Flew the Stallion 6.5 hours yesterday. Thought I would share my impressions. The Stallion is the Citation 501SP with the Williams engines. Some refer to the non Williams version as a Slowtation. That is not a label that can be applied to this mod.

Start up is fairly straight forward. Position a few switches. Push the start button. At a certain speed N2? add fuel and then retard to ideal. Watch for a hot start (ITT) and an overspeed but otherwise you are done. Repeat.

Taxiing is straight forward unlike the Twin Commander which can be pretty touchy.

Cleared for departure - firewall the throttles and let the ECU's keep the engines within limits. Rudder authority gets good fast. Rotate at 120ish (iirc) and accelerate to 200kts climbing at 3500 fpm. Doesn't take long.

We departed Falcon Field in Mesa, AZ and climbed to FL410. The aircraft will reach that altitude in 21 minutes. I didn't time it on the outbound flight but I did verify it on the return. FL400 in 20 minutes. At FL350 we had a TAS of 392 and were burning 1000pph. At 410 we were 370 TAS and 775 lbs. At 430 it was 365 at 700pph.

The aircraft departed with 5 people...arrived at KMOT - Minot, ND in 2:59. Distance flown was 1093 miles. Average ground speed was 366 kts. On balance we didn't have much a tailwind.

We executed the GPS-LP 13 approach. 110kts on final...90kts 50ft AGL...chop to idle - Just hold the nose off until the mains touch. No thrust reversers but the brakes worked great.

Took 400 gal of fuel. Average fuel consumption was 133 gph or 891pph.

Return trip was at FL430 @365 knots at 700 pph. 3:19 total trip time @ 127 gph. 1137 total miles flown.

Total trip was 2,230 miles. We used 817 gal. and spend 6.3 hours aloft.

By the trip home I was feeling pretty comfortable in the aircraft. It helped that it was equipped with Dual 600's, dual 530W's. GDL88 and a 696. Fairly similar to my setup so I didn't have to learn some funky/clunky FMS system. In fact I was able to help the instructor out on the 600 in a couple areas. For example setting the wind style format. He wasn't aware you could set it up to display the head and cross wind component.

Used the speed brakes to get on the glide path at FFZ. We were way high and boy did those speed brakes solve that problem FAST!

All in all it is just a rock solid airplane. Quiet, fast, efficient. It was really slick flying at FL430 on top of most commercial traffic.

I think i have to have one!

I didn't fly the initial departure so I was able to record the pilots who did.


[youtube]http://youtu.be/z96__a8U5EM[/youtube]

Very cool Mark. Interesting that the engine gauges are mounted horizontal versus vertical and they only kept the fuel flow tape gauge. I like the tape gauges better, as they are easier to get information at a glance.

FL 410 or 430, single pilot in an older airframe brings pressurization issues to mind. I would have a mask around my neck up there for sure single pilot.

I'm really glad that these planes are being modified to keep life in them. Be safe and enjoy.

Some pics

Thanks for sharing Mark. These are very common and consistent numbers with what are seen (and promoted) day in and day out for the Stallion FJ44-2A 501

Glad you got the opportunity!

Steve,

Sierra Mods used to use the Meggitt digital display for EIS/EMD, but they were eventually replaced by the round style gauges (due to its discontinuation and reliable after market service/repair). As far as pressurization in the 501's is concerned (both P&WC and W.I. versions), they are actually a pretty tight and reliable cabin (8.5 PSI is very typical). The only issues really are an occasional ACM failure. But you're right, definitely keep that EROS handy

Nice!

I think there should be a 'Brand X - Piston' section and a 'Brand X - Turbine' section as I clearly have no business reading threads like these...

Nice write-up.

Mark,

Did the pilot you flew with say anything about hauling a laptop around in order to deal with errors/faults in the FADEC system?

Did he say anything about problems with the original ACM due to the williams engines putting out more bleed air?

I don't do jealous well...

Looks like fun.

Peace,
Don

No...and I am not listening nah nah nah nah

Mark that is awesome! For your flights it will be much better than the 310!

Will you look for a plane all ready to go or have Sierra help you find one to convert?

Not giving up the Turbo Commander I hope?

Likely an existing conversion. Just leased a Citation II for my type rating

Adam:

Yes. 2012. Last one was leased and I didn't renew. Great bird. But I need more range.

If you are above FL350 single pilot and you only have a mask around your neck, you are in violation of 135.89.

I take my Citation I to FL410 every few flights and with the Pratt engines at that altitude it holds about an 8,000 foot cabin.

The Williams engines are a great upgrade. With a G1000 and the eagle fuel mod, it's a tough airplane to beat for the $.