When it comes to aesthetics,
Italian designs are always as beautiful as beauty gets. You might be thinking about
cars like Ferraris, Lambos, or some Alfa Romeos, but no, we are talking about airplanes.
Luigi and Giovanni Pascale created the company with the help of their passion for flying.
They began their quest by constructing paragliders and powering their planes using scrap components.
Unlike other planes in the market that offer great performance with some 70-year-old-looking
aesthetics, when it comes to Tecnam, whether it is for training, leisure, or business,
safety, performance, and mission efficiency, nothing comes close.
The first part we are going to look at is what I call the couple ones. Well, I’m not sure couples
have anything to do with this, but when it comes to two-seaters, the Tecnam P92 Echo, the P2002,
the P2008, and the Astore are great options. Kicking off with the P92 Echo,
since its introduction in 1994, it has had various variations over the years, and Tecnam now
provides the P92 Echo MkII. Today, the P92 is a single-engine, high-wing, two-seater with advanced
technology, glass avionics, and a composite fuselage that retains the same flying qualities
as previous models, earning a well-deserved reputation for being safe and simple to fly.
For an aircraft of this type, the interior is pleasant and spacious; leather and premium
finishes provide luxury to the cabin, and newly designed seats and seat rails are simple to use.
Optional chairs are also available from Tecnam, which provide superior interior comfort.
Speaking of power plants, the Italian company enjoys allowing its consumers to
pick what they want. The engine choice includes two types: the 100hp Rotax 912ULS2 and the Rotax
912 iS Sport Injection, while the propeller comes in variants: two blades or three blades,
fixed or adjustable pitch, or variable pitch. It can run on both Mogas and Avgas as fuel.
The best thing is that the BRS ballistic parachute can be attached to it to increase its safety.
The estimated price ranges from $160,000 to $200,000.
The P2002 features a streamlined design with a low wing and bubble canopy,
giving its clients a sporty and elegant way into the sky.
Cruise performance is great, it almost approaches the maximum speed allowed by the light-sport
category, which is 120 knots. The newest line of this model is the P2002 Sierra MkII, which is an
improved version of the original model to meet customers' demand for a more luxurious aircraft.
The Sierra MkII includes a Garmin G3X avionics system with two screens
that can display information as a complete EFIS panel or as an analog mimic panel;
transitioning from one avionic configuration to another requires only a few screen taps.
With the glass canopy that gives exceptional vision surrounding the pilot,
Tecnam offers leather and luxury finishes in the cabin, making the aircraft a "room with a view."
The seats and harnesses are designed to make the cabin easily accessible, and the owners will like
the large luggage with internal access. It also comes with a BRS ballistic parachute.
There are two engine options: the 100hp Rotax 912ULS2 or the Rotax 912 iS Sport Injection.
Different propellers, both fixed and variable pitch,
can also be selected. The starting price for a Sierra with Garmin G3X Touch avionics
and two 10.6-inch displays varies from $150,000 to $160,000.
Another great option is the P2008, which was introduced as a composite strut-braced high-wing
monoplane intended for the US market. From the spacious baseline configuration with analog
instruments to a broad variety of upgrades that include the Garmin G3X touch suite,
this tiny yet roomy aircraft provides the greatest avionics technology.
The P2008 is a fantastic choice for pilot training because of its ease of operation, good visibility,
cheap maintenance expenses, and high safety features.
All of Tecnam’s design decisions result in a great combination of flight control feel,
pleasant cross-country travel, and the ability to spread out in the aircraft. It is powered by
a 100hp Rotax 912ULS engine. The 912iS and the 914 Turbo engines are available as options.
Another great two-seat option to seriously consider is the Tecnam Astore.
The price point that makes it ideal for light sports ownership.
Even though they are both low-wing aircraft in the Tecnam P2002 Sierra and Astore portfolios,
they have fewer commonalities than one might anticipate, such as their price range and wings.
The Astore features a larger and broader fuselage to give greater headroom, and while
it is made of metal, the top is made of composite materials to provide a more aerodynamic form.
It is a true sport aircraft in terms of appearance, handling, and performance.
External luggage is accessible from the interior in Astore, as it is in the company’s other
single-engine aircraft. For the aircraft, a Garmin G3X avionics outfit is available.
Starting off with four-seaters, the Tecnam P2010 is as excellent as it gets.
