January 10, 201511 yr This is really stupid to ask, but I assume the prop pitch is managed by computer in the RW aircraft? Looked everywhere for pitch control, couldn't find a familiar lever anywhere. The airplane flies fine without my doing any pitch adjustments, but I feel like I'm leaving something out. Dan George (woodhick)Check out Greenbrier Aero Club, the VA for and about the GA pilot.
January 10, 201511 yr I'm no expert on the Pilatus however the engine is not managed through a computer/FADEC. There are two levers: the power lever, and the fuel condition lever. The engine has 3 modes (all controlled through the fuel condition lever). Cut Off/Feather - when selected, the fuel is cut off and the prop immediately feathers. Ground Idle - the engine maintains ~1000 RPM for ground operations. Flight Idle - the engine maintains ~1700 RPM for flight operations. There's a bit of trickery however with this. I know a few pilots who select Ground Idle in the air, as when the pull the PL back there is a larger "disc" effect allowing for more drag during a descent. Anyways, like I said, I'm no expert. Just know that the prop never exceeds 1700 RPM and there is no way of controlling the RPM in the aircraft. Cameron Caldwell CPL (A) King Air 200 Pilot
January 10, 201511 yr Author I wondered about FADEC and had decided it was a FADEC light system (crude analogy but it gets me there). Easy to rememberize then: Cut off (duh), ground idle and flight idle. I was doing OK then. But my mind still feels like I'm missing something. Thanks Avi8tor1 Dan George (woodhick)Check out Greenbrier Aero Club, the VA for and about the GA pilot.
January 10, 201511 yr Just think of it being a large SR22. No computers, but everything is done mechanically. The red lever shuts off the engine, and the PL controls power. Pilatus/Cirrus have made it super easy that way...almost like controlling a jet. Just set your power and forget! Cameron Caldwell CPL (A) King Air 200 Pilot
Create an account or sign in to comment