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A Pc-12 In Landing Configuration. The Trailing Link Undercarriage Makes For Smooth Landings, While The Maximum Undercarriage And Flap Lowering Speed Limits Are Quite High. (Bruce Malcolm)
Airtest – Pilatus PC-12
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Pilatus PC-12
I was recently offered the opportunity to sample the new Pilatus PC-12 single engine turboprop aircraft which has just entered service with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. The five aircraft on order, two of which have already been delivered, are configured for their future medical role with inbuilt specialist medical systems, but on the occasion of our flight had nine standard seats installed for passenger demonstration work. The PC-12 is an impressive looking aircraft with its high T-tail and winglets, and is large both outside and inside. It doesn’t suffer the usual pimple on the nose look of most propeller turbines and in fact is quite handsome at the front end. It is particularly easy to forget that it is a single engine aircraft from the passenger point of view, and up front when driving. It is in fact as long as a Beech King Air B200, but 0.16m wider, a little larger than a Cessna Caravan and significantly bigger than the Socata TBM 700, the last two being the only other large single engine turboprops on the market. Its dimensions are 16.08m wingspan, 14.38m length and 4.26m height (52ft 9in, 46ft 9in, and 13ft 10in for oldies like me). The maximum ramp weight is a hefty 4020kg, with the maximum payload over 200nm (370km) with 45 minute reserve, a very useful 1400kg. The usable fuel of 1522 litres gives a range at maximum cruise of 1790nm (3315km) at 30,000ft with a 45 minute reserve. The maximum range is 2050nm (3800km), again with 45 minutes reserve.
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