PC12 Preference?

[ninja]

To anyone who has flown both the 47 and the NG, do you prefer one over the other? How do you like the avionics in the NG versus the 47? Any comparison's, pros/cons would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Go Juice]

EDITED

[Johnny]

Good day,
I have flown (and continue to fly) all three types (-45, -47, -47E/NG) of the Pilatus PC-12. Overall, a fantastic machine.

The Next Generation is very different in the front. The avionics suite has a much greater feel of integration to it - no better way to put it than that.
In the "legacy" (pre-NG) PC-12, there is a lot of information and functionality, but it is more spread out in the cabin and/or requiring pilot intervention.
With the -NG, a lot more of the systems are automated (both GENs, AV Bus', and environmental system remain ON/AUTO by default) and there is intelligent linking between the systems -- the pressure system "talks" to the FMS, which is connected to the altitude pre-selector, for example.

While it takes a few hours to get used to the interface and the ins/outs of the APEX system, it is a true FMS... Once your flight plan and intentions are programmed into the box, there is interconnected functionality and advanced planning capability. The unit can fly an FMS profile, auto-sequence to an ILS, and fly itself down to minimums (A/P mins vary depending on the approach).

For the pilots, the ANR headsets and newer seat designs make the longer flights much more tolerable. Additionally, the engine information cluster right in front of you and occupying about 20% of the PFD makes it easy to spot changes in performance and to respect limitations.

Digital temperature control is easy to use and responsive, and defaults to a comfortable 21 c.

I hope this helps as a starting point. PM me if I can answer any more questions for you.

John

[PanEuropean]

FYI, the avionics suite in the PC-12 NG is exactly the same as the avionics suite in the Series 400 Twin Otter, the only difference being that the Twin Otter has more 'standard equipment' (TCAS I, Class A TAWS, dual everything, etc.) because it is a 19 passenger aircraft. There are a number of photos showing the Twin Otter flight compartment at this post here in AvCanada: Twin Otter Ferry Flight. Most of the pictures are on the second page of that discussion.

Michael

[2.5milefinal]

newer seat designs make the longer flights much more tolerable
You might be the only NG pilot I know (or might know) that likes the NG seats.
I'll take the old ones any day.