“We are incredibly excited to partner with Aerodynamics and contribute to their growth and fleet innovation,” said Walter Da Costa, Tecnam chief sales officer.

The delivery date for the aircraft was not released.

According to Tecnam, Aerodynamics Academy is one of the fastest-growing flight schools in Europe, with some 200 students.

The versatility and ease of use of the Tecnam P2008JC’s single-engine, high-wing design makes the aircraft attractive in the training environment, according to the company. The design sports a carbon-fiber fuselage, and metal wings and tail. This combination produces an airplane that is more fuel efficient and quieter than all-metal designs.

Aircraft at flight schools have to fill many different roles, from primary, VFR training to instrument flight.

Tecnam said the P2008JC MkII does this by means of a redesigned instrument panel and glareshield, which allows the use of Garmin’s innovative G3X Touch display.

The post Spanish Flight School Expands Fleet With Tecnam Aircraft appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The two-seat model is primarily designed for flight training and owns European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) CS-23 and FAA Part 23 certification. It is now certified under Transport Canada’s Part V Subpart 21, allowing Tecnam to begin deliveries to private owners and flight training organizations in the country.

Designed to train students from first flight until they earn their commercial pilot license, the P-Mentor includes a variable pitch propeller, simulated retractable landing gear, and ballistic parachute. It also comes with a Garmin touchscreen and avionics and is powered by a Rotax 912iSc3 engine.

The model supports both VFR and IFR training at a cost of operation of just 89 Canadian dollars ($64.71) per hour, by Tecnam’s estimate. That efficiency enables it to fly for about nine hours between refuelings.

The company also claims the P-Mentor can reduce flight school emissions by as much as 60 percent. The aircraft could represent a fresh injection into a fleet of training aircraft that is largely aging.

“We look forward to working with all the Canadian flight schools to improve the quality of training and support lowering hourly rates,” said Giovanni Pascale Langer, managing director of Tecnam.

During last year’s EAA AirVenture, Tecnam introduced the P-Mentor in North America after agreeing to a deal with EpicSky Flight Academy for the purchase of 15 aircraft. The company earned full FAA Part 23 certification just a few months later. It started U.S. deliveries in June, beginning with a shipment to Kansas-based Kilo Charlie Aviation.

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Enz started his flying adventure with a discovery flight in 2010. At the time, his career in construction management (and graduate school) made it challenging to pound out flight training, but he stuck with it. While moving around the country for work, he continued his flight training at locations in Missouri, North Carolina, Texas, and Colorado, eventually persevering from private to CFII.

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought construction projects to a halt, Enz found himself at a crossroad with a decision to make: Embark on a totally new career as a licensed financial planner or figure out how to make flying pay the bills better than it did as a CFI. He chose the road that eventually led him to flying Part 135 and Part 91 operations in a Hawker 800. 

Enz had already been a FLYING Magazine subscriber for a few years when the Ultimate Giveaway was conceived. As a loyal subscriber, he was automatically, if not unwittingly, entered in the sweepstakes. And you already know how this ends—he won, albeit somewhat reluctantly.

FLYING staff reached out to Enz to share the wonderful news of his good fortune in April. Having received the notification just the day before his PIC check ride for the Hawker 800, he had other things on his mind and believed he was “being scammed.” His email response to being notified that he won a sweepstake  he didn’t realize he’d entered was simply “not interested.”

After a bit of convincing, some due diligence, and vetting, Enz came around to the realization that this was not too good to be true and, in fact, he had arrived at yet another crossroad: Take delivery of a new aircraft or laugh all the way to the bank.

At this point in his flying career, owning a light aircraft isn’t in the cards as a busy, often out-of-town professional pilot slipping through the flight levels in a Hawker spooled up to 0.65 Mach. 

Fortunately, the Ultimate Giveaway, unlike other sweepstakes, afforded the winner an opportunity to choose between two very cool aircraft—a Tecnam Astore and an ICON A-5—or cash out with a truckload of legal tender. As you might imagine, since Enz hails from the Show Me State, he followed the lead of Cuba Gooding Jr.’s character Rod Tidwell in the 1996 movie Jerry Maquire and opted for FLYING to “Show me the money.”

The $100,000 cash option was the best fit for Enz. That makes perfect sense because we all know what makes an aircraft fly—money. He did mention the idea of possibly using some of his winnings to pursue a seaplane endorsement. As you’ll soon read in the July/August issue of FLYING Magazine, many pilots have an attraction to water, so adding a SES rating is a common bucket-list item.

