And A New "Twin" Brother Is On The Way

Tecnam Aircraft was on site at AOPA Expo 2006, held last week in Palm Springs, CA, with their C-152 look-alike P2004 Bravo. But don’t let its familiar looks fool you; the Bravo is a completely new aircraft, with a full cantilever wing and better performance than its much senior predecessor.

Targeted at the same flight school and basic transportation market Cessna has dominated for years, the Bravo (above) -- along with its brothers-in-wings the P92 Echo Super and P2002 Sierra -- offer today’s technology in familiar packages.

The well equipped panels are available in several packages, up to and including an OP Technologies EFIS glass cockpit. These instrument options will allow a flight school to service Sport Pilot, Recreational, Private and Instrument students.

Other options include a ballistic recovery parachute and autopilot.

Says Mike Birmingham, Tecnam’s U.S distributor: "They offer a nice control balance, and excellent flying characteristics."

In the near future, they are expecting some new modifications to become available, including vortex generators for the wing to reduce stall speed and improve slow flight handling.

According to Mike and his wife Lynne, they expect to deliver at least 100 aircraft in 2007. With prices starting at $88,900,, the Echo Super (above) is competitively priced with the remainder of the S-LSA field.

With over 1800 copies flying worldwide, Tecnam has been building this type of aircraft for the European market since 1992. In addition to light planes, Tecnam is a supplier of parts for such aerospace giants as Boeing, Airbus and Embraer.

Next up on the drawing board: the P206T, a four seat, high wing light twin powered by two Rotax 912S engines that will reportedly sip just 10 gallons per hour of autogas.

FMI: www.tecnamaircraft.com