Flying a Piaggio P180 Avanti to 35000ft. A Pilot Perspective

[@SirDrifto]

If you enjoyed this video, don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button and check out this Piaggio IMC flight. It's good! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGKnfmqniJJ2fMU

[@tonywilson4713]

I did aerospace engineering but crash landed in industrial control systems and automation. This plane is one of those fascinating design exercises where they looked for improvement and not only got it but didn't create a pile of problems. Way too often we see people across all the engineering fields trying to come up with solutions to problems that don't really exist. This was one of those concepts that did look at a problem which is one of the fundamental aspects of the standard 2 surface plane which is that the control surface (the elevator) is ostensibly always fighting the twisting effect of the main surface (the wing). Not only does that canard balance out those forces making all 3 surfaces more efficient but the fuselage also provides lift. Not a huge amount but its more efficient. Overall its a great piece of engineering for any engineer to look at as a case study in solving a problem with out creating other problems. Thanks for the post.

[@electricaviationchannelvid7863]

You got me when you mentioned being a Starship & Burt Rutan design fan... I am looking to find ways how to build my own...Velocity aircraft are great I think but they are hardly affordable in GA...

[@SirDrifto]

@@electricaviationchannelvid7863 absolutely love velocity aircraft

[@Naija4K]

The range is trash. Even if you modified it to add a bladder tank like on Lear 35, it would not be competitive. There is a reason why it’s not popular.

[@tonywilson4713]

@@Naija4K Dude YOU ARE NOT comparing similar aircraft. You're comparing a turboprop to a jet. The Piaggio has a range of 2800km, which for EUROPE is plenty and for most for America plenty. Comparing 4 other twin turboprops The Embraer EMB 121 Xingu - 1230km The Cessna 425 Corsair/Conquest I - 3048km The Piper PA-31T Cheyenne - 2739km Comparing 2 similar single turboprops The Piper PA-46 Meridian (M600) - 2668km The Pilatus PC-12 - 3417km

[@nico5179]

My father used to work for Piaggio, and he personally was the supervisor of building this aircraft when it was sold abroad to other countries. He was also friends with the designer of the aircraft. It was just a marvel to see it in person when he used to invite me at the hangar as a kid to watch it being built. Definitely the most beautiful turboprop airplane to have ever been built.

[@rezzoc91]

May I allow myself a Belandi of respect for you father

[@Larry-bwtmd]

April 1984, Convair Lindburg field ,wind tunnel San Diego Cal. I flew the P180 with the Boeing built team ,for Piaggio, scale w/t "flutter model" this is a dynamic type model, has flexible wing spars, segmented wing and body panels. Flys on a steel rod in the w/t test section. Really a beautiful acft. Fond memories.

[@dominickkrahnstoever7362]

The Piaggio P180 is absolutely gorgeous. As a pilot, it would be a dream come true if I got a chance to fly it. However, as someone who worked as a ramp agent at an FBO, this plane can go to hell. I have never been more terrified for my life than when I had to disconnect a GPU from one of these after they started their engines. (The external power receptacle is positioned so you have to get VERY close to a spinning propeller to disconnect the GPU).

[@SirDrifto]

I like your honesty 🤣

[@craigbmm4675]

hah yikes

[@goagin]

I'd be holding on to that cord like I was a rattle snake

[@allegorx58]

cool comment. glad ya never got got

[@youtubecomments5951]

Honestly this is the ugliest plane out there. But planes made for efficiency and all need to be what it is.

[@ericcurry1119]

The most beautiful propeller aircraft ever designed.

[@Subgunman]

Let’s not forget the Beech Starship One.

[@ericcurry1119]

It’s strange the beech ship was not as successful, it was not nearly as pretty As the Piagio

[@lebojay]

P-51

[@andia.4980]

Saw it the first time and loved it after 2 seconds! 👍

[@carloslara8067]

The fastest and more beautiful turboprop ever built.

[@femanvate]

You'll never forget the sound of a P180 once you hear it. Air deflected by the main wings is half lower pressure and half higher pressure, and this immediately runs through the multi-bladed propellers causing a very unique buzzing or sawing sound.

