In the Air: Flying First Class
February 2, 2004
“We took the lessons learned
designing the cockpits of the Falcon jets to make a better, more logical
arrangement of the switches and indicators,” says Chabbert. “The circuit
breakers are lined and marked for the essential circuits, as they are in the
larger jets.” A further improvement to the Mooney panel is the grouping of all of the trim indicators, controls,
electrical system masters, and TKS de-icing system switchgear with air transport
category logic. The fuel-consumption and engine instruments are located at the
top of the panel directly in front of the pilot. The engine instruments are the
accurate analog type with digital readout. Distinctly aircraft in nature, this
cockpit is designed for experienced pilots and long hours in instrument
conditions. Mooney’s marketing data shows that Mooney pilots fly for business,
and that 65 percent of the flights are in rigorous instrument flight (IFR)
conditions. With this in mind, the Bravo2 DX received a new, fully redundant
electrical system with dual alternators, dual batteries, two separate buses, and
an emergency bus to ensure fail-safe operation of the essential IFR flight
systems. Both batteries are independent, as are the alternators. Any combination
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Mooney has included a vast array of avionics in its new
panel. Moving map GPS navigation and communication radios from Garmin are
standard, and include TCAS traffic avoidance systems, METARs weather uplink
service, and terrain avoidance and Stormscope weather avoidance systems.
Bendix/King supplies the excellent three-axis autopilot, with altitude preselect
and hold, yaw damper, flight director, and fully coupled instrument approach
capability. The turbocharged Bravo2 DX also has a large oxygen system for
extended flight at high altitude. (Click image to enlarge)
For the pilot who has had to compromise to
find a comfortable seating position in a light aircraft, the Bravo will be a
revelation. The seat height and angle can be adjusted to achieve a comfortable
sight line over the nose. Additional comfort comes courtesy of fatigue-free grip
on the padded, leather-covered yoke and an armrest to support forearms. For the
short of leg, Mooney has an extended pedal set that allows even pilots under 5
feet 6 inches to find a comfortable position without receiving a nose massage
from the instrument panel or a control yoke imprint on the pilot’s midsection.
For the long-legged, the long Bravo cockpit will still accommodate pilots of
over 6 feet 5 inches.
The aft baggage compartment is quite long, and the
rear seats may be folded down individually, making a space suitable for skis.
With the rear seats occupied, golf bags may be easily accommodated for all on
board.
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