TECNAM P2002 – The Tecnam P2002 is a light, two-seat aircraft manufactured by Tecnam, an Italian aerospace company. The P2002 was introduced in 2001 and is designed primarily for flight training, private ownership, and recreational flying. It is known for its modern design, fuel efficiency, and affordable operating costs, making it a popular choice for flight schools, private pilots, and enthusiasts.
The P2002 is part of the Tecnam P2000 series, which includes other variants with slightly different configurations, but the P2002 is one of the most well-known in the lineup due to its versatility and solid performance.
Key Features of the Tecnam P2002:
Engine:
- The P2002 is typically powered by a Rotax 912ULS engine, which produces 100 horsepower. This engine is known for its fuel efficiency, reliability, and lightweight design, making it an ideal choice for light sport and training aircraft.
Capacity:
- The P2002 seats 2 passengers (a pilot and a student or passenger) in a side-by-side configuration, which is common in training aircraft for ease of communication and visibility.
Cruising Speed:
- The typical cruising speed of the P2002 is around 105-110 knots (121-127 mph or 194-204 km/h), depending on flight conditions and weight.
Range:
- The aircraft has a range of approximately 450 to 600 nautical miles (833 to 1,110 km), making it suitable for cross-country flights and training.
Wingspan:
- 8.3 meters (27 feet 3 inches).
Length:
- 7.2 meters (23 feet 7 inches).
Height:
- 2.3 meters (7 feet 7 inches).
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW):
- Approximately 600 kg (1,320 lbs), which complies with the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) category.
Service Ceiling:
- The service ceiling is approximately 13,000 feet (4,000 meters), allowing it to operate at a variety of altitudes for both training and recreational flights.
Design and Performance:
- High-wing Configuration: The P2002 features a high-wing design, which offers better visibility for both the pilot and the passenger. This configuration is commonly used in trainer aircraft for its stability and ease of handling.
- Lightweight and Efficient: The P2002 is designed with lightweight materials and an efficient engine, contributing to low operating costs. The Rotax 912ULS engine provides excellent fuel economy, making the P2002 an economical option for flight schools and private pilots.
- Handling: The Tecnam P2002 is known for its easy handling and stable flight characteristics, making it a great choice for both beginner pilots and those looking for a reliable aircraft for recurrent training. Its low stall speed and responsive controls make it ideal for flight training, especially for tailwheel conversions and cross-country practice.
- Avionics: The P2002 is typically equipped with modern avionics systems, including Garmin GPS, VHF communication radios, and autopilot options in some variants, which provide easy navigation and help students build their skills. The aircraft’s avionics suite is simple but effective for flight training.
Operational Uses:
The Tecnam P2002 is primarily used in the following roles:
- Flight Training: The P2002 is a popular trainer for both private pilot and flight school use. Its simple controls, stable handling, and efficient design make it an ideal training aircraft for new pilots or those working on additional ratings.
- Private Ownership: Many private pilots choose the P2002 due to its low operating costs and fuel efficiency, as well as its ability to fly long distances for personal enjoyment or weekend getaways.
- Light Commercial Operations: Some operators use the P2002 for aerial survey work, scenic flights, or light cargo operations, taking advantage of its light weight and efficient flight performance.
- Recreational Flying: The P2002 is also used for recreational flying by aviation enthusiasts looking for a fun, affordable aircraft to fly for personal enjoyment.
Legacy and Popularity:
Since its introduction, the Tecnam P2002 has gained popularity for its efficiency, low operating costs, and user-friendly handling, making it a go-to choice for flight schools and private pilots. Tecnam has continued to refine the P2002 over the years, with the introduction of newer variants that include updated avionics, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced features for training purposes.
The P2002 is part of the larger trend of Light Sport Aircraft (LSA), which is a rapidly growing segment of the aviation market. With its affordable price, excellent performance, and reliability, the P2002 has carved out a niche as one of the most well-respected training and recreational aircraft on the market.
Notable Characteristics:
- Fuel Efficiency: The Rotax 912ULS engine gives the P2002 excellent fuel economy, contributing to low operating costs. This is particularly important for flight schools and private owners who want to minimize the costs of training or flying.
- Stability: The high-wing design and low stall speed make the P2002 very stable and forgiving, ideal for training pilots in both calm and turbulent conditions.
- Simple Design: The P2002’s straightforward design with easy-to-use controls makes it an excellent aircraft for new pilots to learn on, as well as for more experienced pilots who want a reliable and easy-to-operate aircraft for cross-country flying.
- Modern Avionics: The Garmin avionics suite offers basic, but effective, navigation and communication tools, making it an ideal choice for flight training and private flying.
Conclusion:
The Tecnam P2002 is a light, efficient, and versatile aircraft that has become a favorite for flight schools, private owners, and recreational pilots. Known for its fuel efficiency, stable handling, and affordability, it is an ideal trainer for new pilots and a great choice for those seeking an economical and reliable aircraft for personal flying or short-distance travel. Its combination of simple design, modern features, and ease of operation has made the Tecnam P2002 a standout in the light sport aircraft category.