[@SirDrifto]

Very distinct yet beautiful sound ineed

[@Vincentschneider007]

Had one overfly my home several years ago and had to go outside to see what aircraft it was. It landed just north at local airport so went up there and spent about an hour talking to pilot and got to go onboard. Awesome aircraft.

[@fuffoon]

Loud and screamy. Comes over the house every few days and I watch happily.

[@graemecatty9921]

Interesting. I was under the impression that it was the exhaust gases hitting the props that caused the loud noise.

[@ScottPC]

I literality just heard one go overhead and had to KZbin the aircraft. It sounded like a old world war fighter plane. Mega!!

[@stevespawn1]

517 mph at 35,000 feet and not a jet-pretty cool!

[@kaydesign]

Years ago I watched one flying over the Historic center of Amsterdam. Looks like a spaceship mixed with a WW2 plane sound. Those Italians… 🇮🇹❤

[@djjamar]

My dream aircraft I love it. Thank you Italy for building such a nice design

[@Vincentschneider007]

One overflew my home a few years back, the sound is totally different. Went up to local airport and talked with pilot and was able to go onboard the aircraft. Awesome plane.

[@SirDrifto]

Super distinctive sound.

[@CalmBeforeTheStorm76]

Just gorgeous.... How can anyone who loves aviation not find the elegance in this aircraft?

[@SirDrifto]

Agreed!

[@jimk9290]

One of the 10 most beautiful planes ever! Also, a great design, with the canard permitting aft wing location, for noise reduction and excellent visibility by everyone on board.

[@flyboyak47]

It’s not a canard, it’s a biplane.

[@Smokeyr67]

@@flyboyak47 ummm, no it’s not.

[@jacobpounds2459]

It is a second wing. Even has a flap. The plane still has a conventional horizontal stabilizer and elevator

[@steveobhave]

@@flyboyak47 Technically as it has 3 lifting surfaces it would be closer to a Triplane but it's actually just defined as a three-surface aircraft (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-surface_aircraft). Scaled Composites has been responsible for several aircraft in this configuration and Burt Rutan, the principal designer, is also well versed in canards also (Vari-EZ, Long-EZ etc).

[@Altenholz]

I'll just say, that if you have a soft spot for non-mainstream aircraft, you're bound to end up with the Piaggio. Really great aircraft!

[@denislemelin7653]

That’s one beautiful machine. Just looks so pilot friendly.

[@Keet619]

An incredible airplane, huge KUDO's to their Italian design/builders!

[@richc47us]

I like the fact you've even got the chance to fly the Starship ! Wow...the Piaggio is amazing

[@geralddavis8160]

Beautiful aircraft, a work of art.

[@SirDrifto]

It truly is

[@bighaasfly]

Gorgeous plane. An absolute delight. A dream of mine to get the chance to fly one. You’re a lucky lucky man.

[@johnnygiblets4395]

Thank you for the commentary at the end. It's great to hear a pilot's perspective and not just the sales pitch. Great video! Thank you.

[@SirDrifto]

Thanks for the kind words 🙏

[@brianbadovin1919]

I have flown in these as a passenger a couple times while working for the Italian Military.

[@SirDrifto]

That's pretty cool!

[@yungchi1127]

I fly A320 in Asia now, and has been dreaming about this beauty for years, hope to fly with her someday as a hired pilot, or even own her, haha! You guys are lucky person. Have fun with Avanti!

[@SirDrifto]

That sounds like a fun job!

[@Klara906090]

A320 is a far bigger bird though

[@markcrawford8876]

Tha pitch on those props sitting still says it all, almost level to the ground. She got some thrust to spin those puppies! It's definitely moving some air.

[@SirDrifto]

They acceleration is quite surprising

[@bambikiller338]

Gosh i think this is the best 180 video i have seen

[@rogersmart1766]

Thank you for that! It is the Ferrari of the skies, without a doubt.

[@SirDrifto]

It really is

[@ianbell4816]

What a beautiful aircraft!

[@jvs333]

An old client has one flew on it a few times. Cool plane beautiful design

[@SirDrifto]

Pretty cool right?

