PILOT’S HANDBOOK

 

Piaggio P-166

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are you going to fly?

 

The Piaggio P-166 is a light, small twin. The first P-166A flew in 1957 and today the P-166DP-1 is the latest turboprop evolution. What made the P-166 popular since it’s first days was it’s amazing comfort. The interior cabin lets you just stay in feet inside it. This feature appeared later only in the ‘80s with the concept known as “Wide-bodies”. It was a great performer too: a nice great MAX speed for its kind at it’s time: It almost reached 190 KIAS. The P-166 is a derivative of the amphibian P-136, so it’s well fitted to resist corrosion and hard stress. The P-166 made it well even in the hard weather of Alaska. Certainly a very reliable aircraft. The flexibility of it’s design characteristics make it to be still a very competitive plane as of today, despite all the modifications that made this almost vintage twin a modern short-to-medium range comfortable transport. Pilots have always good opinions about it, as it performs very stable and easy to fly. With a little practice you can land the P-166 in very short spaces.

 

 

 

 

Piaggio P-166 Main Characteristics (common to all versions):

 

Take Off:

After you’re lined up with the runway, check space around the plane is free of eventual obstacles. Apply 10° flaps, push the throttles to 100%, and wait for the plane to reach at least 80 KIAS. Gently pull back the stick and wait for the wheels to leave the ground. The aircraft will lift off at around 85 KIAS. Check you’re clear, and retract flaps and landing gear. Climb at the ideal speed, 80% throttle at least.

You’re done! Good flight.

 

Landing:

 

The first thing to keep in mind here is your airspeed. Slow down by decreasing the throttle, and at around 150 KIAS lower 10° flaps. This will slow you down a little more, correct your descent rate (due to the flaps lift) and lower the flaps as you loose speed, until they are fully deployed. Now when your flaps are fully down give a little of power to maintain a speed between 85 and 95 KIAS. Lower the gear and check all the wheels are down and locked. If you’re landing following an ILS this attitude is the best for a correct glideslope. When you’re at about 10 feet above the ground, power back to idle and pitch the nose up. The aircraft will touch the ground at around 65-75 KIAS. Avoid the speed going below 60 KIAS, or the consequent stall will be fatal. If you are attempting to land in a very short space, cut the throttle back at 0% at about 20 ft from ground. The plane will speed down at almost 60 KIAS, and touch down at 55 KIAS. Be Careful: if not done well, this manoeuvre can easily turn you into a stall.

 

Reference Speeds:

 

Minimum manoeuvre Speed: 90 KIAS

Stall Speed, 0° Flaps: 75 KIAS

Stall speed, full flaps: 65 KIAS

 

 

Piaggio P-166A:

 

 

 

 

Reference Speeds:

MAX Speed @SL: 220 KIAS

MAX Speed @ 10000 FT: 190 KIAS

Cruise Speed (Fast): 180 KIAS @ 90% Throttle (3200 RPM, MP 45 InHg)

Climb Speed: 1200 ft\min @ 110 KIAS

3.3g Corner Speed: 155 KIAS

 

Engines:

Avco Lycoming GSO-480-B1C6, 6 cylinder, Geared – Supercharged – Opposed Type, 340 HP.

 

Propellers:

     2 x Hartzell HC-BZ30-2BL, 3-blade.

      Ø 7.8 Ft (2.37 Meter)

      MAX Beta: 65°

      MIN Beta: 15°

      Gear Reduction 2:1

 

 

Flaps:

      Plain Type, MAX angle is 45°, 3 positions

      Damage occurs at 205 KIAS

      Blow-out at 220 KIAS

 

Weights:

      Empty: 5952 lb (2700 Kg)

      MAX at Takeoff: 8213 lb (3725 Kg)

 

Passengers:

     6 + 2 Pilots. Certified for single pilot operation.

 

Fuel Tank Capacities:

Wing Tanks: 2 x 56 Gallons (211 Litres)

Tip Tanks: 2 x 55 Gallons (208 Litres)

 

External Lighting System:

     NAV Green\Red on the tip tanks

      Rotating RED Beacon on the top of the Vertical Fin

      White NAV light on the Fuselage aft

      Strobe Light on Fuselage belly

      Landing and Taxi light on the nose

 

 

 

 

Piaggio P-166M:

 

 

 

 

Reference Speeds:

MAX Speed @SL: 220 KIAS

MAX Speed @ 10000 FT: 190 KIAS

Cruise Speed (Fast): 180 KIAS @ 90% Throttle (3200 RPM, MP 45 InHg)

Climb Speed: 1200 ft\min @ 110 KIAS

3.3g Corner Speed: 155 KIAS

 

Engines:

Avco Lycoming GSO-480-B1C6, 6 cylinder, Geared – Supercharged – Opposed Type, 340 HP.

 

Propellers:

     2 x Piaggio 1033 3-blade.

