View source for De/Piper PA-24 Comanche

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Die Piper '''PA-24 Comanche''' ist ein einmotoriges, viersitziges Leichtflugzeug mit Einziehfahrwerk des US-amerikanischen Flugzeugherstellers Piper Aircraft Corporation, welches als Schulungs- und Reiseflugzeug gebaut wurde.

== Aktualisierte Version ==
Eine aktualisierte Version von flyingfisch ist unter diesem Link verfügbar: {{github source|user=flyingfisch|repo=pa24-250}}

== Aircraft help ==
{| class="keytable"
! Taste
! Funktion
|-
|{{key press|f}}
|Tank auswählen
|-
|{{key press|~}}
|Navigationslichter ein-/ausschalten
|-
|{{key press|!}}
|Hauptbatterie ein-/ausschalten
|-
|{{key press|#}}
|Generator einschalten (nicht im Cockpit)
|-
|{{key press|@}}
|Treibstoffpumpe ein-/ausschalten
|-
|{{key press|$}}
|Landelichter ein-/ausschalten
|-
|{{key press|%}}
|Drehendes Signallicht ein-/ausschalten
|-
|{{key press|^}}
|Anti-Kollisions-Lichter ein-/ausschalten
|-
|{{key press|*}}
|Heizung ein-/ausschalten
|-
|{{key press|(}}
|Armaturenbrett-Lichter ausschalten oder vermindern
|-
|{{key press|9}}
|Armaturenbrett-Lichter einschalten oder vergrößern
|-
|{{key press|h}}
|Vergaser-Hitze ein-/ausschalten
|-
|{{key press|Strg|P}}
|Brennstoffpumpe für Zündung ein-/ausschalten
|-
|{{key press|B}}
|Parkbremse ein-/ausschalten
|-
|{{key press|s}}
|Starter anschalten
|}

* All switches and controls (except yoke and pedals) can be operated via "hot-spots".
* Type Ctrl-C to display mouse "hot-spots".

=== Startup ===
# fuel on most full main ("f" toggles selector on left side)
# all toggles OFF
# battery master switch to ON ("!" toggles battery master switch)
# alternator master switch to ON ("#" switchws it on)
# electric fuel pump ON ("@" toggles fuel pump switch)
# operate primer pump three times then locked (ctrl-P cycles primer)
# "CLEAR PROP"
# key to start ("s" engages starter)
# pitot heat ON if IFR ("*" toggles pitot heat switch)
# beacon ("%"), nav lights ("~"), strobe lights ("^") ON as required
# landing light if night ("$" toggles landing light switch)
# release parking brake ("B" releases brake)

=== Start und Landung ===
Checklisten findet man auf dem Amaturenbrett

== Airplane of the Week/Month ==
Die Piper Comanche wurde zum "Flugzeug der Woche / des Monats" gewählt (31. Mai 2011):

'''Model'''

Die Piper PA-24 Comanche hat ein gut modelliertes und texturiertes Cockpit. Man findet nützliche Checklisten auf dem Amaturenbrett.

[[File: Pa-24-cockpit.jpg]]

The cockpit contains basic instrumentation for IFR flight and a Century autopilot. Pretty much all systems are functional (including the front window sunshades...), and the plane has a startup procedure and requires fuel management for long-range flights.

[[File: Pa-24-model.jpg]]

The exterior model is perhaps a bit simple by today's standards, some surfaces look a bit too uniform and lack detail, but the different light switches in the cockpit are all functional for the external model, and the cockpit and baggage doors have opening animations. 

'''Flight characteristics'''

The PA-24 is a nice alternative to the C-172p - it is an easy to fly single engine plane with slightly more sophistication (it has a retractable gear and a variable pitch propeller). The FDM doesn't feel especially spectacular, but it certainly behaves in a plausible way for the plane (I have not done checks against actual performance data though). The basic relations between trim, elevator, engine power and flaps certainly work out nicely and the turn characteristics seem reasonable.

At higher altitudes the engine loses power as it should, and the EGT gauge reflects that. However, one odd thing is that even crossing over Mt. Blanc (at 17.000 ft) the engine would still run with mixture set to 'full rich' even though EGT would be very low, something I have never experienced with other planes, so here something may not be quite as it should.

A very nice feature is the autopilot, which I found well tuned both at high and low altitudes.

All in all, the PA-24 is not a spectacular plane in any single characteristic, but mostly a solid piece of work and a nice plane to enjoy the scenery and to learn how to deal with a variable pitch propeller, and as such it is worth some attention.

'''My personal wishlist'''

The engine behaviour at high altitude should certainly be clarified. Also, it would be nice to improve texturing of the interior away from the main panel - this is currently very simple, and to revisit the exterior model.  

'''Things to experience'''

The Comanche is the only plane I am aware of which comes with two different versions of the autopilot, the Century CIIB and the CIII which can be selected at startup - so you can try both and compare.

{{Piper}}

[[en:Piper PA-24 Comanche]]