Page 21 - Volume 12 Number 2

airplane properly configured with approach flaps and gear down by the FAF, and with power adjusted to reach the desired speed. Tap IAS when over the FAF and then reduce power sufficiently to develop a 1,000-fpm rate of descent. Have the next stepdown altitude preset into the altitude alerter window – or the MDA, if no intermediate stepdown is required – and add power to maintain speed when you observe the IAS annunciator extinguish as the altitude capture begins. Repeat as necessary for other descents down to minimums.
Although I find the IAS mode easy and fun to use, I have no complaint with those pilots who still prefer to adjust pitch attitude manually via the autopilot’s pitch wheel or rocker switch. The only drawback of that technique is needing to move the right hand back and forth between the power levers and the pitch command wheel/rocker.
I do have a bit of heartburn, however, with those who use the Collins’ APS-65 DSC (Descent) mode during non- precision approaches. First, the nose-over is too smooth! It doesn’t start the descent in as timely a manner as is desirable. Second, the descent stabilizes at too high of a rate for my liking: 1,200 to 1,500 fpm. Granted, oftentimes the rate of descent does not reach that great of a value since the next altitude capture has canceled the DSC mode, yet is it wise to be using that as the target rate? I’d much prefer to be able to control the rate myself, via power adjustments, while the autopilot takes care of airspeed.
I cannot close this discussion without again touting the virtue of knowing the “magic numbers” for your King Air model. Those wonderfully useful power settings and configurations have been covered in a previous article in this magazine. They may also be found under the “Clements Corner” section at www.kingairacademy.com. Here is the exact link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_t5NXYD7vUbQzF QWW44UkxXWlE/edit
Having those magic numbers in mind makes the necessary power adjustments a piece of cake!
Give the IAS mode a try on your next non-ILS approach, preferably in visual conditions before using it “for real.” Works well, eh? KA
King Air expert Tom Clements has been flying and instructing in King Airs for over 44 years, and is the author of “The King Air Book.” He is a Gold Seal CFI and has over 23,000 total hours with more than 15,000 in King Airs. For information on ordering his book, contact Tom direct at twcaz@msn.com. Tom is actively mentoring the instructors at King Air Academy in Phoenix.
If you have a question you’d like Tom to answer, please send it to Editor Kim Blonigen at editor@blonigen.net
De-icing Never Looked This Good
Ice Shield De-icing Systems offers wing boots, propeller boots, wire harnesses, and much more. Offering guaranteed 48-hour delivery and first class customer service.
Ice Shield is a Faster, Better Smarter way to protect your aircraft from icing conditions.
For more information please visit our website www.iceshield.com or 800.767.6899
FEBRUARY 2018 KING AIR MAGAZINE • 19