Equipment

S5-MTI is well equipped. She has 4 seats, albeit the rear are only suitable for small children. I’ve typically used those seats for carrying of loose items I may need during the flight such as drinks, snacks and the like – baggage can be stored in MTI’s lockable baggage compartment.

MTI comes equipped with an electrically controlled variable speed, constant speed propeller in order to gain maximum performance as well as a 2 axis digital autopilot which can control the heading and altitude. This autopilot includes envelope protection – this means that you will never stall the aircraft by setting a climb rate higher than the aircraft is capable of holding – as well as a level button – in case you become disoriented, you can press this button and the plane will automatically correct to wings level.

Traffic Avoidance

It features ADS-B in and out as well as Flarm in / out – traffic warnings are given audibly but can also be displayed on the Garmin GPS 695 – see below

To interpret the picture above – any diamond represents another aircraft detected. The line shows its direction of travel. The two numbers beside it shows the difference in altitude in hundreds of feet – ie, one aircraft is 2500 feet above me whilst another is 1200 feet above me whilst the 3rd is 100 feet below me (a minus figure denoting lower than me.)

Additionally, the arrow to the right of each target denotes whether they are climbing or descending. If no arrow is depicted, the aircraft is flying level. In the above picture, the two aircraft above me are descending.

Ballistics Recovery System

What MTI also boasts is a ballistic recovery system similar to the Cirrus – with a difference. The cost of removal, repacking and reinstallation of the BRS is currently €3.000 and, unlike Cirrus, due every 12 years, not 10 years. The ‘chute is activated by a recessed handle in front of the pilot

GPS Navigation

MTI is equipped with a Dynon Skyview HDX with integrated GPS navigation system which can drive the autopilot. Additionally, MTI comes equipped with a Garmin GPSMAP 695 which also gives terrain warnings as well backup functionality and can be selected to drive the Autopilot. The Skyview HDX is also equipped with synthetic vision and terrain awareness functionality.

Additionally, the Skyview is equipped with a WiFi Dongle which means you can plan your flight plan at home on your mobile phone or iPad via (eg) SkyDemon and can then connect that unit to the Wifi of the plane and transfer the flight plan directly into the HDX.

Further, the diagnostics of the Skyview allow for all details to be downloaded to (eg) FlySto.net. If you want to see details, create an account at FlySto.net and send me your user ID, I’ll grant you access to see the information available to review.