Tecnam P2008 Brings a Taste of Italy to the Midwest LSA Expo

By Carmelo Turdo

The presence of Tecnam North America at the recent Midwest LSA Expo brought a taste of Italy to the already international field of LSA manufacturers at the event.  Tecnam North America is the importer and distributor of Tecnam aircraft to the U.S. and Canada and a division of the Heart of Virginia Aviation, a chain of FBOs operating in Virginia and Florida.  Tecnam Italy, the parent company, is the manufacturer of light aircraft and components of transport aircraft.  The P2008 is one in a line of light 2-4 seat aircraft produced at the final assembly plant in Castelvoltumo, also where flight tests are completed.  The fuselage is made of carbon fiber and the wings of metal with single-slot flaps and tapered ailerons for better roll performance.  The all-moving stabilator is a company standard design, and the 100hp Rotax engine gives the maximum 120kt. speed for LSAs.  The aircraft is priced between $155,000 and $170,000 depending on equipment packages.  Here are some photos of the P2008 at Mount Vernon recently: