This by far is the best plane IMO and I would love to share a few short hops, or even some longer ones testing the range of this tough bird.

I am in, perhaps we can get "Blue Ridge" going again. I also have been wondering what she can do and since there are no performance charts I have been keeping some numbers on performance.

 

The following is at 23000 lbs - 98% power - 10C below max EGT. Tested in the tropics a few week ago.

 

ALT OAT TQ IAS/TAS FF/engine

 

10000 +12 65 243/290 616

15000 -7 69 237/300 643

17000 -6 63.8 227/300 595

18000 -8 62 225/302 580

20000 -8 56 212/298 523

21000 -18 57.6 214/300 538 (I know the temp jump here is a little strange-ASE???)

22000 -17 54.5 208/298 509

24000 -17 48 190/286 465

 

I have also noticed that although the "book" calls for a 170kt climb, the rate of climb is miserable, so I have been climbing 150 - 160ish to get up there faster. Also, once leveled and regardless of climb speed, she takes a while to reach max speed and lose the few degrees in nose pitch. I know there are some discrepancies (l on fuel flows or airspeeds above, but that is what I got...... more tests later.

 

PS Sorry about the table alignment, it looked good until I post.

I am in, perhaps we can get "Blue Ridge" going again.

 

I miss that callsign, clearly:

http://vataware.com/pilot.cfm?cid=910155

<<I have also noticed that although the "book" calls for a 170kt climb, the rate of climb is miserable, so I have been climbing 150 - 160ish to get up there faster.>>

 

Just wondering what you consider miserable, I've always thought she did dandy except when it is warm... lot's better than a Chancellor at least.

Just wondering what you consider miserable, I've always thought she did dandy..........

I would say miserable is anything other than dandy :Just Kidding: ahhhh sorry I could not resist. I have seen her struggling through 14000 or so at 500fpm. I know she is no King Air, but I felt this was slow. Then again, I have never flown one RW or know how they are suppose to perform, so my opinion is just that.

 

Regards

If you are heavy you may stick to the high teens, even 15000 might be the sweet spot when it is a little warm. Only carry the fuel you need for the trip (plus reserves of course).

True, but I have seen this at weights I would not call "heavy", which for me 4K lbs under gross is not heavy - although not necessarily light either. I load fuel to the best guess, since we do not have performance charts - 1200 lbs for the first hour and 1000 for the following hours, plus reserve, and from what I have flown (above chart) that comes out about right.

 

I still would like to know what climb rates you (and others) get and under what conditions. I wanted to blame pilot technique, but even with A/P I get the same.

 

Regardless, this is a great plane to fly and keeps you on your toes.

 

Thanks for your reply

I do not use GPU, since I fly in remote areas, where one couldn't found Ground unit for such a rare aircraft.

 

I don't mean to be picky but the GPU is not dependent on the type of aircraft as much as it is the electrical system in which the aircraft has. There are two major types of GPUs, 28v and 115v. There are some aircraft with 12v systems, but GPU for those systems are pretty rare. I'm almost positive that the J41 is a 28v airplane, and that makes it fall into the more common category. If the airport is going to have a GPU at all, it's going to be a 28v GPU. Almost every airplane from King Airs to Dash 8s, to Saab 340s, to Citations and Hawkers are 28v aircraft. Sure, some have 115v AC systems but usually those systems aren't required to be online for engine start. After engine start, the ship is self sustaining (obviously).

 

So I wouldn't call a GPU for a J41 a rare thing. When I'm flying the Dash, we pretty much need a GPU at all times for engine start. We can do battery starts, but you usually only have one shot at getting an engine started successfully (without getting a hot start or hung start) on battery power alone because the starter draws so much current and the batteries are some what weak.

That's good info. I've not tried starting without a GPU. I think for most airports you can find out if it has a standard GPU by checking its services by checking its FBO at places like airnav.com.

Gregg,

Always enjoy your posts, there is a lot of good information both from yourself and in the correspondants replies.

On the subject of engine starts using battery power alone, works fine every time for me.

I just make sure that all non essential electrical services (for engine start)are switched out.

Still learning the aircraft and expect to be for some time.

Its a facinating aircraft, without doubt the best I have ever bought.

 

Dave Jenner

It's a shame that it wasn't built for duel control in multi-play mode, as it would be an excellent aircraft for pilot/co-pilot opp.

It's a shame that it wasn't built for duel control in multi-play mode, as it would be an excellent aircraft for pilot/co-pilot opp.

 

Is there a way to tell that it isn't? I've never flown multiplayer but I can see some real possibilities in terms of learning/teaching from someone who joined you in the cockpit.

Gregg,

Always enjoy your posts, there is a lot of good information both from yourself and in the correspondants replies.

Thanks. Glad I don't come off as annoying. :)

On the subject of engine starts using battery power alone, works fine every time for me.

I just make sure that all non essential electrical services (for engine start)are switched out.

Still learning the aircraft and expect to be for some time.

Its a facinating aircraft, without doubt the best I have ever bought.

 

Dave Jenner

 

Ok...I'm going to try this out. I have seen where it is sometimes difficult to get the aircraft to restart after multiple flights for some folks. I know the start locks are part of that. I was thinking about it and I wonder if the cool down might also be part of the equation. You're supposed to park her and let the engines run for 3 minutes before shutting them down. I don't know if PMDG did any programming to simulate problems if you don't do it. Just a thought. I've had start up problems myself after a flight or two. It'd be nice of PMDG would chime in and let us know what could cause it.

You're supposed to park her and let the engines run for 3 minutes before shutting them down. I don't know if PMDG did any programming to simulate problems if you don't do it. Just a thought.

Those three minutes can usually be counted from the moment you touch down, provided you don't use reverse and use minimal power for taxi. Shouldn't make too much difference if you have to taxi to the gate.

Those three minutes can usually be counted from the moment you touch down, provided you don't use reverse and use minimal power for taxi. Shouldn't make too much difference if you have to taxi to the gate.

 

Good point.