Story ID: 423
Tecnam P2012 STOL Gets Steep Approach Nod
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: Tecnam P2012 growing expanded market globally
Word Count: 421
Tecnam’s P2012 STOL piston twin received EASA approval for steep approaches of up to 10 degrees, the company announced on Tuesday. The aircraft was designed for short takeoff and landing operations, Tecnam noted, calling the steep approach nod a significant endorsement of its design that expands the aircraft's operability.
“With its impressive short field performance and now 10-degree approach certification, there is no inaccessible runway for the latest P2012 STOL," said Francesco Sferra, Tecnam P2012 special mission platforms sales and business development manager.
With the aircraft’s ability to reach difficult locations, the market is “growing quite a lot,” said Pasquale De Rosa, marketing manager, adding a range of customers from small charters to medevacs.
The STOL is one of four versions of the P2012 offered to fit a range of missions. The Traveller passenger version is its top seller, with Cape Air in the U.S. ordering more than 100. The Traveller is drawing a lot of interest in Europe, particularly in Northern Europe where there is a need to connect between the islands.
Outside of Europe and North America, it is drawing interest in areas such as the Caribbean, Asia, and Australia. “The presence is quite spread all over the globe,” he said.
The model has reached S/N 80, but Tecnam still has a lengthy backlog, he said. Tecnam brought the P2012 to the static display this week at EBACE, and De Rosa said the company has designed a corporate version that would fit the market.
Tecnam's P2012 STOL is the only twin-piston aircraft with such capabilities that complies with the latest certification amendments, it said. The 11-seat aircraft has a maximum gross weight of 3,680 kilograms (8,113 pounds) and a useful load of 1,191 kilograms (2,626 pounds).
Tecnam designed the P2012 with a single access door to ease access to the cabin. A central aisle enables each individual passenger seat to have a dedicated window. The cabin is equipped with amenities such as dual USB ports, air conditioning, individual fresh and hot air outlets, reading lights, seat pockets, and cup and mobile phone holders.
The multi-mission aircraft was designed with a kit that enables quick conversion from passenger to cargo, combi, or air ambulance configuration.
Fitted with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, GFC700 autopilot, and ADS-B In/Out, the flight deck is connected through Iridium, Flight Stream, and Bluetooth and features safety equipment such as weather radar, storm scope, inset map, and synthetic vision.