The Real Hunting for Lessons in Value of EMPs Hangar Space Pressurization
FOR THE PILOTS OF OWNER-FLOWN, CABIN-CLASS AIRCRAFT NOVEMBER 2020 $3.95 US VOLUME 24 NUMBER 11
PILATUS PC-12 NGX AN UP-CLOSE LOOK AT THE TECH BEHIND THE TURBOPROP PILATUS PC-12 NGX AN UP-CLOSE LOOK AT THE TECH BEHIND THE TURBOPROP
by Rich Pickett
PHOTOS COURTESY OF PILATUS AIRCRAFT
s a follow up to our initial review of Pilatus’ PC-12 NGX in our December 2019 issue of Twin & Turbine, Tom Aniello, vice Apresident of marketing, offered us the opportunity to fly the plane at the Pilatus Business Aircraft (a Pilatus Aircraft subsidiary) facility located at Rocky Mountain Regional Airport (KBJC). Over the years, I have flown the previous PC- 12 models for personal, business, charter and disaster relief flights, so I’ve experienced Pilatus’ updates firsthand. Now, with nearly 1,800 PC-12s produced, they have introduced the most extensive upgrade of the PC-12 to date – the NGX. It is the first with Pratt and Whitney Canada’s latest PT6, the PT6E-67XP. Developing 1,200 SHP, it is the first production turboprop engine with a dual-channel PHOTO COURTESY OF TEXTRON AVIATION EPEC (Electronic Propeller and Engine Control), controlling both engine and propeller.
2 • TWIN & TURBINE / November 2020 November 2020 / TWIN & TURBINE • 3 Preflight commuter designs. Even seat removal the instrument panel the pilots now Flying the NGX Pilatus PC-12 NGX is easier with the NGX. When conducting a preflight of the have a touch panel to control avionics With Brian Mead, Pilatus demon- NGX, starting with the engine and its The PC-12 NGX also features a vastly and system functions. In keeping with stration pilot, we filed an IFR flight environs, you notice several changes. By the Numbers improved air circulation and cooling the ACE concept, other procedures are from KBJC to Salida, Colorado (KANK) From the simple, such as re-routing Max Speed* 286 KTAS/278 KTAS FL220/FL300 system, providing 500 CFM of condi- simplified, with the majority of the about an hour away. We did a preflight the oil level sensor wiring, to the tioned air through new ducting and cockpit featuring a design that will be in their hangar and then moved out- absence of the traditional propeller Fuel Flow Max Speed* 483 PPH/380 PPH FL220/FL300 a continuous vent along the entire familiar with NG pilots. side to their ramp on the southwest governor, to the EPECS and DCTU Maximum Range (Long Range Cruise, overhead, similar in design to a com- With the NGX, Pilatus introduced side of the airport. Our flight plan in- (Data Collection Transfer Unit) in FL300, 225KTAS, NBAA IFR Reserves) mercial airliner. This significantly re- the autothrottle as an option, one that cluded the ROCKIES5.DBL departure compartments beneath the engine. duces the noise level in comparison is selected by almost all operators. The then direct to Salida. Maximum Payload (2,236 lbs) 694 nm with using the flood mode of earlier The Manual Override lever (MOR) pilot selects FMS or Manual Mode to Setting up the aircraft configura- PC-12s. Couple these changes with and condition lever are not required 6 Passengers (1,200 lbs) 1,568 nm set the speed. FMS mode optimizes tion, including weights, is simple redesigned side panels, ample AC and since these functions are now man- the speed for the flight phase, from with an intuitive flow. We entered 4 Passengers (800 lbs) 1,803 nm USB power outlets, and passengers will aged by the EPECS. The pilot has a airspace restricted speeds to select- the flight plan into the FMS, which experience a noticeable improvement. single power control lever (PCL). Max Ramp Wgt 10,495 lbs ing the appropriate speed for an IFR synchronized with the optional sec- Flight Deck or VFR approach. To adjust speed to Externally you can’t see the up- MTOW (SL, ISA) 10,450 lbs ond FMS. I found the new touch panel graded fuel system of the NGX, but a The flight deck has undergone such the desired value, APEX sends a trim controller improved efficiency. I could more effective oil/fuel heat exchanger Basic Operating Wgt*** 6,803 lbs a significant upgrade that Pilatus has signal to the EPECS, which simply select functions on the touch panel is incorporated with motive flow jet moves the Power Control Lever (PCL) Useful Load 3,692 lbs coined the term “Advanced Cockpit while keeping my cursor focus on the fuel pumps, improved vents and lines Environment (ACE) powered by Hon- to the desired position. MFD