[@jvs333]

@@SirDrifto super cool nice designer interior. Like supercar with wings

[@lutronc4412]

Just saw one here in Oregon fly over my house. The sound is pretty unique that is why I looked up. N288LA

[@SirDrifto]

They have the most distinctive prop sounds 👍

[@ubermenschen3636]

@@SirDrifto ::: regular prop versus the new scimitar, the newer prop is quieter.

[@HQBergeron]

Where were you in Oregon? I know there used to be one in Sunriver.

[@eldritchshiner]

Such a fabulous aircraft.

[@maryhines322]

Outside they are noisy, inside in cruise you can talk in a normal voice from the cockpit to the most rear seat in the cabin. It's the most speed stable plane I've ever flown, you can literally hand fly it within one knot. Well built with exceptional performance. Not a short field aircraft.

[@markfox1545]

'Literally hand fly it'? Not figuratively hand fly it? Thanks for clearing up that potential source of confusion. Cretin.

[@sactu1]

Thanks very much for posting this. The Avanti is my Lottery win airplane!!

[@shortribslongbow5312]

Incredible aircraft not to mention the beautiful looks. :o).

[@HB-ps6rn]

Years ago I used to live next to KBJC and it was always great to see that bird fly over! Such a unique sound and design

[@willk7184]

I don't know much about planes (I'm learning though). That control panel just looks so elegant and intuitive.

[@SirDrifto]

It’s got some nice upgrades

[@michaelsoost6493]

I can´t get over how beautiful the engine sound is 🥰

[@SirDrifto]

Music to the ears

[@Subgunman]

To those on th3 ground it is a unique sound. The exhaust sound is chopped by the props passing over the exhaust. It is the Same for the Beech Starship One. No issues with the props getting hit by the hot exhaust .

[@leonardodearaujo1828]

I'm a fan of this airplane ✈️ 💜 😄 Amazing design, I love canars, so Gripen NG also

[@domenicocolletti6052]

That's not a canard. It's a frontal wing

[@kenbrownfield6584]

The more I watch these plane videos, the more I realize I don't know shit about flying a plane. Kudos to pilots that know what they're doing.

[@bruno84]

400+ knots GS on a turboprop, that's pretty impressive!

[@SirDrifto]

It sure is. Jet category at those speeds

[@bryanrendleman2001]

He said 454kts ground speed. Must have had that western tail wind.

[@GenAnaesthetic77]

Hardly Jet category when you spend ages to get to altitude and at a very slow speed. The block speeds for this aircraft are unimpressive

[@swampfuel20]

Well Done! Description of vid was spot on. Enjoyed the ride. Cheers. God is Good ALWAYS!

[@davidmoorea1961]

A True Ferrari…with WINGS that soars 7-MILES [Straight UP!!] & ‘RACES’ at 523-MPH..!!! IOW’s…, a BULLET without peer🇺🇸 *note: EXCELLENT VIDEO, with scenery that’s Heavenly.., and the sky’s not too bad looking either.😎

[@SirDrifto]

Those couldn’t be more true words. 👍

[@d8889]

It was the son of Enzo Ferrari, Pietro, who took over and relaunched the Piaggio Aeronautical Industries in 1998 and determined the success of the P180

[@barthutchison4207]

There's been a P180 flying out of PGD in SWFL recently. Such a unique sound and sighting for this area.

[@rogerhargreaves2272]

Wow, that was amazing. Thank you for sharing. 😀👍

[@serega_orlov]

Классный самолет! Вот такими должны быть пассажирские большие лайнеры!

[@scpowered]

Love that the head set is not absolutely required

[@SirDrifto]

That was a cool aspect about this plane

[@gerrymccarthy9568]

Completely amazing.

[@billadams8795]

That's a big Cat Fish. I'd love to fly in one someday. 325 TAS... that's awesome.

[@flyerone63]

I flown the Avanti II, up to few hours to 800. I can say the Avanti 2 is much better than Avanti I. Loved in USA, less in Europe. Good project, excellent aircraft, but bad commercial management.

[@solinvictus1234]

In Europe is not so famous cause them politically and industrially fight eachothers. Immagine a proud arrogant french or a ingegneristically God believer German admit that this plane is great....impossible.