      Ø 7.8 Ft (2.37 Meter)

      MAX Beta: 65°

      MIN Beta: 15°

      Gear Reduction 2:1

 

 

Flaps:

      Plain Type, MAX angle is 45°, 3 positions

      Damage occurs at 205 KIAS

      Blow-out at 220 KIAS

 

Weights:

      Empty: 5952 lb (2700 Kg)

      MAX at Takeoff: 8213 lb (3725 Kg)

 

Passengers:

      3 + 2 Pilots. Cargo load. Certified for single pilot operation.

 

Fuel Tank Capacities:

Wing Tanks: 2 x 56 Gallons (211 Litres)

        Tip Tanks: 2 x 55 Gallons (208 Litres)

 

External Lighting System:

     NAV Green\Red on the tip tanks

      Rotating RED Beacon on the top of the Vertical Fin

      White NAV light on the Fuselage aft

      Strobe Light on Fuselage belly

      Landing and Taxi lights on the nose

 

 

 

 

 

Piaggio P-166S:

 

 

 

 

Reference Speeds:

MAX Speed @SL: 220 KIAS

MAX Speed @ 10000 FT: 190 KIAS

Cruise Speed (Fast): 180 KIAS @ 90% Throttle (3200 RPM, MP 45 InHg)

Climb Speed: 1200 ft\min @ 110 KIAS

3.3g Corner Speed: 155 KIAS

 

Engines:

Avco Lycoming GSO-480-B1C6, 6 cylinder, Geared – Supercharged – Opposed Type, 340 HP.

 

Propellers:

     2 x Piaggio 1033 3-blade.

      Ø 7.8 Ft (2.37 Meter)

      MAX Beta: 65°

      MIN Beta: 15°

      Gear Reduction 2:1

 

 

Flaps:

      Plain Type, MAX angle is 45°, 3 positions

      Damage occurs at 205 KIAS

      Blow-out at 220 KIAS

 

Weights:

      Empty: 5952 lb (2700 Kg)

      MAX at Takeoff: 8353 lb (3725 Kg)

 

Passengers:

      4 + 2 Pilots. Cargo load. Certified for single pilot operation.

 

Fuel Tank Capacities:

Wing Tanks: 2 x 56 Gallons (211 Litres)

        Tip Tanks: 2 x 84 Gallons (318 Litres)

 

External Lighting System:

     NAV Green\Red on the tip tanks

      Rotating RED Beacon on the top of the Vertical Fin

      White NAV light on the Fuselage aft

      Strobe Light on Fuselage belly

      Landing lights on Tip tanks

      Taxi light ahead of nose gear

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Piaggio P-166BL2:

 

 

 

 

Reference Speeds:

MAX Speed @SL: 220 KIAS

MAX Speed @ 10000 FT: 205 KIAS

Cruise Speed (Fast): 180 KIAS @ 90% Throttle (3200 RPM, MP 45 InHg)

Climb Speed: 1600 ft\min @ 110 KIAS

3.3g Corner Speed: 155 KIAS

 

Engines:

Avco Lycoming IGSO-540-A1A, 6 cylinder, Injected Geared – Supercharged – Opposed Type, 380 HP.

 

Propellers:

     2 x Hartzell HC-BZ30-2BL, 3-blade.

      Ø 7.8 Ft (2.37 Meter)

      MAX Beta: 65°

      MIN Beta: 15°

      Gear Reduction 2:1

 

 

Flaps:

      Plain Type, MAX angle is 45°, 3 positions

      Damage occurs at 205 KIAS

      Blow-out at 220 KIAS

 

Weights:

      Empty: 5952 lb (2700 Kg)

      MAX at Takeoff: 8708 lb (3950 Kg)

 

Passengers:

     6 + 2 Pilots. Certified for single pilot operation.

 

Fuel Tank Capacities:

Wing Tanks: 2 x 56 Gallons (211 Litres)

        Tip Tanks: 2 x 84 Gallons (318 Litres)

 

External Lighting System:

     NAV Green\Red on the tip tanks

      Rotating RED Beacon on the top of the Vertical Fin

      White NAV light on the Fuselage aft

      Strobe Light on Fuselage belly

      Landing lights on Tip tanks

        Taxi light ahead of nose gear

 

 

 

 

Piaggio P-166CL2:

 

 

 

 

Reference Speeds:

MAX Speed @SL: 220 KIAS

MAX Speed @ 10000 FT: 205 KIAS

Cruise Speed (Fast): 180 KIAS @ 90% Throttle (3200 RPM, 45 InHg)

Climb Speed: 1600 ft\min @ 110 KIAS

3.3g Corner Speed: 155 KIAS

 

Engines:

Avco Lycoming IGSO-540-A1A, 6 cylinder, Injected Geared – Supercharged – Opposed Type, 380 HP.

 

Propellers:

     2 x Hartzell HC-BZ30-2BL, 3-blade.