display, enabling me to multi- insulated. These changes also elimi- Usable Fuel Capacity 2,704 lbs eywell.” It is aptly named. The autothrottle is even active dur- task faster. nate the requirement for anti-icing Max Fuel Payload** 988 lbs Overhead you notice a new way ing Emergency Descent Mode (EDM), The checklists are embedded within additives. An important consideration to start the engine: two switches – triggered by a cabin altitude warning ACE, easily selected and acknowledged since these additives are not widely Base Price $4.390 M Engine Run/Off and Starter. The lower above FL200. The plane turns 90 de- using control yoke switches. Starting available in many parts of the world. Typically Equipped $5.353 M center console has been simplified grees left, descends at Vmo /Mmo to was simple. Move engine switch to The Brains with the removal of the MOR and con- FL150, then levels at 160 KIAS. While ON, press the starter. The EEEC de- *Weight 9,000 lbs **Based on Max Ramp Wgt, Single Pilot - 200 lb dition levers as mentioned. Progress- the pilot can control speed without au- termines the optimum N2 speed at EPECS is a complex system of control ***Single Pilot (200 lb), As Flown ing from the power quadrant toward tothrottle, it does simplify the descent. which to activate ignition and inject and sensor components for the engine and propeller – from the engine oil level sensor to the Throttle Quadrant and transmits via cellular or Wi-Fi to flight except in known icing or steep (and PCL) to the Permanent Magnet a repository after landing, or it can be approaches. There is probably no tech- Alternator (PMA). The electronic downloaded manually. It is also a key nical reason for this restriction, it is in engine control (EEC) component of component if the operator subscribes place simply because the Low Speed the EPECS monitors over 100 param- to PWC’s pay-per-hour platinum ESP Mode hasn’t been certified under eters, and in conjunction with the maintenance program. these conditions – yet. The de-icing Propeller Control Unit (PCU) and the system for the propeller is intelligent, Fuel Control Unit (FCU), manages With this combination of compo- selecting the appropriate blade heating the engine and propeller based upon nents, the engine can be optimized profile based upon the OAT; nothing power requirements set by the pilot for all phases of operation and ser- could be simpler. or autothrottle. Yes – the NGX has a vice life. This is one reason the TBO very effective autothrottle! intervals are now 43 percent longer at The Cabin The start process is automatic, with 5,000 hours, HSI only on condition, and Pilatus took the already-large cabin fuel and ignition now controlled by the other engine maintenance intervals windows of the PC-12 and made them EEC, virtually identical to FADECs in are doubled. This is in addition to a 10 percent larger. To the passengers, it many turbine engines. In the event 10 percent increase in power when provides a substantial change in their of a hot or hung start, the EEC will compared to the PT6-67P engine, outside view. not only shut down the engine, it will equating to faster climbs and higher As Pilatus likes to say, the PC-12 automatically activate a dry motoring cruise speeds. series is “designed for those that re- sequence. If the ITT is initially high Pilatus has also developed an inno- fuse to travel light.” The spacious during a start, such as during a quick vative approach to reduce cabin and cabin and cargo area fit that need. turn, the EEC will not activate igni- overflight noise. When takeoff con- The new NGX interior features an tion or add fuel until it is less than 150 ditions permit, using the Low Speed improved seat design, allowing seats degrees Celsius. While pilots always Mode button, the pilot can select 1,550 to fully recline when not against a need to monitor for potential issues RPM versus 1,700 RPM for the Hartz- bulkhead. Multiple cabin configura- during the start, this configuration ell 5-composite-blade 105-inch diam- tions are available, from their new air reduces the chances of that occurring. eter propeller. In fact, you can use ambulance (which can accommodate The DCTU collects the EEC data the Low Speed Mode in all phases of two stretchers) to the executive and