[@vapsa56]

There are a few Avantis at RDU. Can always tell when they fly over my home a few times a week because of their unique sound.

[@Yesitsqk]

Incredible aircraft

[@SirDrifto]

Agreed 👍

[@patrickbryant8680]

This is one of the most beautiful aircraft ever built. I M O

[@SirDrifto]

Agreed!

[@collinfraser1218]

They say “ if it looks like it will fly …………..? That is one sweet looking airplane ! 🇨🇦🙏🇺🇦❤️

[@SirDrifto]

Great point. Thanks!

[@ScottPC]

I literality just heard one go overhead and had to KZbin the aircraft. It sounded like a old world war fighter plane. Mega!!

[@SirDrifto]

They sound pretty neat

[@malcolmar]

I LOVE this plane. Thank you for the video. Subscribed!

[@SirDrifto]

Thanks!

[@senoJSR]

There is one that flies into our local airport quite regularly. It has a distinctive sound

[@SirDrifto]

Very distinctive

[@MikyBianchi]

Yeah,just horrible noisy 🤮

[@MikyBianchi]

@@SirDrifto sure ,just horrible for a new concept plane 🤮

[@SpacemanRick]

Literally my favorite airplane in the world!

[@SirDrifto]

It's pretty cool

[@John____Smith]

Beautiful airplane!

[@stealhty1]

Coolest turbo prop ever built

[@SirDrifto]

So dang true

[@marcusgriffin279]

Beechcraft Starship has entered the chat!

[@martentrudeau6948]

It looks fantastic, so it must fly fantastic as well.

[@SirDrifto]

It does indeed.

[@modelleg]

I'd love to introduce the Piaggio to Orville and Wilbur. I'd say to them, " See you had it right all along !"

[@Yosemite-George-61]

...ever seen a B-36? 🙂

[@buoemi]

Controls are position and are more similar to the Piaggio than the b-36

[@MojaveDan]

They're beautiful planes. They're also LOUD... I heard one flying over Texas.. and I was in California at the time...

[@richardarcher5789]

😂

[@Rasscasse]

Ha ha 🤣

[@Kraals]

One of the few aircraft I'd really like to fly.

[@SirDrifto]

They're really great planes

[@Kraals]

@@SirDrifto While they may be too high to ID visually, there is no mistaking the sound. The speeds are mind boggling.

[@md.moinulislam9467]

This is awesome & good looking Aircraft....

[@boone7777777777]

I like the body shape of this plane. The canard are well placed

[@SirDrifto]

Much agreed

[@albertoacevedo5465]

Cool machine

[@rodolfogiunta9886]

La luminosa 💥creatividad..de Italia..también en el aire".. (Gracias .! 🤲)

[@stratobee]

Love that bird - flown in it too!

[@SirDrifto]

It's such a cool plane. Great owner too.

[@philippelambinet1425]

I did not fly version II but I've been all over Europe with the original version and I absolutely love it

[@tcvet]

Best aircraft. 😍👍👍👍

[@SirDrifto]

Agreed 💯

[@44hawk28]

I Remember When lyrics Sigler finish developing this plane and actually had an issue with ground tests and had to forestall the first flight. And the flight went off on the next day. The contract required the flight to occur by the end of the year so the post office was nice enough to send the confirmation letter on the 32nd of December. Fantastic aircraft, and actually gets really phenomenal fuel mileage for a turboprop of any kind much less a twin-engine.

[@Paul51178]

The "32nd" of December was for the Lear Fan aircraft, in 1980.

[@TheCitationEncore]

It may look great but from an owners perspective, you can't get parts for it, the support from Piaggio was mediocre at best and the savings evaporate when you end up having to charter another aircraft because yours is stuck AOG on some remote airport. We traded ours in for a CJ and its a thousand times better...

[@gendaminoru3195]

3 min into this video and I was already loving it. Great job and thanks for the rare close up. BTW, is there a retrofit STC to upgrade older models to EVO specs?

[@fredhinck9685]

Head of the RCMP some years ago was Italian, had to have one of these for his command.

