The tailwheel and water rudder (above left) key into their mount and can be switched in a matter of moments. The wire steering mechanism is the only external
The manual recommends a setup with quite a bit of control throw and 40–50 per- cent expo instead of using dual rates. I found that the full deflection settings give lively aerobatic performance while the expo soft- ens the response for just flying around. This configuration gives the best of both worlds, allowing realistic cruising and short field pattern work, while also allowing you to in- dulge in some decidedly non-scale, spirited aerobatics without worrying about flipping switches.
The flaps are effective and at full deflec- tion they slow the Porter nicely while land- ing. Anything over 30–40 degrees is really just adding drag though, so don’t use more than a partial setting for takeoff. Watching the main landing gear legs com- press at touch down is almost mesmerizing and I have spent a fair number of flights without ever leaving the pattern, just to watch that action. Its honest handling makes the PC-6 a fun airplane for repeated touch and goes and the landing gear be- comes the frosting on the cake. I try to keep a little power on during the approach to keep positive airflow over the wing and tail surfaces. That prop can act like a big brake
linkage on the entire model. The flaps are especially effective (above right). At full deflection they provide maximum drag for steep descents and short landings.
while freewheeling, and when coupled with full flap deflection the drag slows the PC-6 down quite quickly unless you keep the nose down or the power on.
At the lake Like its inspiration, the Multiplex Pilatus
is up for any mission. In just a few minutes you can swap the wheels for the optional float kit for flying off water or snow. As an exam- ple of Multiplex’s attention to detail, the steerable tailwheel keys into its mount and is easy to remove. In its place, you will attach the steerable water rudder with the same simple quarter turn. Don’t leave the rudder off as it is very effective and easy to install. The Pilatus looks great on the water and is a fun float flyer, with plenty of power to get off the water as quickly as you want. I like to drag out the takeoff a bit for realism so I was pleased to see how well it handles on floats. You almost have to work at it to get into trou- ble. The floats add almost seven ounces. Yes, the extra weight and drag do affect perform- ance a little, but it is a small price to pay for the additional fun the floats offer. I could spend all day setting up stabilized approach- es and trying for that perfect touchdown.
The Porter handles moderate wave action pretty well, and I would feel comfortable fly- ing it in anything up to about 8–10 mph of wind. One word of caution though. If you head to the lake on a day with some wind, don’t get suckered by a sheltered shore. More often than not this means the wind is blow- ing off away from you and you might find you need a retrieval boat where an onshore breeze would have done the job instead.
Conclusion
Like the full scale version, Multiplex’s new Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter will do just about anything you ask, whenever and wherever you need it done. I have no doubt that a 21st-century version of Jock would be using a PC-6 to pluck Indy out from harm’s way in the jungle, and this model makes a great way to live that dream.
The Multiplex PC-6 is a perfect distrac- tion when you need a break from the build- ing bench. It goes together quickly, looks good and flies great. Add in the versatility of the flaps and floats and it is a winner. You better be careful though, or you may not make it back to your workbench until the snow flies!
Despite a moderate breeze, (above) the PC-6 Turbo Porter alights gently upon the rippled surface. With its day's work done (at right), the Multiplex Pilatus taxis back on a calm evening at the lake.
FLYING MODELS 37
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