Pilatus Pc 12 Runway Requirements: As of 1991, Pilatus Aircraft of Stans, Switzerland has been producing the PC-12, a pressurised single-engine turboprop aircraft. The main passenger door is located forward, but there is also a large cargo door located in the aircraft’s rear. The PC-12 is used by a wide range of businesses because of its effective, multipurpose layout.
While corporate transportation accounts for the bulk of the aircraft’s operations, it also serves a variety of other purposes, including those of air ambulance operators, fractional airlines, small regional airlines, and even some government agencies (like police and military units). At this point in time (April 2021) the PC-12 has been delivered 1,800 times and has been the best-selling pressurised, single-engined, turbine-powered aircraft in the world for several consecutive years.
Pilatus Pc 12 Runway Requirements
Pilatus Aircraft produces this single-engine medium turboprop jet (Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 turboprop, PT6A-67B) for hauling people and things around the world. Two prototypes took to the air on May 31, 1991, and production of the aircraft continued until 2014, yielding 1,300 finished vehicles.
It can travel at a speed of 500 kilometres per hour and reach altitudes of 30,000 feet (9,144 metres) in 26.5 minutes. It can carry up to two pilots and nine passengers comfortably thanks to its 14.40-meter (47-foot-three-inch) length and 4.26-meter (14-foot-zero-inch) height.
There are six variations of this plane: the PC-12/41 (the original), the PC-12/45 (with a maximum takeoff weight of 4,500 kg. ), the PC-12/47 (with a maximum takeoff weight of 4,740 kg), the PC-12/47E (with a cabin noise measurement of 90 dBA), the PC-12M Spectre (used exclusively by the United States military), and the U-28A.
Pilatus Pc 12 Performance
In 1991, Pilatus Flugzeugwerke Ag started producing the first Pilatus PC-12 Medium Turboprops, and they are still doing so today. There is a total of 330 cubic feet of space inside the cabin, which is 16.9 feet long, 4.9 feet wide, and 5 feet high. The interior can comfortably seat eight people thanks to its spacious dimensions. If each bag takes up less than 5 cubic feet of space, the luggage hold can accommodate six pieces.
The Pilatus PC-12 can travel as far as 1742 miles at its top speed of 313 miles per hour. This is, of course, dependent on factors such as weather, altitude, temperature, and load. The Pilatus PC-12 is also known by its abbreviated names: PC-12 and PC12.
Pilatus Pc 12 The Engine
The engine oil level sensor, Throttle Quadrant, PCL, and Permanent Magnet Alternator make up EPECS, a complex engine and propeller control and sensor system (PMA). The EPECS’s electronic engine control (EEC) monitors over 100 parameters and manages the engine and propeller based on pilot or autothrottle power requirements with the PCU and FCU. The NGX autothrottle works well!
EECs, like FADECs in turbine engines, control fuel and ignition for automatic start-up. The EEC will shut down the engine and start a dry motoring sequence in a hot or hung start. The EEC will not activate ignition or add fuel until the ITT is below 150 degrees Celsius during a quick turn. This configuration reduces the likelihood of start-up issues, but pilots must still monitor.
After landing, the DCTU uploads EEC data via cellular or Wi-Fi to a repository or manually. PWC’s pay-per-hour platinum ESP maintenance programme also requires it.
This combination optimises the engine for all operating and service phases. One reason TBO intervals are now 43 per cent longer at 5,000 hours, HSI only on condition, and other engine maintenance intervals are doubled. Faster climbs and higher cruise speeds result from a 10% power increase over the PT6-67P engine.
Pilatus’ cabin and overflight noise reduction method is unique. The Hartzell 5-composite-blade 105-inch propeller can be set to 1,550 RPM or 1,700 RPM using the Low-Speed Mode button during takeoff. Except for known icing or steep approaches, the Low-Speed Mode can be used throughout the flight. Because the Low-Speed Mode hasn’t been certified under these conditions, this restriction is probably not technical. The propeller de-icing system intelligently selects the blade heating profile based on OAT.
Pilatus Pc 12 Cabin
Pilatus increased PC-12 cabin windows by 10%. Passengers see a big change.
Pilatus calls the PC-12 series “designed for those that refuse to travel light.” The cabin and cargo area are large enough. When not against a bulkhead, NGX seats fully recline. Their executive, commuter, and air ambulance cabins can fit two stretchers. NGX seat removal is easier.
The PC-12 NGX also has a much-improved air circulation and cooling system, providing 500 CFM of conditioned air through new ducting and a continuous overhead vent like a commercial airliner. This reduces noise compared to earlier PC-12 flood modes. Redesigned side panels, and ample AC and USB power outlet, and these changes will improve passenger comfort.
Pilatus Pc 12 Flightdeck
Pilatus calls the flight deck “Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE) powered by Honeywell” due to its extensive upgrade. Appropriately named.
Two new switches—Engine Run/Off and Starter—start the engine overhead. The MOR and condition levers were removed from the lower centre console. Pilots now have a touch panel to control avionics and system functions from the power quadrant to the instrument panel. The ACE concept simplifies other procedures, and most of the cockpit is familiar to NG pilots.
Pilatus added an autothrottle to the NGX, which most operators choose. The pilot sets the speed in FMS or Manual Mode. FMS mode optimises flight speed, from airspace-restricted speeds to IFR or VFR approach speeds. APEX sends a trim signal to EPECS, which moves the Power Control Lever (PCL) to adjust speed.
Emergency Descent Mode (EDM) activates the autothrottle above FL200. The plane turns 90 degrees left, descends at Vmo/Mmo to FL150, and levels at 160 KIAS. Autothrottle simplifies descent, but the pilot can control speed without it.
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