Training patterns - How to?

Hello Q400 drivers,

I would like to fly training patterns the same way they would be flown during a type rating on order to train myself.

I am wondering about a few things to set up the aircraft for that purpose :

- What would be the typical load for such a mission? Can the dash be flown empty with correct CoG without the use of ballast?

- What would be the typicla fuel load?

- How is the FMS used in that case? Is there any particular setup?

- How would a typical pattern be flown regarding speed, altitude, timing, gear,flaps and spoilers configuration? Is there a way to override spoilers extension on touch down in the Dash?

Thanks for your help,

Best regards,

Pierre