(a) Realistic fast cruise speed at max and mid weights
138kts mid weight 145 light
(b) Typical payload - how many POB with full fuel
Most powers seem to come in between 2020kgs-2080kgs basic empty
Elite airframe is 660kgs of fuel @ 220kgs/hour some do 210kgs
Work the maths for fuel V POB
(c) Endurance at fast cruise with say 20% VFR reserve
Well that depends on how much fuel
Never looked at power setting for endurance (the machine just wants to fly fast)
(d) Pros/cons of Elite version
Pros are really for the pax
Dampened gearbox
Reclined back seat
Step into cabin
Sound proofing
Don’t forget all 109s are now made in the Elite airframe but don’t contain
Gear box and sound features & step
(e) Any options considered essential
Nothing is essential but the following are nice
TAS
Collins Radio Fit
Bendix KMD 550 (might be standard)
The GPS is a handful but reliable
(f) Maintenance man hours/flying hour
100 hr check
50hr swash plate lube
25hr Tail rotor check depends on old or new type blades
All new machines now come with the composite blades
(g) Comments on reliability ref unscheduled maintenance/defects
Reliability I have to consider excellent
Like with any machine you can have unscheduled maintenance
Hope that helps
I am sure there is more but that’s what springs to mind
If some of my information is incorrect (my apologies) I am sure there are other 109 guys out there that will correct it.