Our Fleet

F-HODB

Piper Chieftain

A PixAir Survey PA31 pictured parked on the apron at La Roche-sur-Yon airport at dusk
F-HODB at dusk in La Roche-sur-Yon – Photograph by Hugo Clarke-Wing
Cockpit of F-HODB, with panel lighting turned on at nighttime
F-HODB cockpit during a nighttime flight – Photograph by Hugo Clarke-Wing
PA31 being towed outside an aircraft hangar
F-HODB leaving the hangar for its maiden flight following a total overhaul – Photograph by Hugo Clarke-Wing

Piper PA-31-350 Chieftain

More powerful than the Islander, with its turbocharged engines the PA-31 is capable of greater speeds and altitudes, making it perfect for high altitude activities like Aerial Imagery or TV/Radio Relay in mountainous areas.

F-HODB

Entering the fleet in 2012 to cover the Tour de France for a Radio Relay mission, is a highly capable aircraft. Featuring dual sensor bays, it is capable of aerial imagery at an exceptional price point! And with its high cruise speed, it makes for cost-effective ferry flights allowing it to easily cover Europe and Africa.

General Characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 7 passengers
  • Length: 10.55 m
  • Wingspan: 12.40 m
  • Height: 3.96 m
  • Wing area: 21.27 m²
  • Aspect ratio: 7.2:1
  • Airfoil: NACA 63(4)-415 at root, 63(1)-212
  • Basic Empty weight: 4857 lbs (2203 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 7368 lbs (3342 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 236 US gal (886 L)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Lycoming L/TIO-540-A counter-rotating air-cooled six-cylinder horizontally opposed piston engines, 350 hp (261 kW) each
  • Propellers: 3-bladed Hartzell metal, fully feathering propellers, 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) diameter

Performance

  • Standard cruise speed: 207 kts (383 km/h) at 20000 ft (6100 m)
  • Maximum cruise speed: 227 kts (420 km/h) at 15000 ft (4600 m)
  • Stall speed: 63 kts (117 km/h) (flaps down)
  • Maximum speed: 236 kts (438 km/h)
  • Range: 1355 NM (2509 km) at 207 kts (383 km/h) and 20000 ft (6100 m)
  • Autonomy: 6 hours and 30 minutes (without fuel reserves)
  • Service ceiling: 26300 ft (8000 m)
  • Rate of climb: 1445 ft/min (7.34 m/s) at sea level