Important Innovation for the European Light Aircraft Category

Capua, Italy: Tecnam announced today the certification of the low-wing P2002 Sierra MkII light aircraft to the new German 600kg rules. The latest version of the EASA Basic Regulation now allows for 600kg MTOW Ultralight (UL) aircraft under the control of the CAA’s of the member states.

Germany is the first country to declare the opt-out, implementing the new regulation German 600kg technical LTFUL 2018 rules. It is also the first country to develop and publish the necessary airworthiness requirements for these aircraft, delegating the certification process to the DULV (Deutscher Ultraleichtflugverband e.V.) agency. The new certification of the Sierra MkII is of great importance, since the German Type approval is recognised in many European countries. The increased weight allowance means greater safety, as the aircraft can be equipped with a parachute, more avionics and more fuel.

All else remains unchanged. The Tecnam P2002 Sierra MkII retains all the features and flying qualities that have established the aircraft’s position in the marketplace: an improved cabin for greater comfort, the latest avionics, new paint colours, several interior options and a redesigned cowling for the 100HP Rotax engine.

• Larger cabin, with new premium interior design
• Redesigned canopy with more headroom, and new locking mechanism that reduces noise levels
• Seats with extra fore and aft adjustment
• Sleeker engine cowling
• Very latest in avionics
• Several options for paint colours and interior fabrics.

The MkII offers state-of-the-art technology in a jet-style cockpit. Customers can choose from an extensive range of options, starting with the basic analogue instruments needed for visual flight, a six-pack analogue with Garmin GPS, the Garmin G3X which features twin 10.6-inch screens, and the Garmin G3X touch suite.

The largest range of options is for Interior and exterior styling, with four choices for every style package: Standard, Premium and Power. For the exterior, the range of paint schemes includes new metallic colours which can be matched to the seats, cabin sides and instrument panel covering. The customer is free to choose whatever suits their imagination and taste.

In non-European countries, the P2002 SIERRA MkII is available in the Ultralight, US Light Sport Aircraft and Experimental categories, whereas the certified version, the P2002JF, is available as the European CS-VLA and soon the CS23.

The line of certified CS23 FAR23 aircraft displayed were the Twin Engine P2006T both in civilian and Special Mission Platform version, the Single Engine Piston four seat P2010 and the newest addition to the CS23 fleet: the new P2002JF two seat IFR. This two seater premiered at AERO 2019 featuring the new Garmin G500 Txi and it is without any doubt the most affordable solution on the market for a IFR training. The line of certified CS23 FAR23 aircraft displayed were the Twin Engine P2006T  both in civilian and Special Mission Platform version, the Single Engine Piston four seat P2010 and the newest addition to the CS23 fleet: the new  P2002JF two seat IFR. This two seater premiered at AERO 2019 featuring the new Garmin G500 Txi and it is without any doubt the most affordable solution on the market for a IFR training. During AERO, a number of flight schools, including three launch customers F-AIR from Czech Republic, Bartolini Air from Poland and EAS Barcelona Europe from Spain have already selected the P2002JF MkII as their ideal aeroplane for students initial training towards the ATPL.

As well as sales of the CS23 FAR 23 lines confirmed the sales expectation, there was an outstanding reaction to the new UL model showcasing for the first time at AERO19, as the new P92 Echo MkII. After 27 years and many different versions, the P92 Echo MkII arrives as the modern culmination of Tecnam knowhow and expertise in aircraft manufacturing, coupling retro style and modern solutions.

The P92 Echo MkII, together with the low wing Sierra MkII, has been developed for the new European Union 600kg ULM category and is available in those countries where this category is approved by their local Civil Aviation Authorities.

Many airlines and operators showed their interest in the flagship 11 seat P2012 Traveller that was certified last December. The Type Certificate was officially handed over during AERO to Tecnam’s CEO, Paolo Pascale, by EASA representatives Rachel Daeschler (Certification Director), Dominique Roland (Head of General Aviation) and Maximilian Maas (PCM P2012 e P2010).

On Friday, April 12th, together with Siemens and Rotax, Tecnam presented to the AERO community the H3PS project, that will research a marketable solution for a parallel  hybrid aircraft based on the Tecnam four seat P2010. First testing flights are scheduled for 2021.

Paolo Pascale, Tecnam CEO said: “We are so delightful to feel that we are so much in line with our customers, anticipating their needs and fulfil their taste, providing safe aircraft with pleasant flying qualities, affordable in the acquisition and operating costs and with a pure Italian style. The number of sales during AERO confirms that the work we are doing is in the right direction.”