What I like most about flying S5-MTI is the attention to detail for the pilot. For example, the switches are laid out in a manner where, going from left to right, you turn them on until you reach a point – start the engine. Then turn the next batch on – taxi. Then you turn on the last switches before take off.
They are grouped in a manner that aids you. Additionally, you cannot take off with the parking brake set – the throttle would impact the parking brake if you tried to do so.
On landing, it’s very much the same – you have three green lights which should be lit up when you land, encouraging the typical “final, 3 greens” call which retractable pilots would make.
The dash has 3 red lights giving you warnings – one for each of the Lanes of the electronic ignition and one for PFD warnings hence any issues will be visible immediately.
The aircraft has two batteries to provide power to the engine – this is necessary as the engine uses electronics to control the ignition, it doesn’t work off of magnetos. The main battery is recharged by the alternator as is the secondary battery which is used to provide power for the engine for an additional 30 minutes should both the alternator and main battery fail.
The Skyview HDX and Garmin 695 GPS also have their own back up batteries. The aircraft also comes equipped with a standby analogue airspeed indicator and altimeter should there be any issues.
The engine is fuel injected which means that carburettor icing is not a consideration. Additionally, the engine can be run in two modes – power and Eco mode (effectively lean of peak). This means that for take off, the engine will consume 24 litres per hour but once in cruise, this will drop significantly down to as low as 13 litres per hour when above FL 100.
Cruise speeds at 5000RPM, Eco mode are around 120 Knots True Airspeed, however as the Rotax 912iS can run at 5500RPM (max continuous power) all day, if in a hurry you can run at 5500, wide open Throttle and achieve speeds of 130 Knots True Air Speed, however the fuel consumption will be 22 – 24 litres. Personally speaking, I don’t see the point of going 10 knots faster and burning up to 10 litres more per hour…
Autopilot functionality
The autopilot can be used in various modes – for example, in pitch mode it can climb / descend at a given rate – eg 700fpm but also can be set to climb / descend at a given Indicated Airspeed such as 80 knots IAS. Envelope protection ensures that (e.g.) if the climb is set to 700fpm and the aircraft starts slowing to it’s stall speed, the autopilot will not allow the aircraft to stall but will announce the fact that it is slowing the ascent.
In guidance mode, the autopilot can be flown in heading or track mode, controlled by the guidance wheel on the centre console, or can automatically follow an inputed flight plan, making all turns as necessary to follow the course set. The course to be flown can be supplied by either the Skyview HDX or Garmin GPS 695.
The Skyview HDX has a Wifi Dongle such that you can prepare flight plans from (eg) SkyDemon or similar and transfer the flight plan to the Skyview – making flight plan entry extremely simple.
The autopilot will automatically trim the aircraft via elevator and aileron trim if it is active.
Ergonomics
The plane can be a little tricky to get into but once you have the knack, it’s not a problem. What I like about it is the fact that pilots of any size between 1.50m and 1.95m can be accommodated in comfort – the seats move forward and backward, as do the rudder pedals, ensuring you have an extremely comfortable seating position. Space between the front seats is wider than (e.g) in a P28A albeit not as wide as a Cirrus. For long distances the aircraft is extremely comfortable with adjustable lumbar support on the front seats.
Features
The aircraft has holders for headsets just behind the front seats, has a large and spacious glove box in front of the passenger and also storage space underneath the centre armrest. The two Lamborghini style doors are lockable, as is the baggage compartment.
The aircraft is started using push button controls but it also has an ignition lock. If the ignition lock is locked, the engine cannot be started.
Weight & Balance
The aircraft is specified with an MTOW of 750kg but the aircraft was flown with an exception for aerial work with weights of up to 850kg and the design is calculated to still fly at weights of up to 900Kg.
The rear seats can accommodate weights of 25kg each and the lockable compartment also can contain 25kg of weight. With two pilots of 75kg each, full tanks (140l of which 138l is usable) and maximum luggage in each of the locations, you will be safe to fly. Additionally, the manufacturer is proposing to legally raise the MTOW to 812kg.
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