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Aerospatiale Trinidad TB20 - pilot + 3 pax
Piper Seneca 2 - pilot + 5 pax
"The TB20 is a conventional yet exciting aircraft to fly. Standardised systems, electric 3-stage flaps, electro-hydraulic gear are combined with, I am sure, the most comfortable cabin in its class. Underneath the skin modern technology shows. Trailing link undercarriage for super-smooth touch-downs, 2 gull-wing cabin doors which enable all four passengers to enter without being contortionists, the interior seems more like a luxury car than the usual piston single. The ergonomic and beautifully styled instrument panel affords excellent visibility over the nose.
"But the proof of the pudding is in flying. Modern airfoil design ensures that after a 500ft roll, a climb rate with full load of over 1000 ft/min is easy, with a normal cruising speed settling at around 160 Kt. at between 7000 and 12000 ft. I find consumption at 'safe' (read richer) mixture settings is around 13 gal/hr.
"Slow flight is a breeze. With approach flap setting and 80 Kt. the TB20 can be racked around in steep turns without danger of falling off into a spin.
"Descent from altitude is fast and 300 ft/min rate and 22 inches manifold pressure ensures 180 Kt. or better (true) so some planning is needed to plot a proper approach to the circuit. Downwind at 100 Kt., base at 90, and finals at 80 where the 40 deg landing flap really puts on the brakes, and affords a great angle of attack with great visibility. Touchdown at 55 Kt., keep the nose high and those trailing links makes a greaser of the arrival."
For more of the TB20 have a look at the TB User Group Web site
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P O Box 669 George, 6530, South Africa, --- Tel +27 44 873 6259 --- Fax +27 44 884 0300 or 874 2751
Last modified: May 07, 2006
