Premier Aircraft Design Do228 model for FS2004 and FSX, suggested flying tips.


WING
This aircraft has a very unusual wing. When clean, it's small area gives 
the aircraft a high cruising speed, but with the triple extension flaps and flaperons deployed it 
can land on, and take-off from, very short airstrips that normally only light aircraft would use.

ENGINES
The controls for the Garrett TPE 331-5 turbo-prop engines differ from the more familiar PT-6
in that there is no lever for propeller pitch. The pitch is controlled automatically as power is
increased and decreased. There is a torque limiter fitted which prevents over torqueing the
engines at high power settings.
The Garretts also have an NTS ( Negative Torque Sensing) system which performs a 
similar function to an autofeathering device. In the event of an engine failure the NTS 
system alters the prop pitch so that the 'dead' prop does not turn the engine.
The PAD model simulates the auto pitch control and the torque limiter but not
the NTS system, however, there are dummy NTS switches on the panel for use in
start-up/shut down check list routines. In real life the NTS switches are always ON
when taxiing and flying.
Unlike other turbine engines the Garretts have "Stop" switches. On our model these are located
on the throttle console. Don't forget to turn them to the "On" position before attempting to re-start the engines !

FLYING

1. Always use two notches of flap for normal take-offs. In this configuration she will lift off at between 70-90 kts IAS,
depending on weight. Three notches of flap may be needed on short strips.
2. Reduce flap in the climb out, have flaps and wheels fully up by 160 kts IAS
3. When airspeed drops below 140 kts IAS use one or two notches of flap, add more flap as speed decreases.
The slower you fly, the more flap and more power you need, this is not a good glider.
4. Normal cruising speed at 9,000 ft is 215 kts indicated, which equates to approximately 280 miles per hour ground speed
5. The model will easily climb to 28,000 feet but the cabin is not pressurized so normal
operations are limited to 10,000 ft.
6. When approaching to land, reduce power until the torque =2000 and IAS drops to 160 kts, then lower one or two notches
of flap, add more flap as required. The wheels can be lowered at 160 kts and act as fairly efficient air brakes.
With full flap and wheels down a lot of drag is generated so power is needed to maintain approach speed of
approx 110 kts
7. Aim to touch down at 80-95kts depending on weight, when the nose wheel is on the ground use reverse thrust (F2)
and wheel brakes to stop.

It takes a bit of practise but you can fly this model safely in and out of very short strips. 

Have fun ! 

P.S. If you have seen the Youtube video of the real Do228 performing aerobatics at an air show ....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lo0xuC0oVZM&feature=related

....and you fancy trying the same routine, you need to reduce the payload to 170lbs (one pilot only) and reduce fuel load to 40%.

In this configuration she is very lively ....









