With five models currently meeting ASTM standards for SLSA, Tecnam has established itself as the leader in prolific design of Light-Sport Aircraft.
Much of this design prowess owes to family patriarch Professor Luigi Pascale, known for his incredible output of designs over the years under the company names Partenavia and Tecnam. Even into his 80s, Luigi Pascale continues his energetic engineering.
Recently the U.S. importer for Tecnam got the chance to fly the new Tail Dragger. Tecnam North America CEO Phil Solomon wrote, “We flew the Tail Dragger a couple of weeks ago and it climbed like a rocket at over 1,600 feet per minute with the Lycoming engine and performed flawlessly.”
Phil also sent photos of the latest flights in Italy. The Rotax-powered Tail Dragger now features a cargo pod. The overall combination looks tailor made for use in bush flying, opening another new aircraft product area for Tecnam.
Tail Dragger boasts a retro look that should endear the well flying LSA to nostalgia buffs as well as outdoor enthusiasts operating from unimproved airstrips. This variation of Tecnam’s P92 is also a celebration of 20 years of history for the popular model from the Italian manufacturer.
Phil also reported a flight of the Eaglet Amphibian. He observed the slick retract wheels though they’re hidden well enough that you’ll have to look hard to see them. Both the Tail Dragger and the Eaglet Amphib are new offerings in the last year. Choosing the best from the sheer number of models offered by Tecnam and their North American distributor will require a conversation with the import organization.
You might want to call soon. Phil observed, “We still have availability under the One Per State Program including for the Tail Dragger but we will be terminating the program in the near future, so now is the time to commit!” The program allows you to be the first in your U.S. state to order, which will secure a 20% discount on one of the company’s seven SLSA models. When one person buys a specific model for his or her U.S. state, the deal ends for that model in that state.
Finally, Tecnam announced that FarWest Aviation has become a factory-certified service center for Tecnam Light Sport Aircraft.
Located at historic Flabob Airport in Riverside, Calif., the company recently earned the designation of Independent Rotax Service Center and can handle all aspects of Rotax maintenance and overhauls. Most Tecnam models are powered by Rotax. FarWest also overhauls Lycoming and Continental engines and does aircraft annual inspections, propeller balancing, aircraft detailing, restorations, repairs and conversions, fabric recovering and painting. FarWest has occupied Hangar 43 at Flabob Airport for six years.
For more information: ByDanJohnson.com
People who read this article also read articles on airparks, airshow, airshows, avgas, aviation fuel, aviation news, aircraft owner, avionics, buy a plane, FAA, fly-in, flying, general aviation, learn to fly, pilots, Light-Sport Aircraft, LSA, and Sport Pilot.
Do they need a Marketing Director? Perhaps 60+ years ago this would have been in “vogue” – my question is this; of the total demand for LSA aircraft TODAY, what PERCENTAGE would buy a tail-dragger as opposed to tri-cycle gear models?
Time, and puchase orders will tell!