We congratulate Enz on his good fortune and wish him well in his professional and recreational flying career. We also thank everyone who participated in the Ultimate Giveaway, even if you weren’t aware that you did, we’re looking out for you. Afterall, who wouldn’t like to get a call from FLYING notifying you that you just won a new aircraft?

Stay tuned, something fun is always just over the horizon—it will no doubt be equally exciting. That hardest part will be determining what to call it so it surpasses Ultimate.

The post Missouri Pilot Opts for Cash in Ultimate FLYING Giveaway appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

According to Tecnam, the company is now on track to begin deliveries to U.S. flight schools.

• READ MORE: We Fly: Tecnam P-Mentor

“The FAA certification of the P-Mentor is another significant milestone for the Tecnam team,” said  Giovanni Pascale Langer, Tecnam managing director. “We look forward to working with all U.S. flight schools to improve the quality of training and help them keep hourly rates low.” 

The performance specs of the Tecnam P-Mentor put its hourly fuel consumption at 3.7 U.S. gallons per hour.

• READ MORE: Tecnam Signs Deals for HCH Aviation Fleet Transition

Deliveries of the aircraft in North America will begin soon, with the first 20 going to HCH Aviation/Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Deliveries will also be made to Kilo Charlie Aviation in New Century, Kansas, and EpicSky Flight Academy in Des Moines, Iowa.

About the P-Mentor

The two-place P-Mentor sports a Rotax 912isC3, with a variable pitch propeller, simulated retractable landing gear, and optional ballistic parachute. The cockpit features a Garmin G3X IFR touchscreen suite compliant with the latest CS-23 EASA and FAA amendments. The aircraft is designed to take a learner from private pilot and instrument training up through commercial certification on a single platform.

According to Capua, Italy-based Tecnam, the P-Mentor is one of the most environmentally efficient designs available, with very low carbon dioxide emissions. 

“Recent study shows that flight schools operating with Tecnam single- and twin-engine fleets can reduce emissions by up to 60 percent: 10 tons of CO2 for each student by the time they receive their commercial pilot license,” the company said in a statement.

The post Tecnam P-Mentor Earns Full Part 23 FAA Certification appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

According to Tecnam, FlyBy, which already has a fleet of 31 aircraft, has placed an order for an additional 10 Tecnam P2008JCs and two Tecnam P2006T NGs. It is the largest order from the flight school and more orders are scheduled for 2025, the manufacturer said.

• READ MORE: Tecnam Unveils P2006T NG at AERO 2024

Located in Burgos, Spain, FlyBy serves more than 350 students from 108 countries. The 14-month program prepares the learners for careers in aviation in Europe. To accommodate its growing enrollment, FlyBy recently opened a new base in Logrono, Spain, that will take delivery of 16 more Tecnam airplanes this year.

“We have chosen Tecnam for our fleet for its modern design and low operational costs,” said FlyBy CEO Alex Alvarez,. “There is nothing comparable to the P2006T in the market. Its quality, capabilities, and total cost of ownership, acquisition and operational cost, are second to none.”

• READ MORE: We Fly: Tecnam P-Mentor

Said Walter Da Costa, Tecnam chief sales officer:“We are pleased to support the growth of modern flight schools such as FlyBy. Commercial operators urgently need pilots trained on modern aircraft with glass cockpits and the latest instrumental procedures.”

FlyBy’s current fleet includes eight Tecnam P2008JCs, three P2006Ts, three P2002JFs, and two P-Mentors.

In the past 10 years Tecnam has been growing in popularity with flight training operations all over the world. The aircraft are built with carbon fiber and equipped with Rotax engines and glass cockpit technology, resulting in a tough, reliable, fuel-efficient design that can withstand the rigors of the training environment.

The post FlyBy Places Order for 12 Tecnam Aircraft appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

According to the company, the new design is the result of listening to customer suggestions, which led to “more than 300 improvements of the current P2006T MkII.”

• READ MORE: Continental Unveils CD-170R Rotorcraft-specific Heavy Fuel Engine 

Among the changes, according to the company, is an additional front door for the copilot and external access to the baggage compartment. Windows have been redesigned and are larger for improved visibility.

“The powerplant is now provided by twin fuel-injected Rotax 9121Sc3 engines, offering high-altitude efficiency and reduced fuel consumption of 14 liters per hour, [3.7 gallons per hour] per engine,” Tecnam said.

The aircraft integrates wing position and anticollision LED lights into the winglets. Inside, a central console houses the FMS GCU477 keyboard for management of all Garmin avionics, including the GFC700 three-axis autopilot and the G1000 NXi.

