Test Pilot Says That The Airplane Was Stable And Easy To Fly

Tecnam's latest offering, the P2010 flew for the first time 12th April, 2012. Tecnam's Test Pilot, Marco Locatelli said that the airplane is very stable once in trim, excellent visibility allows the pilot to have good references to the horizon, and that the Garmin PFD provides very good attitude and situational awareness.

Locatelli went on to comment that the P2010's behaviour appears safe and predictable through the full flight envelope, flight controls are precise and effective, and attitudes can be attained with a sufficient precision on all axes. Speed and flight controls displacement and effort curves are acceptable, and pitch trim is usable and effective. These are positive characteristics for a flight school primary training aircraft, since it may provide very good airspeed feedback to student pilots.

The airplane is powered by a Lycoming IO-360-M1a engine, providing 180HP and 2700RPM. The wing is based on the well-proven NACA63A aerofoil. Through partial tapering, the design brings it close to the optimal lift distribution. The all movable type "stabilator" horizontal tail, a trade mark of all Tecnam airplanes, allows for excellent controllability and 'hands off' longitudinal stability.

The nose gear is free castering and consists of a tubular steel leg connected to the lower engine mount attachments and is braced by a rubber shock absorber. The landing gear is also faired to minimize drag, and ground steering is done  by differential braking. (Image from Tecnam YouTube Video)

FMI: http://tecnam.net/