[@SirDrifto]

That's awesome

[@leokimvideo]

It's a lovely aircraft in style and has the 80's new design ideas but the problem with pusher configurations like this is simple to explain. Propellers really need to be in clean air without engine exhaust and rocks kicked up from wheels from the wheels on takeoff. The amount of extra servicing to pusher style propellers is extraordinary. I've seen what damage is done to pusher style props and it's nasty. No wonder other aircraft manufacturers dumped this style of design.

[@SirDrifto]

I’ve always wondered about debris

[@electricaviationchannelvid7863]

The MiG-29 has some steel plate assembly on the nosewheel to prevent that when operating from less prepared runways...so it is a question of design/engineering to put that extra stuff there...

[@leokimvideo]

@@SirDrifto Runway debris can do major damage to aluminium & composite blades. In simple terms it severely shortens the life of the blades. There's defines limits to what repairs can be carried out in relation to stone and rock damage. And if one blade is damaged out of service it's often difficult to find a suitable blade thats going to be the correct weight to work with the other blades. Sadly many people take props for granted. They are too often neglected and overlooked. But when they go wrong it often happens without warning. That's when the real panic sets in.

[@markfrank0924]

Am I wrong? Costs to operate are far lower than a comparable jet.

[@Paul51178]

The only real servicing for the props is occasionally cleaning exhaust soot off of the blades. They sit relatively high off the ground so there really isn't much problem with debris.

[@duartesimoes508]

As gorgeous as noisy! When I was ATCo I could hear an Avanti 10 nm away!

[@SirDrifto]

Very distinct

[@johnnunn8688]

Looked after one at Oxford Airport. Once while inspecting the cabin, I found 50p. 😀

[@lot6129]

WINNING!

[@andysimpson8974]

With money like that... 🤔 💭

[@РамильСалихов-б2в]

Приятно смотреть конструкции самолета!👏👍

[@redtailpilot]

What a beautiful machine! Looks like a dream to fly! Oh well, let me keep dreaming 😂

[@SirDrifto]

It really is a cool aircraft

[@redtailpilot]

@SirDrifto I'm one of those people who actually enjoy hearing it overhead. Several years ago, I lived a couple of miles from JFK. My house was in the approach path and I'd hear it long before I'd see it. Instantly knew what I was hearing 😀

[@BAgodmode]

Just beautiful. Screw, I’m gonna stop fantasizing, and get my pilot license

[@marcostovar7968]

Great aircraft and pilot

[@chiplarkin4069]

I live near the Scottsdale airport, KSDL. Sounds badass taking off.

[@SirDrifto]

Yes indeed!

[@davem5333]

I live about a mile east of KMDW. A few years ago there was one of these flying out at night. But one always knew exactly what plane it was. Totally distinct sounds.

[@Happy-wb8gi]

Italians dre just amazing designers.

[@thunderbolt513]

This aircraft is just a blast. Wonder why it never "hit the charts" on general aviation.

[@craigbmm4675]

sleek bird . so cool

[@-7373]

Интересный и красивый самолёт 👍

[@SirDrifto]

🤙🤙

[@caiolinnertel8777]

We are looking at the P180 due to performance but largely due to the cabin. The owner is a large man and the P180 has a superior cabin, and is so quiet compared to King Airs.

[@SirDrifto]

@@caiolinnertel8777 they're fantastic aircraft.

[@caiolinnertel8777]

@@SirDrifto Do you know how maintenance support compares to Beechcrafts for the King Air? Efficiency wise that could outweigh any maintenance concerns but I'm still in the research phase. Cheers!

[@sgd5k292]

I could (and did) stand at an airport for hours watching as these amazingly beautiful planes take off and land. I even got to get up close to one in a hanger. The only turboprop I ever got to fly was an MU -2 a long time ago. Love that plane also, but you need special training to fly it which I think now is required.

[@SirDrifto]

I’ve heard if you can master a MU2 you can fly just about anything.

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

@@SirDrifto I knew some MU-2 pilots in Australia. They called it the widow maker. Ice was a problem I believe.

