Company Expanding Its U.S. Presence In Sebring, FL

Tecnam's Astore LSA made its U.S. debut at a news conference Tuesday at Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland, FL. The airplane was introduced last summer at AERO 2013 Friedrichshafen, Germany, and there are nearly 30 of the LSAs already flying, according to Tecnam.

Tecnam says the new airplane combines Italian styling, the latest technological innovations, high standards of comfort and very low purchase and operating costs. The Tecnam Astore design includes innovations such as an Apple iPad Mini supplied with each aircraft as standard. The tablet, using its WiFi connection, provides a full Primary Flight Display on the iPad mini using compatible third party applications such as Air Navigation Pro or similar. Garmin's G3X Touch PFD/MFD is an option on the airplane. With that option, the airplane will be offered for $176,000.

Tecnam will also be expanding its presence in the U.S. by moving into a facility at Sebring Regional Airport in Sebring, FL. Steve Weeks, Executive Director of the Highlands County Economic Development Committee said that Tecnam is preparing to move into a 43-thousand square-foot facility at the Sebring airport, which will include a fully-equipped machine shop and painting booth, as well as executive offices and living quarters.

The facility is intended to support Tecnam sales and service of various models of airplanes, including the Astore and the P2008T, as well as other LSA airplanes and the P2006T twin in the U.S., Canada, and Central and South America.

Weeks said there are several changes occurring at Sebring Airport as well, including an extension of runway 01/19 to 7,000 feet, long enough to accommodate a Boeing 737, and the WWII-era tower has been refurbished as well.

Tecnam sales manager Shannon Yeager said that the company will make an aircraft production slot available for a 10 percent down payment, with the remaInder not due "until the airplane is ready for you to fly it home."

No precise timeline was given for the move into the Sebring facility. Weeks said there are "boots on the ground" now laying the groundwork for opening the facility.

FMI: www.tecnam.com