Discover the Partenavia P68.B for Your Multi-Engine Rating

Royal Newcastle Aero Club

Your Place to Take Off

Partenavia P.68B - Multi Engine training aircraft joins RNAC fleet

Advantages of Earning Your Multi-Engine Aeroplane Rating with RNAC Flying the Partenavia P.68B

Earning your multi-engine Rating is a significant milestone in any pilot’s career, and doing so with RNAC (Royal Newcastle Aero Club) in the Partenavia P.68B offers a unique set of advantages.

The Partenavia P.68B, a light twin-engine aircraft, is renowned for its excellent handling characteristics and stability, making it an ideal platform for flight training. Its reliable engines and straightforward avionics provide a solid foundation for pilots to develop crucial multi-engine skills, such as engine-out procedures and cross-control techniques. With its twin engines, the P.68B offers real-world experience in managing engine failures, one of the most important skills to master when transitioning to more complex aircraft.

RNAC, with its rich history and commitment to aviation safety, offers a professional and structured training environment. The company’s fleet of well-maintained aircraft ensures that students receive the highest quality instruction in a safe and supportive atmosphere. Additionally, RNAC’s experienced instructors bring years of practical expertise to the table, providing valuable insights into both technical and decision-making aspects of multi-engine flying.

For pilots looking to expand their skills, the combination of RNAC’s reputable training programs and the versatile Partenavia P.68B makes for a powerful and effective multi-engine rating experience.

RNAC Multi Engine Flight Instructors

With instructor’s focused solely on multi engine and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), take advantage of their experience and knowledge.
Our multi engine instructors have worked within many facets of commercial aviation use their knowledge to assist you in your future endeavours within aviation.

Partenavia P.68B Details VH-FAZ

The Partenavia P.68B is a light, twin-engine aircraft designed for general aviation, primarily used for training, short-haul flights, and reconnaissance missions. Known for its reliability, ease of handling, and versatility, the P.68B is an excellent choice for multi-engine training and light utility operations.

General Information:

Aircraft Type: Twin-engine, light aircraft
Manufacturer: Partenavia Aircraft (Italy)
First Flight: 1970 (P.68 series); P.68B variant introduced in the early 1980s
Category: Light Aircraft, General Aviation, Multi-Engine Trainer

Dimensions:

Length: 9.52 m (31 ft 3 in)
Wingspan: 12.90 m (42 ft 4 in)
Height: 3.30 m (10 ft 10 in)
Wing Area: 19.5 m² (210 sq ft)
Wing Configuration: High wing, cantilevered with dihedral

Weights:

Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 1,990 kg (4,397 lbs)
Empty Weight: 1,350 kg (2,967 lbs)
Useful Load: 900 kg (1,984 lbs)

Performance:

Max Speed: 200 knots (370 km/h or 230 mph)
Cruising Speed: 170 knots (315 km/h or 195 mph)
Stall Speed (clean): 60 knots (111 km/h)
Range: 1,000 nm (1,850 km or 1,150 miles)
Service Ceiling: 16,000 ft (4,880 m)
Rate of Climb: 1,000 ft/min (5.08 m/s)
Fuel Capacity: 2 x 196 L tanks (388 L total)

Engines:

Engine Type: Two Lycoming IO-360-A1B6, 200 hp each
Total Power Output: 400 hp
Propellers: Two constant-speed, metal-bladed props

Interior and Cabin:

Seating Configuration: 6 seats (2+2+2), side-by-side arrangement
Cabin Dimensions:
- Length: 3.2 m (10 ft 6 in)
- Width: 1.3 m (4 ft 3 in)
- Height: 1.3 m (4 ft 3 in)
Cockpit Features:
- Dual controls
- Full IFR avionics suite
- Spacious cabin with large windows for visibility

Avionics:

Primary Avionics Suite: Typically includes basic flight instruments, GPS, radio communications, and autopilot.

Landing Gear:

Type: Fixed tricycle landing gear
Brakes: Hydraulically operated disc brakes
Tires: Standard for light twin aircraft, designed for grass, dirt, and paved runways

Operational Capabilities:

Fuel Consumption: Approximately 21 gallons per hour (GPH) approx. 80 litres per hour combined at cruise speed
Takeoff Distance: Approx. 600 meters (1,970 feet)
Landing Distance: Approx. 500 meters (1,640 feet)
Noise Level: Standard for light twins, with noise reduction measures on the engine cowlings

Safety Features:

Engine Failure Procedures: As a twin-engine aircraft, the P.68B is designed with proper asymmetrical thrust handling, including engine-out training for emergency scenarios.
Standard Safety Equipment: Fire extinguishers, oxygen systems (if required), and basic first aid kits
Structural Integrity: Robust fuselage and wing construction for safe operations in moderate turbulence and weather conditions

Summary

The Partenavia P.68B is an excellent light twin-engine aircraft that strikes a balance between performance, efficiency, and ease of handling. Its stable flight characteristics, moderate operating costs, and ample room for students and instructors make it a popular choice for multi-engine training and general aviation use. Whether you’re in the cockpit for your first multi-engine lesson or piloting it for cross-country trips, the P.68B offers versatility, reliability, and a solid flight experience.

Contact our office on 02 4932 8888 to discuss your training requirements or to book your lesson.