The much-anticipated CS23 revision—or FAR 23 to U.S. aviators—not to mention some tweaking of microlight and ultralight rules in Europe has kicked off the predicted new model development. At Aero on Wednesday, Italian planemaker Tecnam drove home the point by announcing three new variants.
The low-wing P2002 Sierra has been a popular choice for schools using light sport aircraft (ultralights to Europeans) for training. Now Tecnam says the P2002JF is in the final stages of certification under both CS23 and FAR 23 categories, meaning it will be legal for IFR flight in both Europe and the U.S.
Another popular model for Tecnam underwent a major remodel in the form of a carbon fiber fuselage. The P92—a tricycle gear airplane—will be lighter yet with the addition of carbon fiber. It’s powered by a Rotax 912UL. Another version of the Sierra—the MKII—complies with the new European 600 kg ULM category, which is essentially the same as the U.S. light sport aircraft spec but is called a non-certified microlight in Europe. Tecnam says the airplane is available for immediate shipment to countries that have approvals for 600 kg aircraft. AVweb will have more on these Tecnam models later in the week.
