Flew the Conquest today

[Everskyward]

I thought the B200s were introduced much later than the 60s. I thought it was more like the 80s. The ones I flew were called Super 200s as I recall, and they were from the 1970s. I guess I did fly one B200 but only a couple times.

 

[wabower]

First 200's were '74 models. Based on a quick search of the bluebook, it appears that the reverse prop feature started with the
A-90 (not to be confused with the 90-a that was introduced many years later.

I thought the B200s were introduced much later than the 60s. I thought it was more like the 80s. The ones I flew were called Super 200s as I recall. I guess I did fly one B200 but only a couple times.

 

[Everskyward]

First 200's were '74 models. Based on a quick search of the bluebook, it appears that the reverse prop feature started with the
A-90 (not to be confused with the 90-a that was introduced many years later.

I didn't say they didn't have reverse, I said they didn't have a separate beta range.

Edit: Maybe I'm using the wrong terminology. It didn't have that "ground fine" range in the middle between idle and reverse.

 

[wabower]

I don't fly 350's much, but they're the only models that I know about with ground fine that is labeled as such. All others have beta, which makes sense (to me anyway) since a gradual transition from flat forward pitch to full reverse (that of necessity takes the blades through a range of travel that is equivalent to beta) is necessary to prevent over-torquing as the blade start to bite in the other direction.

I didn't say they didn't have reverse, I said they didn't have a separate beta range.

Edit: Maybe I'm using the wrong terminology. It didn't have that "ground fine" range in the middle between idle and reverse.

 

[Dave Siciliano]

Fun landing at Addison yesterday to the south. They are doing taxiway work on the south end. We had a pretty strong crosswind to the right when we landed. Also, a displaced threshold. Still turned off at Hotel which allowed us to quickly get clear with jet traffic behind us, and stay with tower taxiing back to the FBO at the north end of the field. Addison has one taxiway that runs it's length. Much easier to use a bit of reverse, get off and pull right into the FBO than deal with a bunch of delays on the single taxiway going way down it.

Besides: IT'S FUN!

Best,

Dave

 

[wabower]

I saw you on final, but the buildings between the golf range and the runway prevented assigning a grade to the landing.

Fun landing at Addison yesterday to the south. They are doing taxiway work on the south end. We had a pretty strong crosswind to the right when we landed. Also, a displaced threshold. Still turned off at Hotel which allowed us to quickly get clear with jet traffic behind us, and stay with tower taxiing back to the FBO at the north end of the field. Addison has one taxiway that runs it's length. Much easier to use a bit of reverse, get off and pull right into the FBO than deal with a bunch of delays on the single taxiway going way down it.

Besides: IT'S FUN!

Best,

Dave

 

[Everskyward]

I don't fly 350's much, but they're the only models that I know about with ground fine that is labeled as such. All others have beta, which makes sense (to me anyway) since a gradual transition from flat forward pitch to full reverse (that of necessity takes the blades through a range of travel that is equivalent to beta) is necessary to prevent over-torquing as the blade start to bite in the other direction.

The picture is from a 200 manual, though, and is the way the sims were set up, with two gates and ground fine in the middle. The actual airplanes I flew only had one gate.

 

[wabower]

Above my pay grade. The 350's have ground fine setting because idle flat pitch creates too much residual thrust for taxi without excessive braking. None of the others (AFAIK) have the problem. But I can smell the dutch apple whatever in the oven, so lunch can't be that far away.

The picture is from a 200 manual, though, and is the way the sims were set up, with two gates and ground fine in the middle. The actual airplanes I flew only had one gate.

 

[Everskyward]

Above my pay grade. The 350's have ground fine setting because idle flat pitch creates too much residual thrust for taxi without excessive braking. None of the others (AFAIK) have the problem. But I can smell the dutch apple whatever in the oven, so lunch can't be that far away.

But I wasn't talking about 350s at all since I've never flown one.

 

[wabower]

Understood, but the beta valve that drives the prop operation at all speeds less than normal governor range has been an integral part of the King Air prop system since the first reversers were installed in the A models (I think, but the B's for sure.) Ground fine has never been a specifically-designated term for any 200 that I know about, although a portion of the beta range would qualify for such a designation since it's a finer pitch than idle that is only used on the ground.

My only guess is that maybe some of the Garrett-powered 100's or other Garrett-powered models had such a setting (but never flown or taught in one and never want to) or maybe the sim you flew was a hybrid for training in several different types.

But I have both a POH and SFI tech manual for the 200's in the bookshelf if you're interested in some light reading

I have a military heavy-ops manual too, but if you read it somebody from the army will have to shoot you.

But I wasn't talking about 350s at all since I've never flown one.

 

[Dave Siciliano]

I saw you on final, but the buildings between the golf range and the runway prevented assigning a grade to the landing.

Guess I lucked out (wiping forehead). We landed right after the displaced threshold markings (honest), right main first, then left and finally nose. Right on center line but bumped a bit more than usual. Then, Whoooop!. Left at hotel (g). Armpits were soaked from practice approaches. Great day to do that with ceilings about 800 feet for most of what we did.

Tried backing the plane up a bit in reverse thrust where area was clean (ice vanes open). May need that putting it away at Treasure Cay this summer.

I hear folks mix up beta and reverse all the time. Sure see how it can happen. I really don't look, just go by feel when taxiing.

I liked your comment about torque setting on approach. I had set just over 500 pounds before, but now see how straight down is a great reference point.

Best,

Dave

 

[Everskyward]

I think the problem is that I used the wrong terminology before. I said"beta" when I meant "ground fine". It's been a long tome and all I remember is that the newer airplanes and the sim had two gates instead of just one.