4 • TWIN & TURBINE / November 2020 November 2020 / TWIN & TURBINE • 5 set power to meet the climb profile One Year Mark: PC-12 NGX Market Update to our cruising altitude of FL200. The touch panel made easy work of by Pilatus Aircraft tuning the radios, selecting weather Since unveiling the fully certified PC-12 NGX to the public at the There’s something for everyone: passengers enjoy the modern new and a host of other functions. National Business Aviation Association’s annual convention on cabin, and the autothrottle, single-power lever and electronic engine In cruise we experimented with the October 21, 2019, the Swiss aircraft manufacturer has enjoyed controls are a pilot’s dream.” low and normal prop speed. Pilatus has reported a reduction of 2 to 3 deci- strong interest and sales for the new model. As the third generation In Europe, the first PC-12 NGX delivery went to Dr. Ulrich Byszio bels in the cabin while in low speed of the venerable PC-12 platform, the new NGX is easily the most in Germany. Dr. Byszio, a pilot with a passion for all forms of aviation, mode. I could tell we had a frequency significant upgrade since its original introduction in 1994. The new moved from a popular light jet to his new PC-12 NGX. “The PC-12 change and lower noise level, however, features detailed by Rich Pickett in this article have not gone NGX is the perfect aircraft for my travels around Europe. The my quick check in the cockpit didn’t Rich Pickett and Brian Mead, Pilatus demonstration pilot (photo by Tom Aniello). unnoticed, as many owner-pilots are upgrading to the latest engine combination of its speed, fuel efficiency, comfort and safety record reveal much of a reduction with a deci- and avionics technology in the NGX, citing a dramatic reduction in makes it ideal for both corporations and owner-pilots like myself. bel app using both A and Z weightings. Almost to the runway, Brian called hours for systems, a Honeywell pilot workload using the new autothrottle system. The all-new It offers an incredible level of versatility that can’t be matched by With EPECS, the EEC can fully con- out to me, “Autopilot off.” I replied, 3-year warranty for the avionics, 5 passenger seats, larger cabin windows and quiet air distribution anything else in this class,” commented Dr. Byszio after taking trol the engine for optimization. I no- “Why?” and smiled. With the autopilot years/2,500 hours by PWC on the en- system make the new model appealing to passengers. delivery of his new NGX. ticed during the climb that it set climb disconnected and the radar altimeter gine, and a 6 years/4,000 hours pro- calling out my altitude in increments peller warranty. PWC is also offering The first delivery of the PC-12 NGX in the United States went to Following the first PC-12 NGX customer delivery in April of this power at a lower PSI torque (Pilatus of 10 feet, we landed. All we needed its Platinum Engine Service Program HP Inc. Director and former CEO, Dion Weisler. Weisler upgraded year, Pilatus delivered 34 units of the new model by the end of uses PSI for torque measurement) of was automatic flaring and autoland (ESP) exclusively through Pilatus. This to the new model from his 2017 model year PC-12 NG, ordering October and is targeting a strong finish to 2020 in order to meet 34.5 versus 36.95 that I would set on an NG aircraft. This automation resulted would have been possible. Maybe that program provides virtually total ser- his NGX as soon as Pilatus opened the order book last October. customer demand. Pilatus dealers around the world report a solid will be the next option. vice coverage, including FOD and cor- After the first flight in his new PC-12 NGX, Weisler stated, “I really backlog of retail orders going into 2021 and are actively flying in a slight decrease in climb rate but a cooler ITT of 750 degrees Celsius. Heading Home rosion, on an hourly basis at a current loved my NG, but the NGX takes the PC-12 to an entirely new level. prospects in their demonstrator aircraft. price of $145/flight hour. In addition to TCAS-II, we also had After lunch at the Boat House on the Also based at KBJC is the headquar- ADS-B In traffic in this plane. What banks of the Arkansas River, we took ters for Pilatus’ support program. Along fuel. If the ITT is too high, it motors makes this system unique is when you off on a VFR flight back to KBJC. I love with two regional centers in Stans, the engine a bit longer to lower the select the data tag of an aircraft, it will hand flying the PC-12s, and the NGX Switzerland and Adelaide, Australia, initial temperature. If the EEC detects stay displayed so you can