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News & Media Tecnam completes first flight of P2012

Tecnam completes first flight of P2012

11-seat commuter coming to US

July 25, 2016 By Alton K. Marsh
You may know Tecnam as a manufacturer of two-seat light sport aircraft from Italy with many aircraft in the United States, but it makes commercial commuter aircraft too. The company announced the first flight in Capua, Italy, of its 11-seat P2012 (named for the year it was designed).
Tecnam
Tecnam

The first customer for the aircraft is Cape Air, which serves the New England area and the Caribbean. Tecnam said in a press release the aircraft is also aimed at commuter airlines in Asia, Africa, and Australia.

The flight was observed by aircraft designer Luigi Pascale, now in his 90s, the head of Tecnam’s research and design team. Test pilot Lorenzo De Stefano reported no problems on the first flight and described the landing as “a very short distance.” The aircraft is nicknamed the Traveller.

No performance numbers were released from the flight. The propeller aircraft is powered by two 350-horsepower Lycoming TEO 540 engines. The turbocharged electronic engine has a single ignition button and is claimed to start as easily in winter as it does in summer. Mixture and propeller controls are managed electronically with a single engine control. The engine can burn a variety of fuels including mogas.

Tecnam says the aircraft will cruise at 175 knots true airspeed at 10,000 feet and has a range of greater than 600 nautical miles. It is said to have a “reduced” takeoff run. It carries nine passengers and one or two pilots.

Alton Marsh
Alton K. Marsh
Freelance journalist
Alton K. Marsh is a former senior editor of AOPA Pilot and is now a freelance journalist specializing in aviation topics.
Go to Alton K. Marsh's Profile
Topics: Aircraft, Jet

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