• READ MORE: Caribbean Charter Set to Be Tecnam P2012 STOL Launch Customer

Tecnam is also offering a super-premium version in the form of the P2006 NG Sport. This lux variant borrows heavily from Italian sports cars, featuring a handcrafted black leather interior that includes Alcantara headliners, plush moquette seats, and leather side walls.

The post Tecnam Unveils P2006T NG at AERO 2024 appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

According to Tecnam, the short field capabilities of the 11-place aircraft make it the perfect platform for a unique environment such as the West Indies.

Designed as a commuter and cargo aircraft, the P2012 STOL will be used for scheduled service from Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (TFFR) in Guadeloupe to Gustaf III Airport (TFFJ) in St. Barth. The aircraft will be the first to be operated under the Air Inter Iles brand by St Barth Executive, with three flights per day and up to six flights per day during the high season.

The flight is less than an hour and will allow travel between islands that were previously only accessible by boat.

• READ MORE: EASA Certifies Tecnam P2012 Traveller STOL Variant

“We are delighted that St Barth Executive has chosen the P2012 STOL,” Giovanni Pascale, Tecnam managing director, said in a statement. “It is the right aircraft for their operations. We are proud to see our aircraft landing at this iconic airport.” 

The P2012 STOL is a turbocharged, twin-engine high wing aircraft that can be flown single pilot. Designers say the cabin is ergonomic and has excellent leg room and underseat storage.

“We are thrilled to begin a new era for St Barth Executive with new scheduled services betweenGuadeloupe and St. Barth,” said Vincent Beauvarlet, president of St Barth Executive. “We have been waiting for more than 10 years for a type of aircraft capable of flying between our islands, with very specific runways.” 

The airline also operates a fleet of Pilatus PC-12 NG/NGX.

• READ MORE: Kenai Aviation Adds Tecnam P2012 to Alaskan Fleet

Beauvarlet noted that the runways are short and very technical, requiring both an appropriate STOL aircraft and a pilot with good short field skills. The capability of the P2012 STOL allows St Barth Executive to expand its operation.

“No business plan was realistic until the launch of the P2012 STOL for our islands and the passenger, cargo, and medevac activities we need to develop,” Beauvarlet said.

The post Caribbean Charter Set to Be Tecnam P2012 STOL Launch Customer appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

During a press conference at the Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo (SNF) on Thursday in Lakeland, Florida, the Italian aircraft manufacturer announced HCH Aviation, a Part 141 school based in Nacogdoches, Texas, is transitioning to an all-Tecnam fleet.

According to Tecnam, the school, which is operated in partnership with Stephen F. Austin State University, uses twin-engine P2006Ts for multiengine training. HCH Aviation has ordered 15 of the single-engine Tecnam P-Mentors to augment its fleet. At the present time the school has 75 students—a number expected to double within the coming year.

• READ MORE: Oregon Flight School to Buy 10 Piper Aircraft

“Tecnam has been a wonderful partner in assisting our team in our aircraft needs,” said Kristen Conklin, HCH Aviation president. “Having a standardized fleet using Tecnam makes complete sense for our team from both a business and training perspective.”

Tecnam Aircraft to Brazil

Tecnam and EJ Escola Aeronautica Civil have announced a letter of intention for the Brazilian flight school to add 30 Tecnam P92 MkIIs to its fleet. The school is particularly intrigued by the aircraft’s state-of-the-art glass cockpit designs.

EJ Escola Aeronautica, based in São Paulo, has been training pilots since 1999. It boasts more than 60 aircraft in the fleet, which are spread out in three locations.

Tecnam noted the P92’s short-field performance, excellent climb and efficiency are now combined with the MkII’s composite fuselage for improved cruise performance. The cabin volume has also been increased to allow for wider seats, additional forward and aft adjustment, and improved ergonomics.

The aircraft are equipped with advanced Garmin G3X touch avionics and available with synthetic vision and ground proximity warning, providing additional navigation and situational awareness.

“Tecnam is our choice to take EJ into the new era of modern flying, where fuel efficiency, sustainability, digital technology, and good flight characteristics are a must,” said Josué de Andrade, director and co-founder of EJ Escola Aeronautica Civil.

Said Walter Da Costa, Tecnam’s chief sales officer: “We are very pleased that the most important flight school in Brazil has chosen Tecnam to replace and upgrade its fleet. Today’s students are very demanding and deserve brand new aircraft with the latest technology.”

Throughout the industry there has been an initiative to reduce carbon emissions in aviation, both at the airline level and at flight schools. One of the selling points for the Tecnam designs is its relatively green operation.