Without the constraints seen in the company’s previous single-engine aircraft. The P2010 has
the ability to fly faster, further, and with more cargo. It is a cost-effective alternative
to the Cessna 4-seat high-wing planes. Tecnam is attempting to take a chunk out of the market that
Cessna currently controls. The P2010 is one of the most technologically sophisticated single-engine
four-seaters available. With Full IFR package, it boasts good stability, performance, and comfort.
The fuselage is made of composite material, with metal wings, landing gear, and a stabilizer.
This mixed material technology helps improve the modernity and efficiency of the aircraft.
The P2010 cabin provides plenty of space while keeping maintenance costs low. 4 seats,
3 passenger doors, and 1 luggage door improve cabin accessibility, while ergonomic front
and rear seats provide a pleasant trip for passengers. Electrically adjustable front seats,
dimmable LED lighting, and USB chargers are all included in the aircraft’s cabin.
With its simplicity of flying and safety equipment,
the P2010 is a suitable choice for families or professionals in the 4-seater market. The aircraft
is equipped with a Garmin GFC-700 autopilot that allows for accurate and easy control.
The Garmin ESP package gives force feedback when pitch and bank restrictions are exceeded,
allowing the aircraft to regain its attitude and avoid stalling. The Garmin 800 TAS system actively
tracks up to 45 objects to a distance of 22 nautical miles, improving air traffic safety.
The P2010 features a big instrument panel with advanced avionic possibilities
thanks to its spacious composite cabin. The G1000 Nxi IFR Flat-Panel Suite
has a twin-screen G100 Nxi IFR with an integrated GFC700 autopilot.
The aircraft is available in three variants, from the 170 hp diesel, the 180 hp, and the 215hp.
Among these diesel models, it is the one attracting a lot of attention, demonstrating
the importance Tecnam places on customer happiness. The P2010 TDI has the greatest range
and the lowest fuel consumption. It is equipped with a FADEC system with no mechanical backup.
Because of reduced usage and kerosene pricing, the diesel variant has lower running expenses.
Moving on to twins, Tecnam P2006T is a great option.
Many people consider the Tecnam P2006T as the baby version of the Partenavia P68, and this is because
Partenavia designers were involved in the creation of this light-twin aircraft. With
its spacious interior, the P2006T is an excellent choice for both flight schools and private owners.
Its appealing design appeals to twinengine enthusiasts. Twin-engine aircraft are always
promoted for their safety; it is mostly about feeling comfortable during flying
in the event of one engine failure. The P2006T provides this sense of security while using less
fuel than comparable single-engine competitors. The stability advantage and good visibility of the
high-wing configuration are why most training or cargo aircraft have this configuration,
much as the P2006T has this stability advantage. It has high surround visibility in the cabin and
provides simple access for passengers and luggage. The use of aluminum technology in airplane
airframes helps Tecnam to reduce weight and make the aircraft even more fuel-efficient.
The avionics suite is the G1000 Nxi, with an integrated STEC-55 autopilot.
The TAS 800 Garmin, which is also used in the P2010, improves the safety of the P2006T.
The power plant is two 100hp engines. The P2012 is a great option for those into small
airline businesses. It is a highly customizable aircraft, with five variants available:
the P2012 Airline variant, the Combi, the Medevac, the Cargo, and the special missions model.
It can be reconfigured from a 9-person passenger plane to a special-purpose plane and back.
Tecnam’s cockpit for the P2012 is dubbed "Space." The space cockpit was designed to
minimize the stress on the pilot and improve single-pilot performance during missions.
Fuel injection and a multitude of engine protection systems
help preserve gasoline while also protecting the engine’s internal components.
The Glass Avionic-Garmin G1000NXi P2012 system is a cutting-edge Garmin system.
It enhances mission success and safety while simultaneously reducing workload. Additionally,
there’s a highly precise and responsive Garmin GFC-700 autopilot in the cockpit. Using Bluetooth,
flight stream, and Iridium, the P2012’s active and linked flight deck allows for real-time
communication between the aircraft’s pilot, the aircraft, and the operational environment.
The use of an overhead panel with an intuitive fuel management system and quick
access to the starter and ignition switches simplifies flight operations for pilots. An
ice protection system can be added to the aircraft so that it can operate in all kinds of weather.
Cabin features include a dedicated window, a USB port, and armrests with cup holders on the P2012.
The aircraft also includes a wide rear door for passenger boarding and access to the luggage
department, making the entire flight experience more enjoyable and hassle-free. For small regional
airlines, state missions, and special flights, the P2012 is a great option for turboprop aircraft.
The aircraft is powered by two Lycoming IE2 piston engines,
which makes it a one-of-a-kind specimen.