Right: Seating for four comes standard with
three-point seat and shoulder harnesses.
glass, and burning 9. 5 gallons per hour. Not per side, but total.
In the Cirrus SR20, we’d be seeing similar numbers.
With a fuel capacity of 100 liters per side, or a total of just
under 53 gallons, the Tecnam can fly for four hours before a
pilot will have to start looking for a place to land. It’s therefore
also a great regional travel tool that I’m sure will appeal to business travelers with multi-state obligations. And let’s not forget
that it is instrument flight rules certified.
There’s been much debate between pilots regarding the
Cirrus airframe parachute system versus having a second
engine. Some like the chute, while others would prefer a second
Aircraft Make & Model: Tecnam
P2006T
Certification: type certificated
Length: 28 ft., 5 in.
Wingspan: 37 ft., 4 in.
Height: 9 ft., 3 in.
Maximum Take-off Weight: 2,601
pounds
Standard Equipped Weight: 1,723
pounds
Fuel Capacity (gallons): 51. 2 gallons
Seats: Four
Powerplant Make & Model: Rotax
912S3 Gearbox Reduction Ratio 2,43: 1
Takeoff performance: 98 hp
Max continuous performance:
92 hp
Propeller Make & Type: MT Propeller,
Constant speed, full feathering
Equipped for: Instrument flight rules
Max speed at sea level: 148 knots
Cruise speed (75% power, 7,000
feet): 140 knots
VNE 168 knots
Stall speed (flaps down): 49 knots
Climb rate: 1,140 feet per minute
Climb rate: (single engine) 230 feet
per minute
Price: $409,000 (analog panel)
For more information:
Tecnam North American Headquarters
7511 Airfield Drive, Box 8
Richmond, VA 23237
888-359-4682
E-mail: info@tecnam.net
www.Tecnam.net
or www.Tecnam.com
TECNAM/PARTENAVIA
It’s no wonder the P2006T looks like a baby Partenavia.
Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam is a direct descendant of
the famed Partenavia Costruzioni Aeronautiche founded in
1957 by Professor Luigi Pascale. He was later joined by his
brother, Giovanni.
Partenavia earned a reputation as a talented design
group through the development of its P48B Astore aircraft.
The company went on to design and manufacture several
two-, three-, and four-seat sport aircraft, many of which
were successful race places. In addition, Partenavia aircraft
found favor in many Italian flying clubs. Partenavia’s good
reputation led to contracts to build aircraft parts for companies such as Agusta, Learjet, Falcon, Dornier,
McDonnell-Douglas, and Boeing aircraft.
After several company mergers, Partenavia Costruzioni
Aeronautiche eventually reorganized itself as Costruzioni
Aeronautiche Tecnam in 1986. Today, Paulo Pascale leads the
company operations, which are divided between two factories: Corsario, located near the Napoli (Naples) Capodichino
Airfield, and Capua, near the Oreste Salomone Airport. Tecnam
manufactures aircraft ranging from advanced European ultralights to light-sport aircraft, European VLA, and the
twin-engined P2006T.
engine, but then they balk at the extra expense in its care and
feeding. Those who choose the chute might disqualify the twin
for reasons of complexity. I don’t doubt that this Tecnam will
now be on the short list of pilots with such a conundrum.
HIGH VISIBILITY
Back in the pattern at Caldwell, I had power back to 15
inches and dropped flaps and gear for our arrival. Sliding
down final and shooting for 70 knots over the numbers,
I noted visibility was terrific through the flare. And with
the P2006T’s trailing link gear, pilots are sure to impress
their passengers with pillowy touchdowns every time, or
that’s the idea.
The Tecnam P2006T is the first new piston twin design to
come down the pike in eons. After kicking its tires, I’m confident that it offers pilots who may be looking at the Cirrus SR20,
Piper Arrow, Piper Seminole, or even the Diamond DA42 an
attractive alternative in a stylish and economic package from an
airframe manufacturer with a proven track record that dates
back to 1948. Priced at $409,000 for an analog panel, though I
expect almost everyone will spring an extra $58,000 for the
Garmin G1000 glass that will be offered on the production version, the Tecnam twin is a drool-worthy embodiment of safety,
economy, efficiency, and style.
I’ve always had a thing for Italians, and after flying the
P2006T, I still do.
Jeff Berlin is an aviation writer and editor, as well as a professional photographer and rodeo aficionado. Based in Los Angeles, he often tools around in
a Cirrus SR22. Find him online at www.BerlinCreative.com.