According to the company, flight schools operating Tecnam’s single- and twin- engine fleets can save as much as 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions for every single student graduated with a commercial pilot certificate, which represents a 60 percent reduction compared to fleets using 100LL fuel in 155 flight hours.

Kenai Aviation Adds Tecnam to Fleet

Flight schools are not the only entities relying on Tecnam for fleet operations. During a press conference at SNF, Tecnam and Kenai Aviation announced the Alaska-based operator has added a third Tecnam P2012 Traveller to its fleet.

The first P2012 Traveller entered into service with Kenai Aviation in 2022, coming immediately after the delivery ceremony at the Sun ‘n Fun. The second P2012 was delivered a year later. 

The twin-engine aircraft have been used to transport passengers and freight, and according to Kenai Aviation officials, the Traveller is the “aircraft of choice” for the short haul operations in the Anchorage area.

• READ MORE: Tecnam Delivers P2012 To Kenai Aviation at Sun ‘n Fun

The Traveller is a turbocharged twin-engine high-wing aircraft that can be used for freight or to transport nine passengers with one or two pilots. The aircraft is equipped with TKS deicing capabilities, which is a must in Alaska’s challenging and dynamic weather environment.

“Our third P2012 is the proof we have found the aircraft that is perfectly suited for our commuter markets in the state of Alaska,” Joel Caldwell, Kenai Aviation CEO and owner, said in a statement. “The P2012, designed specifically to meet the needs of our scheduled commuter markets in south central Alaska, has exceeded our expectations.”

The post Tecnam Signs Deals for HCH Aviation Fleet Transition appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

According to Tecnam, the P2012 STOL is designed specifically to operate at airports and airstrips characterized by “extremely short runways with demanding operational constraints.”

The aircraft, while designed as STOL, still maintains “a 99 percent commonality of parts with the standard P2012 Traveller series aircraft” and still manages to fill the needs of a niche market that relies on a certain level of performance and flexibility, the company said.

About the Aircraft

The P2012 STOL is a twin-piston aircraft with a maximum gross weight of 8,113 pounds and  useful load of 2,831 pounds. It can be configured for up to nine passengers with amenities such as USB ports, individual air outlets, dedicated reading light, seat pockets, and cup and mobile phone holders.

The multimission capability of the aircraft allows it to go from a passenger carrier to air ambulance or cargo hauler within minutes.

• READ MORE: Tecnam P2012 STOL on Track for 2023 Certification

The cockpit features a G1000 NXi avionic system, GFC700 specifically tuned autopilot, and ADS-B In/Out. The flight deck features connectivity with Bluetooth, Flight Stream, Iridium along with weather radar, stormscope, inset map, and ForeFlight Synthetic Vision.

The aircraft also has a wider cabin than other STOL in its class, according to the Italian manufacturer.

Aircraft Performance

According to Tecnam, at the maximum takeoff weight of 8,113 pounds, the P2012 STOL can lift off in 1,033 feet, clearing a 50-foot obstacle in 1,394 feet. The landing distance over an obstacle is reported to be 1,181 feet.

With the production aircraft already in the final stage of the assembly line, the P2012 STOL is ready for the first deliveries to customers, the company said.

The aircraft is scheduled to be on display at Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida on April 9-14.

The post EASA Certifies Tecnam P2012 Traveller STOL Variant appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Introduced in 2006, the Tecnam P2006T Twin has become a recognized option for flight training globally, serving prestigious institutions and private owners alike. Notably, the aircraft facilitates multiengine piston training at a noticeably lower cost compared to older twin-engine counterparts.

Bartolini Air managing director Bartlomiej Walas, expressed the historical significance. 

“If you are a passenger of Ryanair or another major European airline, it’s quite likely that your pilot made his or her first multiengine IFR flight in a shiny Tecnam P2006T at Bartolini Air,” said Walas.

• READ MORE: Tecnam Celebrates 75 Years of Passion for Aircraft Design

Since the acquisition of the first P2006T in its fleet, Bartolini Air now operates 15 Tecnam aircraft, with an additional five scheduled to join in early 2024. The company said this expansion aims to meet the rising demand for comprehensive training programs, providing more than 12,000 flight training hours annually and producing pilots for leading global airlines.

Walter Da Costa, chief sales officer at Tecnam, attributed the success of the P2006T Twin to the company’s commitment to offering unparalleled value, low operating costs, innovative design, and distinctive Italian styling. Da Costa pointed out that the Rotax engines contribute to the aircraft’s environmental viability, delivering remarkable fuel savings and significantly lower noise emissions.

The post Tecnam’s 400th P2006T Twin Lands at Bartolini Air appeared first on FLYING Magazine.