Tecnam launches FAR 23-certified P2008JC NG trainer for US flight schools

Tecnam has launched a FAR 23-certified aircraft for US flight schools. The P2008JC NG is a high-wing, Rotax-powered design that the manufacturer says can take pilots from private certification through commercial in one airframe.

The "NG" stands for next generation, and Tecnam calls the model an evolution of its high-wing trainer. It has a carbon-fiber fuselage with metal wings and stabilator, and a fuel-injected Rotax 912 iS engine. The cockpit has modern avionics meant to give learners glass-cockpit experience, and the aircraft is approved for VFR day and night operations.

According to a company news release, the P2008JC NG leaves the light sport aircraft category by pursuing FAR 23 validation. That offers US academies a fully certified alternative to older fleets, which the company says suits both Part 61 and Part 141 operations.

Walter Da Costa, Tecnam's chief sales officer, said the American flight training market is growing quickly and schools want modern, reliable and cost-efficient platforms. He said the company committed resources to the FAR 23 validation process to give US flight academies a certified ab-initio trainer, and that the engine and day and night VFR capability lower overhead costs.

Tecnam aircraft have flown in US flight school fleets for most of a decade, in both single-engine and multi-engine designs.