continually is no exception. Passing Mount Ev- they provide 24/7/365 assistance to a a hot or hung start, it aborts the start see the position changes. This TCAS- ans on our right and descending over global network of Pilatus Authorized and initiates a dry motor – without II Resolution Advisory also provides the Front Range, the usual afternoon Service centers and their satellite sup- pilot intervention. both climb/descent and turn com- turbulence was present, and it was port facilities. Equipped with SmartRunway and mands to avoid conflicts. an easy right downwind for Runway SmartLanding, the NGX provides Summary Time to Land 12R. I taxied to the Pilatus hangar, improved situational awareness by set the engine switch to OFF and the The first flight of the PC-12 NGX Many avionics systems in turboprop alerting pilots if lined up on a runway EEC did the rest. If the OAT is above was in December 2017, a project and turbine aircraft can incorporate a different from what was programmed 23 degrees Celsius, it will dry motor that was kept under wraps for some visual approach to any runway with in the FMS for takeoff or landing. It on the shutdown to keep things cool. time. Pilatus has come a long way also monitors other potential errors an advisory glide path. But none that since that first flight, developing an such as excessive approach angles. I’ve flown can fly a visual pattern – Support incredible aircraft alongside Pratt & Before departure I selected Go- which is possible with the PC-12 NGX! The Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd fa- Whitney Canada, Honeywell and other Around (GA) and armed Autothrottle It was incredibly easy to program, cility is also home to their completion suppliers. From special operations, (AT) on the Flight Guidance Panel similar to defining a hold. I selected and support centers. Pilatus brings such as military and air ambulance to (FGP). Cleared for departure and ad- left pattern with a one-mile crosswind, “green” PC-12 and PC-24 aircraft to Top: Flying the RWY 24 visual executive transport, the PC-12 NGX is a approach at Salida with autothrottle vancing the Power Control Lever (PCL) downwind, base, and final for Run- Broomfield to paint, fabricate and in- unique aircraft and illustrates Pilatus’ and autopilot (photo by Tom Aniello). the autothrottle takes control of the way 24 at Salida (KANK). The FMS stall interiors, as well as customize continuous innovation. PCL just prior to Maximum Continuous determined the best waypoints, cal- each aircraft to the specifications of Power (MCP) and moves it to takeoff. If culated the appropriate altitudes and their new owners. In fact, 70 percent Right: Simplified controls - new With 11,000+ hours of piloting more Power Control Lever and Touch Low Speed mode is desired for takeoff, speeds for the approach. The MFD of the PC-12s worldwide are sold in than 100 aircraft models Rich Pickett Screen Controller (photo by author). the PCL is set to MCP and AT is not also displays the vertical profile of North and South America, all com- still has a passion for flying. Rich holds used. In this configuration takeoff roll our projected approach with terrain. pleted at this facility. Their staff not an ATP, CFII SME, SES, glider licenses, increases approximately 300 feet. On downwind, I lowered the gear, only installs components, they actu- and type ratings in the L29, L39, Citation With three of us in the plane and full selected 15 degrees flaps and the au- ally build them, including seats, inte- 500/510s/525s, Eclipse 500S, Beechcraft fuel, an airport elevation of 5,600 MSL tothrottle reduced our speed to 110 rior panels, cabinets with the same Premier and DA10. His company, Personal Wings, provides training, and OAT of 24 degrees Celsius, it was KIAS. On base, I selected 30 degrees high quality I’ve seen at their Stans, Switzerland factory. mentoring and aircraft services. He is an effortless climb off of Runway 12R, of flaps and we slowed to 100 KIAS, also a proud owner of an Eclipse and then a climbing left turn with vectors followed by 40 degrees and 90 KIAS All new NGXs include a standard Cirrus SR22. You can contact Rich at to Red Table (RBL) VOR. Hand flying, on short final. It was eerie how smooth warranty comprised of 7 years/5,000 [email protected]. with the AT set to FMS, the EPECS the automation was in the pattern. hours for the airframe, 2 years/2,000
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