      Ø 7.8 Ft (2.37 Meter)

      MAX Beta: 65°

      MIN Beta: 15°

      Gear Reduction 2:1

 

 

Flaps:

      Plain Type, MAX angle is 45°, 3 positions

      Damage occurs at 205 KIAS

      Blow-out at 220 KIAS

 

Landing Gear:

      Retractable in 2 fairings under the fuselage, having the old gear bays on the side of the fuselage replaced by two windows

      Be careful during taxi: avoid sharp and sudden turns, steer smoothly and pay particular attention under heavy winds.

 

 

 

Scheme showing the new gear installation

Weights:

      Empty: 5952 lb (2700 Kg)

      MAX at Takeoff: 8708 lb (3950 Kg)

 

Passengers:

     11 + 2 Pilots. Certified for single pilot operation.

 

Fuel Tank Capacities:

Wing Tanks: 2 x 56 Gallons (211 Litres)

        Tip Tanks: 2 x 55 Gallons (208 Litres)

 

External Lighting System:

     NAV Green\Red on the tip tanks

      Rotating RED Beacon on the top of the Vertical Fin

      White NAV light on the Fuselage aft

      Strobe Light on Fuselage belly

        Landing and Taxi lights on the nose

 

 

 

 

 

 

Piaggio P-166DL3:

 

 

 

 

 

Reference Speeds:

MAX Speed @SL: 225 KIAS

MAX Speed @ 10000 FT: 220 KIAS

Cruise Speed (Fast): 200 KIAS @ 80% Throttle

Climb Speed: 2400 ft\min @ 130 KIAS

3.3g Corner Speed: 155 KIAS

 

Engines:

Avco Lycoming LTP-101A, Turboprop, 570 SHP.

 

Scheme showing the new LTP-101 Engine

 

Propellers:

     2 x Hartzell HC-B3TN-3DL/LT10282-9.5, 3-blade.

      Ø 7.8 Ft (2.37 Meter)

      MAX Beta: 45°

      MIN Beta: 10.2°

      Reverse MIN Beta: -14°

      Feathered Beta: 79.3

      Gear Reduction 17.6:1

 

 

Flaps:

      Plain Type, MAX angle is 45°, 3 positions

      Damage occurs at 205 KIAS

      Blow-out at 220 KIAS

 

Weights:

      Empty: 5952 lb (2700 Kg)

      MAX at Takeoff: 9480 lb (4300 Kg)

 

Passengers:

     X + 2 Pilots. Certified for single pilot operation.

      Passenger load varies depending on internal arrangements.

 

Fuel Tank Capacities:

Wing Tanks: 2 x 69 Gallons (261 Litres)

Tip Tanks: 2 x 87 Gallons (329 Litres)

Center Tank: 61 Gallons (231 Litres)

 

External Lighting System:

     NAV Green\Red on the tip tanks

      STROBE Light on the top of the Vertical Fin

      Rotating RED beacon on the Fuselage aft

      Landing lights on Tip tanks

      Taxi light ahead of nose gear

      (versions APH have a taxi light on the nose wheel, and SEM a taxi light on the nose)

 

 

 

 

Piaggio P-166DP1:

 

 

 

 

Reference Speeds:

MAX Speed @SL: 250 KIAS

MAX Speed @ 10000 FT: 234 KIAS

Cruise Speed (Fast): 210 KIAS @ 80% Throttle

Climb Speed: 2400 ft\min @ 140 KIAS

3.3g Corner Speed: 155 KIAS

 

Engines:

Pratt & Whitney PT-6A-121, Turboprop, 615 SHP.

 

Image showing the new PT-6A-121 Engine

 

Propellers:

     2 x Hartzell HC-B3TN-3DL/LT10282-9.5, 3-blade.

      Ø 7.8 Ft (2.37 Meter)

      MAX Beta: 45°

      MIN Beta: 10.2°

      Reverse MIN Beta: -14°

      Feathered Beta: 79.3

      Gear Reduction 17.6:1

 

 

Flaps:

      Plain Type, MAX angle is 45°, 3 positions

      Damage occurs at 205 KIAS

      Blow-out at 220 KIAS

 

Weights:

      Empty: 5952 lb (2700 Kg)

      MAX at Takeoff: 9920 lb (4500 Kg)

 

Passengers:

     X + 2 Pilots. Certified for single pilot operation.

      Passenger load varies depending on internal arrangements.

 

Fuel Tank Capacities:

Wing Tanks: 2 x 84 Gallons (318 Litres)

Tip Tanks: 2 x 87 Gallons (329 Litres)

        Center Tank: 61 Gallons (125 Litres)

 

External Lighting System:

     NAV Green\Red on the tip tanks

      STROBE Light on the top of the Vertical Fin

      Rotating RED beacon on the Fuselage aft

      Landing lights on Tip tanks

        Taxi light ahead of nose gear