PA31 vs. P31T

[DAS at 10/250]

Yeah, yeah, I already know which one you would like to fly. And I've already heard all the Navaslo jokes.



But, we have a nice PA31-350. Boss is CONSIDERING a Cheyenne I or II since it would be a minimal cost upgrade over a C90 or Conquest. And yes, we would all like to fly a 90 or a 200, but again, that is not an option at this time.



So, for ya'll in the know. I already have numbers for the three Chieftain/IA/II. What I am looking for are upsides/downsides, optimum alts, MX experience, major problems/benefits, AD's etc. I am especially interested in hearing from sticks that have moved from the Chieftain to the Cheyenne.



Thanks in advance from those who know from one who doesn't.

 

[Axel]

It was gone for a while. It's back now.

 

[414Flyer]

Cheyenne II or IIXL. Climbs like a spotted ass ape. I think XL loses the SAS system.

 

[DAS at 10/250]

I think XL loses the SAS system.

Sorry, but I don't know what this particular acronym stands for.

 

[CarjCapt]

stability augmentation system

 

[DAS at 10/250]

I assume that has something to do with a rudder boost, yaw dampener, or body strakes. Yes?

 

[SkyWestCRJPilot]

I never flew a Cheyenne but the SAS system as I understand it has to do with stability in pitch. When Piper put the high horsepower turboprop engines on the Chieftain body it created a kind of instability in pitch and the SAS system was designed to augment the stability in pitch. In later models of the Cheyenne the stability issue was resolved and the airplanes didn't need the SAS. Please correct me if I'm wrong anyone who has more experience on the Cheyenne.

I've never heard of Navaslo before though I flew the Chieftain and straight Navajo for about 800 hours. Both were good airplanes and fast for piston twins in my opinion. I know the Cheyennes were beloved by pilots but the King Air ended up being prefered by passengers due to being more comfortable and spacious.

 

[DAS at 10/250]

I've never heard of Navaslo before

Keep your ears open if in IAH for the controller calling traffic as Navaslo, Slotation and Minibus.

Thanks for the input.

 

[FN FAL]

Keep your ears open if in IAH for the controller calling traffic as Navaslo, Slotation and Minibus.

What will the IAH controller say about man made sponges?

 

[joelo88]

Yes... the XL does NOT have the SAS. Company I fly for has 2XL's. Can be a bit of a bear with maint. Phase 1 inspectionis not fun. We've had electrical gremlins with one of them. Can't seem to get it sorted out.

Pax like them for flights under 2 hours if the seats are full. It's not bad for 3 hrs if there are only 2 or 3 pax. I loveflying them. Handles like a dump truck. Power to spare andmoves around a lot when you make power changes. You can give herthe Al Haynes treatment. You can stop her on a dime just likemost turboprops. Basically, it'll blow a Chieftain out of thewater. If you can find one with ram air, you might see 260+ TASat FL220.

 

[Drifter]

I never flew the "Ho" but the Cheyenne II is a hotrod in my opinion. It will carry a buttload of ice too! Have fun with it.

 

[EagleRJ]

I've flown the II, and will agree that it climbs like a spotted ass ape (LOL!). It's a good plane, and a blast to fly, but I think the cabin isn't as spacious as the King Air. Operating costs are probably about the same, although with the Cheyenne you aren't stuck with paying outrageous Raytheon parts prices.

SkywestCRJ is correct in that the SAS system enhanced pitch stability. Taking those big Lycomings off and installing PT-6s saved a lot of weight, but it also moved the CG very close to the aft limit. The SAS was designed to help keep pilots out of trouble, and used a strong spring to apply forward yoke at high AOA. It wasn't intended to be a stick pusher- it was just intended to give higher nose-up control forces within the region of the envelope where the airplane was unhappy.

Damper. Not dampener.

Ha ha! You beat me to it! I can't stand hearing "dampener" either.

 

[414Flyer]

I've flown the II, and will agree that it climbs like a spotted ass ape (LOL!). It's a good plane, and a blast to fly, but I think the cabin isn't as spacious as the King Air. Operating costs are probably about the same, although with the Cheyenne you aren't stuck with paying outrageous Raytheon parts prices.

Did you fly it with WMI? I just got to ferry 234K back from asia

 

[Drifter]

I don't know about EagleRJ but I sure have a few hours in 234K. Sounds like you might have been on that India project. I take it from your Che avatar, you were also in Argentina. What's up with the boys at WxMod? Who else was down there with you?

 

[DAS at 10/250]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tina Fey's Scar
Damper. Not dampener.




dampener n: to become deadened or depressed

damper n: a dulling or deadening influence

My apologies to Webster's.