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July-Aug 2008 On The Radar
 The latest iteration of the turbine-single Pilatus, which received FAA and EASA certification in March 2008, has two big improvements that are split by the firewall. Up front, improvements in the 1,200 shp Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67P include the single-crystal blades and a new compressor design. Power upgrades make for faster climb and more stamina in fast-cruise power settings. Running off the back of the P&W powerplant are two monster 300-amp generators that ensure full electrical power and redundancy. These big dynamos are cooled and exhausted through special ductwork that ends in a tiny grill on the lower left side of the cowl, the only external clue that this is the newest PC-12. |
The Flying Siegfrieds
Let’s fire up the flivver, kids: it’s family flying time! And, yes, you will solo at 14.
Cessna 400
Cessna 400 Base price: $620,000 Engine: Continental TSIO-550-G Gross weight (lbs.): 3600 Useful load (lbs.): 1100 Payload, full std. fuel (lbs.): 488 PERFORMANCE Max climb rate (fpm): 1400 Max cruise speed, FL250 (kts.): 235 Mid-altitude cruise speed (kts.): 179@8,000 ft. Max range (nm): 1148 Takeoff distance (ft.): 1300 Source: Cessna Aircraft Company
VLJ With One Prop
Socata’s TBM 850 offers performance only slightly below that of some VLJs’at 30% less operating cost
In Love With The AT-6
Big and chunky looking, the surprisingly agile texan redefined the role of the advanced trainer
