Professional Pilot, June 2018

TPs provide dependable air transport in diverse and often challenging settings careful evaluation of aircraft that bestmatches these needs will lead to a selection which assures acceptable economic and operating returns This compendium presents 9 turboprop aircraft selected for their proven or promised performance While not comprehensive the data presented provides a useful introduction to representative types and their characteristics Conklin de Decker has supplied OEM suggested retail pricing on the aircraft models presented They are the Beechcraft King Air 350iER Cessna 408 SkyCourier Piaggio Avanti Evo P180 Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX Cessna Denali formerly the Cessna SETP Daher TBM 930 Pilatus PC 12 Piper Meridian M600 and Quest Kodiak 100 Beechcraft King Air 350iER Up to 11 seats 303 kts 2340 nm FL350 839 million 467 ft 143 ft 579 ft 45 ft 48 ft Technical Specifications CABIN Seats standard max 9 11 Volume 355 ft Sea level cabin 15293 ft WEIGHTS BOW 10215 lbs MTOW 16500 lbs MLW 15675 lbs Payload w max fuel 1193 lbs PERFORMANCE Cruise long range high speed 238 303 kts Range ferry 100 nm alternate 2338 nm MISSION PERFORMANCE time flight level 300 nm 1h05 FL250 600 nm 2h07 FL290 1000 nm 3h35 FL330 AIRFIELD PERFORMANCE SL ISA Field Length MTOW MLW 4057 2728 ft POWERPLANT S Manufacturer Pratt Whitney Canada Type 2 x PT6A 60A Output flat rating 1050 shp ISA 10 C AVIONICS Manufacturer Suite Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion Extended range variant of King Air 350 Cabin The square oval fuselage design offers more head and shoulder room Selected seats are reversible removable Pressurization ECS A 10380 ft cabin altitude is maintained at maximum cruising altitude of FL350 Dual zone cabin climate controlled automatically with little input from pilot Ice rain protection Bleed air used to protect brakes wing and horizontal stabilizer leading edges and engine inlets Cockpit Pro Line Fusion avionics includes 3 8 x 10 in PFD MFD EICAS LCDs to complement complete digital CNS suite TURBOPROPS Turboprops are effective tools which can improve corporate performance by providing the business and personnel with 5 main benefits safe secure transportation access efficiency flexibility and prestige By Don Van Dyke ATP Helo CFII F28 Bell 222 Pro Pilot Canadian Technical Editor T urboprops and light jets are both vital to business aviation and often operate in complementary roles Evaluating the combination of speed range useful load and fuel burn of each type against mission needs will lead to a selection best matched to operational needs With typically lower acquisition and operating costs high performance TPs operate effectively over distances up to 300 500 nm When flying such short sectors the time penalty compared with jets is negligible However comparative operating cost savings may be considerable This makes the TP a cost effective and attractive solution for round trip flights under 500 nm for example for a flight between Miami and Nassau Another major TP advantage is their excellent short field takeoff and landing capabilities permitting access to some of the hardest to reach airports Although TPs are efficient for short distance flights other mission goals may require extended range for aircraft positioning or the endurance to loiter requirements met by several TPs Finally TP cockpits feature advanced technology avionics and cabins often just as luxurious and as comfortable as most light jets In selecting an aircraft a clear understanding of current and expected business transport needs is essential Next is to identify ways in which an aircraft meets these needs Finally 28 PROFESSIONAL PILOT June 2018