Tecnam’s Design Juggernaut; Do These Guys Sleep?

In the article just before this one, writer Jim Lawrence told you about Tecnam’s new Sea-Sky Hydroplane option of straight or four-wheel composite amphibious floats for the Echo Classic or Eaglet models. For the Echo, also known as the P92 (referencing 1992), this represents the sixth generation of that model. The all in-house-designed Sea-Sky Hydroplanes will not be at Sebring but should be present for Sun ‘n Fun, according to importer Tecnam North America. *** As late-night TV ads shout, “But there’s more…!” *** Tecnam will also introduce their brand-new taildragger version of the venerable Echo, done in what Phil Solomon calls a “retro style,” with a wood panel and other touches. Along with thicker gear legs, larger tires and wheels, chrome joystick and chrome rudder pedals plus the sexy slant of a taildragger — Tecnam’s first — the new Echo Taildragger does appear a throwback to an earlier, enjoyable age of aviation. It also shows the versatility of Tecnam’s lightest model and one of its longest lasting. Phil called the Taildragger “about half way between the Echo and the Eaglet.” But with a bit of glass in the wood-accent panel, I’ll call Taildragger a “retro hybrid.” It may also come with the Lycoming engine (photos) as we reported earlier. All new models — the two floatplanes and the Taildragger — are flying now. *** Tecnam is already the leader in the number of new models that have earned SLSA status: five. Now they’ll be adding two or three more with the Echo and Eaglet Sea-Sky Hydroplanes, the Taildragger, plus the five you already know: Sierra, Bravo, P2008, Eaglet (land) and Echo (land).

|||| Since that evidently wasn’t enough to keep them busy, Tecnam also changed its top-selling Twin. The large Italian company announced that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) agreed to an increase in the Tecnam P2006Twin’s Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW) to 1,230 kg (2,706 pounds). Tecnam has done admirably well with the Twin, preparing soon for the 100th delivery. In addition to the Twin, Tecnam is also well underway with their P2010 four seater that looks like the sleek P2008 only more of it. And, at Aero 2011, they announced an 11-seat commuter airliner that continues the look and feel of Tecnam’s entire line. But that’s still not all!

|||| Interested in a great deal? Tecnam’s U.S. outlet, Tecnam North America (also known as Heart of Virginia Aviation or HOVA), has some new marketing plans. *** Everybody loves a deal on something of real value and Tecnam North America boss Phil Solomon has a new plan that should put smiles on a number of faces. He calls the program “One Per State” and here’s why you might like it. While Tecnam’s several models get good reviews from those who have flown them, not enough folks have been exposed to the brand. If you are the first in your U.S. state to order under this plan, you can secure a whopping 20% discount on one of the company’s soon-to-be seven SLSA models. When one person buys, the deal ends for that model. *** The price applies only to the base price but look what this deal provides: an Echo Classic can be $90,000. The newer, slightly larger Eaglet is also under $100,000 and the cantilevered Bravo is just over. Even the top-of-the line Sierra (low wing) is $107,000 and the P2008 is $118,000. So $90K to $118K — plus the cost of some minimum equipment to qualify as a legimate demo plane — can get you a brand-new Tecnam. No time limit was set but after that first sale in your state, that’s it.