Notes:
The airspeeds given are indicated airspeeds (IAS) so you will need to select this option in the 'options', 'preferences', 'instruments' menu. Takeoff and climb data is for the aircraft at maximum takeoff weight(MTOW)under ISA conditions (Temperature 15C/59F at sealevel with a temperature gradient of a 2C/3.5F drop for every 1000').
Pre Takeoff:
If you plan to use the autopilot to control the climb enter the required altitude in the autopilot prior to takeoff. The flight model has been set up so that the default vertical speed is 1500fpm.
The autopilot and yaw damper should not be switched until you have reached 1,500' AGL.
Take off:
Apply 1 notch of flap.
Open throttle to 95% n1
Rotate at 111kts
Gear up on positive climb
Initial climb rate of 1500fpm
Remove flaps at 400' AGL with an airspeed of 130kts
Reduce the throttle to 86% n1 for the climb
Climb:
Hold aircraft to 1500fpm to let airspeed build up
As airspeed reaches 160kts switch the autopilot altitude hold on and increase the vertical speed from the default 1500fpm to 2000fpm.
At lower altitudes the airspeed will reach about 170kts at 2000fpm however it will eventually drop back to 160kts at which point you should reduce the autopilot vertical speed to maintain 160kts throughout the climb.
Note: As the altitude increases the n1 reading will also increase so you will need to reduce the throttle slightly to maintain 86% n1 throughout the climb.
Cruise:
The Saab340 is mainly used on short commuter flights so a cruise altitude of 12,000 to 20,000' is appropriate.
Level off and reduce the throttle to 78% n1 and let the airspeed increase to the cruise speed of 280kts TAS (the IAS will depend on your altitude).
Descent:
Set the autopilot altitude to the desired level and start the descent, the vertical speed will default to 1500fpm which is a reasonable rate to use.
Let the airspeed increase until it reaches either the Mmo of 0.50 Mach or the Vmo of 250kts which ever comes first. (Above 16000' the Mmo will be reached first).
Reduce the throttle to maintain this airspeed.
Holding Pattern:
Adjust the throttle to maintain 154kts IAS.
Landing:
The flight model has been set up so that the autopilot approach mode can be used safely, this will just about land the aircraft on it's own however according to the real aircraft's operating manual autopilot operation is not authorised below 50' AGL on an ILS approach so you should disengage both the autopilot and yaw damper when the decision height is reached.
When you near the airport reduce the airspeed to 210kts IAS. Then when you are preparing to intercept the glideslope reduce the airspeed back to 180kts IAS (you will need to reduce the descent rate to 1000fpm to achieve this unless you are already in level flight).
As you intercept the glideslope reduce the airspeed further aiming for 170kts by the time you are 5nm out. At this point add the first notch of flaps and lower the gear. Adjust the throttle to maintain 160kts.
At 2nm out add a second notch of flap and adjust the throttle to cross the threshold at 117kts.
Full flaps are not normally used unless you are landing on a short runway.
Use the reverse thrust (reverse pitch on a turboprop) and brakes to slow down after touchdown.
