How can pilots reduce drag during flight in the Pilatus PC-12 NG?

Maintaining the appropriate gear and flap configurations is essential in reducing drag during flight in the Pilatus PC-12 NG. Properly configured landing gear and flaps minimize the aerodynamic resistance the aircraft experiences as it moves through the air.

When the landing gear is retracted during cruise flight, for example, it significantly decreases drag compared to a configuration with the gear extended. Similarly, operating flaps only when necessary—such as during landing or takeoff—helps keep the aircraft in an ideal aerodynamic state. Extended flaps can greatly increase drag, so ensuring that they are appropriately set according to the flight phase helps maintain optimal performance and efficiency.

In contrast, increasing speed typically results in increasing drag due to the way air resistance works. Less power on the engines may not effectively tackle drag issues, as it could result in other performance deficiencies or inefficient flight profiles. Limiting weight in the cabin does influence overall performance, but it does not directly address aerodynamic drag in flight the way proper configurations do.