Nice PIREP Michael. I had the opportunity to see the PC-12NG in Denver. I never thought I'd like a single turbo prop, but I was very impressed with the build quality and economics.

I thought the Apex system was complex, although the cockpit felt far more integrated than a non-NG airplane. Do you feel it gets easy once you've used it quite a bit? It took me a bit time to get used to the trackball.


Warren

It's just like any new technology, once you play with it for a couple hours, you're good to go.

I'll agree with Shawn. I find the trackball awesome now, especially when it's bumpy, like flying into Montrose two days ago, they were throwing coconuts and watermelons at me. Having the trackball to use is actually very easy in turbulence.

I really, really like the setup in the Apex system, and the autopilot is very, very well thought out and done right. Everything is integrated which makes step ups, step downs, vertical direct too's etc. very easy to do. The integration with the approach is downright perfect. I use cross hairs to hand fly an approach, but the autopilot still flies it on rails way better than I can.

I have the VNAV function which allows incredible precision on a non-precision approach. The PC12 was designed very, very well and is an incredible bird. The CAS (warning messages) are also very well thought out and alert you to pretty much any issue. It would actually be an upgrade to put the CAS message steps in the avoinics as opposed to reaching for the book.

The more I fly the airplane, the more I like what I fly. If I had to do it all again, I would do it all again, only sooner. I really reviewed the idea of going to a Phenom 300 or Citation 3/4 but given what the PC12 does and how well it does it, the Jet's simply don't provide an upgrade to my general travel schedule. They're a downgrade as I would need a PC12 to get into some of the strips that I've been into. Oceanside the other day was 2700 feet.

The PC12 is simply an amazing machine. I also have my head system dialed in, and I could not ask for a better airplane.

I'll agree with Michael

6.5 hrs in the airplane non stop from KMTJ to KFXE, filled up two potty bags, dodged some weather.........landed with 400lbs of JetA........that is simply amazing..........

You havent installed in a PTT switch in your lav yet?

It's a game changer.

Good flight Michael. I love the long ones. Napa for me this week.

I recall Textron touting their new turboprop single as being more comfortable for the pilot and co-pilot which insinuated that the PC-12 was uncomfortable. Is the PC-12 cockpit uncomfortable or tight in some way?

PC12 cockpit isn't really "less comfortable" than other planes I've flown. But I do wish it was more comfortable.

I've been flying a CJ3 lately and CJ3 just has more cushion in the seats. Which helps a lot.

I thought the PC12 had an "interior by BMW". Not that I'm a Beemer fan, but as the say it sounds good on paper.

Even though my mission will never get to the PC1 level, I love reading these posts...

Most PC12's are pro pilot flown. The BMW part is for the PAX.

That range is incredible. I wish I could go that far in the MU2. Would need about 50 more gallons on board and a better bathroom setup than a bucket:-)

Pc12 has be darn close to a perfect airplane design. Be interesting to see if Beechcraft can one up them. I sincerely doubt it.

I got the 2 inch foam Oregon aero seats at Osh and that has been an absolute game changer to my posterior......I can fly that thing forever now. Apparently they changed the seat back to the old way I believe in 2010 (Jason and I have the worst of the seats given our serial numbers).

CJ3.......Sean's working both of us I believe

You havent installed in a PTT switch in your lav yet?

Michael,
Is that a 1900nm leg? wow, impressive man. I did a 1650 the other day with not much tailwind, ended up being 6:25 but we brought lunch on board, much better than stopping. My wife had to fly back on the airlines and it took her 14 hours to get back home; best thing that could have happened.

Here's a 1000nm trip loaded up to GTOW, 10 people and too many bags. Landed with 2 hours of fuel remaining.