[@ExtremeRecluse]

I have seen these on youtube and over my house. They look real cool. They provide a lot of room in the cabin. They outperform all other turboprops. They are very economical. But why haven't the other aircraft manufacturers caught on and duplicated them?

[@SirDrifto]

Noise is a concern with pushers

[@jorgetapia4810]

So smooth

[@flowerpowerj485]

Out of Broomfield! Awesome

[@SirDrifto]

A great airport 👍

[@LoanwordEggcorn]

Thanks! Always wondered what the P180 weedwhackers sounded like from inside. At cruise, it seems a lot louderf rom the ground.

[@williamoverton7775]

Flies as good as it looks.. that's great

[@SirDrifto]

It sure does

[@roadboat9216]

Wow, full jet equivalent with prop economy and costs. And a gorgeous aircraft. Why aren’t they super popular. Timing? marketing?

[@KutWrite]

Reminds me of the Beech Starship. Very cool!

[@SirDrifto]

One of my favorites

[@redjacc7581]

lovely looking aircraft.

[@THELIFEOFPRICE]

Hands down my favorite airplane currently. Looking at getting one in the future and have so many questions since all the videos on KZbin are so dated. I saw in the video there was two avantis in that hanger. Are they for charter / rent? Is the guy flying it the owner or just the pilot?

[@SirDrifto]

I'm happy to answer any questions you have sir. This one has had some tasteful avionics upgrades etc. Shoot me a message. Happy to put you in touch.

[@THELIFEOFPRICE]

@@SirDrifto where should I message you? Or email?

[@THELIFEOFPRICE]

@@SirDrifto shot you an email and also a message on instagram

[@HQBergeron]

@@SirDrifto Very nice video. Well done. Do you recall what avionics upgrades had been done? I had seen a P180 awhile back with some Garmin upgrades, but there weren’t any close ups on this video to see for certain unless a person is more familiar than I am. I actually love the original engine performance dials combined with the more advanced navigation abilities of the upgrades. Seems like an ideal combination, plus the original Avanti P180 is going to be less expensive to purchase in any given condition. I would like to know an estimate of the upgrade price if you have it. Thanks!

[@michaelsantosuosso7284]

...that's faster than some jets like the Cirrus Vision and almost as fast as the Honda Jet...and Citation Mustang

[@MrCucamonga1]

Beautiful plane, but its performance will be overshadowed by the Celera 500L, assuming that Otto Aviation delivers as promised. The Piaggio used to be my dream plane, but the Celera's range, speed and single-prop specs have me more excited now.

[@anthonyglee1710]

This plane is quintessentially Italian - crazy but beautiful. I previously worked right under the departure/approach to London City Airport (LCY). These birds made your ears bleed. Not so much loud, it was just the high pitch screaming. Impressive performance. I’m wondering why it’s not more popular in the small biz jet market - does anyone know why?

[@GenAnaesthetic77]

I’m no expert on these machines but it looks to me like its climb performance is slow, both in terms of climb rate and speed over the ground while climbing. Sure, once you’re at altitude it’s fast, but slow in the climb and taking a long time to get up there means a slower block speed. I’m sure the noise of these things is a deterrent too.

[@joncox9719]

Lack luster climb performance for one, somewhat of a dog in this area, the other thing is SUPPORT! Poor support can make or brake an operator, can't make money sitting on the ground waiting on parts for days!

[@Rasscasse]

I was wondering if it was quiet enough for London city.

[@bravofoxable]

she is one super smooth, sleek lady....

[@SirDrifto]

Yeah she is

[@jumboJetPilot]

More advanced, but yet less advanced than my 747 in many ways. Wow, the EEC’s/FADEC’s don’t allow for a single PCL to optimize everything? Yet your avionics put the 747’s to shame! Very interesting…

[@jimlofaro5695]

A little Ferrari in the Sky. So BEAUTIFUL.

[@alexclements5631]

Nice interior shots !

[@philtheairplanemechanic]

I like this plane because it shows a design doesn't have to be completely practical or sensible to still work. By all accounts this is sort of a silly plane design, but it serves its purpose and looks fucking killer while doing so.

[@speedomars]

Silly? Laughing. It is advanced in every way.