View Full Version : Pilatus Thoughts?
XEMS
12th June 2003, 07:51
Was just informed that I might soon be winging a Pilatus PC-12. Any thoughts pro or con on this machine? Thanks for the info.
N1 and ITT
15th June 2003, 04:15
I heard it's a good machine. Well built (swiss quality...) Some people say they prefer a PC12 over a twin turbo-prop like Cheyenne etc.
The only bad thing seems to be the avionics package. The autopilot disconnects rather quick when in turbs.
BR
604guy
16th June 2003, 06:45
The major downside...one fan. Been flying corporate turbine (prop/fan) for 23 years and the only inflight engine failures I have had are two PT6's. A non-event in both cases but that's because I had one on the other side. There have been several near incidents in Canada with PC-12's as well as another accident that could have easily resulted in fatalities had the flight crew not done a great job gliding to a bog in IMC. Something to think about.
JoeCo
1st July 2003, 20:03
Good point about the "two fans". That will ALWAYS be an issue when discussing single fan a/c's. However, Pilatus has built a name for themselves soley on the production of single engine a/c's. They have 6 different models and all are single engine and they don't seem to be losing buisness because of it. The PT-6 is a solid engine. You can put a bullet through it and it'll still get you home. Now-a-days there are so many redundencies on the a/c's and engine that component failure rarely means that your "bird has been cooked".
Aside for the single engine debate, the a/c itself is loaded with avionics. Depending on your progress through the industry, if it's a step up to go onto the PC-12, you will most likely be looking at instruments that you have never been exposed to before. EFIS, TCAS, EGPWS, plus pressurization and retrac gear (if you never did that before). This experience can really be valuable for your next move after the PC-12.
When the PC-12 was first introduced, lots of guys back in Canada shat all over it because of the single engine issue, but in the end, most failed their initial rides due to the advanced avionics.
My view? Take the opportunity, it'll take you places.
Best of Luck, hope it works for you.
Joe
The parts for the PC12 are reported to be very expensive. Accordingly I have heard one operator say that because of the cost of parts they are more expensive to run than a KingAir.
Well yes, PT6 engines are very reliable.
Only one 'failure' I personally had was a fractured pilot shaft in the prop governor...and of course the prop feathered, as it should.
Seems to me this would be rather bad news in a PC-12.
Chronic Snoozer
9th July 2003, 00:31
Which model of PT6, what type of operation, how was it maintained, and in what part of the flight did it fail?
CS
Which model of PT6, what type of operation, how was it maintained, and what part of the flight did it fail?
CS
604guy
9th July 2003, 03:06
Both of my failures were on -41's. First case was a rental engine from Pratt as we had one out for overhaul. So I can't comment as to the history on that one. Was at 14000 ft in cruise (over water incedently) when it tore itself apart quite suddenly. The other had been overhauled by Pratt and was at approx 800 hrs since O/H. That too was at cruise at FL200 when it really tore itself up. The engine was maintained to the highest standard and upon investigation by P&WC there wasn't exactly an admission of OOPS but they did offer to pay all the costs. You read between the lines.
604guy
Chronic Snoozer.
PT6A-27, BE99 aircraft, just after takeoff/before rpm reduction at 400agl, scheduled operations, utilization approximately 11hrs/day, 4200hrs/TBO, 1600hrsHSI (as I recall).
A very long time ago.
PlaneTruth
25th July 2003, 09:33
My neighbor owns one for private use and he loves it. He's had it for about three yeasr since it was delivered from the factory. As a 737 driver, I feel like I am being chauffered. Panel has more nifty stuff than the -200 had. Great short field capability and sturdiness. A tad slower than his previous TBM-700. but it hauls a bunch. He takes the family on Alaskan trips every summer. The enhanced GPWS and TCAS make things comfortable.
But, he's decided to go back to the TBM now that they have a cargo door --his main reason for the move to the Pilatus.
PT