speed stiffens up slightly, just as it should, giving a big-airplane feel. The ailerons remain powerful, pitch is less so and rudder is hardly used. In all, the Seneca V is a pleasant ridewhen flown manually, going right where it’s pointed. We picked up a long final to simulate an ILS or GPS letdown; the first 10-degrees of flap can go out at 140 knots, with only a moderate pitch bump, and the gear can be extended at 128 knots. Additional flaps are allowed below 113 knots; 15 inches m.p. works12 • TWIN & TURBINEOCTOBER 2012