When P2006T was released in 2010, nearly everyone who loves aviation and knows the aircraft knew Tecnam had worked hard on it. This concept’s history is richer than you realize. Professor Luigi Pascale, the creator of P2006T, stated that the power/weight ratio and engine dependability were not accessible in the 1970s; thus, he had to wait till the 2000s. Italian vehicles are recognized for their obsession with aerodynamics and elegance. Aerodynamics is more profitable in aviation than car design.
In a dog-eat-dog world, this strategy has created a new aviation sector for Italy. This approach’s success is shown by P.180 Avanti and P2006T. With this technique, Italian designers can compete with big domestic competitors in the USA.
So, why did exposing the dual pistons take so long? In the 1970s, AVGAS was $1.55/gallon, and environmental concerns were minimized. But later, with the rise of fuel prices, the efficiency factor became stronger in the design of aircraft. For Tecnam European market was not enough, and the only sufficient market in the USA was controlled by Piper, Beech, and Cessna, all USA-based companies.
Tecnam, on the other hand, saw the market situation and created an economic twin-piston. As a result, a twin-engine, four-seat, 860 kg empty-weight aircraft became feasible. Rotax engines can run on both MOGAS and AVGAS, eliminating the need for aviation fuel in rural areas. A direct incentive to use this engine for casual users.
Both the pilot school and the public have praised the reliability of the light aircraft. Because of its excellent efficiency and ease of configuration, the P2006T is also a NASA research tool. The all-metal construction makes it easier to modify the platform. Larger, more powerful engines can be utilized to enhance speed, but they will also add weight.
Due to its simplicity of operation and suitability for multi-engine instruction, the P2006T is now mainly utilized by flight schools. As a twin-piston, it has far less competition at this price point.
Tecnam P2006T Specifications
Although composites are now used in numerous aircraft to reduce weight, most trainer aircraft still do not choose composites because of their general cost. Since the P2006T does not include any high-cost special materials, the maintenance procedure does not necessitate the use of rare special trained and qualified experts or expensive spare parts. The all-aluminum design offers the best value for money in terms of cost and durability. Tecnam outperforms its competition with a payload/maximum takeoff ratio of 0.36.
Fully retractable landing gear significantly decreases drag and improves aerodynamic efficiency. Strong landing gears help soften the impact of a hard landing, extending the fuselage’s life. The landing gear plays an important part in the construction of a strong and light plane, according to designer Luigi Pascale.
You may reduce structural components by using soft and high displacement landing gear. The attractive broad, round nose shape provides ample space to conceal the gears while improving aerodynamic efficiency and providing superb visibility. Also, the rear gears are dragged up into the body without any cover.
The advantage of the high wing design is that the height of the cabin in the parking position makes it easier to ride or load luggage. In the event of a breakdown, the landing gears may be extended using a backup mechanism.
Internal space is generous, and seat flexibility adds to the comfort of lengthy flights. One pilot and three passengers can use a 350-liter luggage compartment. The cabin is spacious and attractively designed, with a large field of view that is critical for pilots.
The plane’s cabin space is like those of its counterparts, but it gives the impression to passengers that it is bigger. The users claim that noise and vibration in the cabin are tolerable and that the high-strength chrome-molybdenum steel tubes with vibration absorbers mounts are functional and secure.
The spacious cockpit accommodates a huge instrument panel with cutting-edge avionics, including a twin-screen G1000 Nxi IFR and a new Flat-Panel Suite with integrated STEC-55 autopilot. The aircraft has been certified to CS23 and FAR23 standards.
Tecnam P2006T Performance and Handling
The P2006T is a four-seater all-metal twin-engine plane. Pilots report that it seems like they are flying a single trainer until they push the throttle and realize the twin throttle lever. Because it is intended for multi-engine instruction, both teachers and students praise the plane. Multiengine aircraft have wide power ranges, allowing for smoother and faster reflexes.
At lower propeller rpm, multi-engine designs give an adequate performance; moreover, lower rpm means less noise and less fuel consumption because of its engines, and Tecnam benefits from all of them. In addition, the frontal area of the engine is reduced, which improves its aerodynamic performance and stability.
The peak speed of the P2006T is 145 kts. Tecnam, on the other hand, provides engine modifications that allow you to increase speed somewhat by employing a more powerful Rotax. The P2006T’s main shortcoming when compared to its other European competitor, the DA-42, is speed.
The powerful engines and high-loading wings of the DA-42 allow it to reach speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour. The empty weight of the DA-42, on the other hand, is 3109 lb., which is roughly double that of the P2006T.
The P2006T takes only 1293 feet to take off and 1145 feet to land. The P2006T can take off and land on short runways due to its high wing design and big-capacity gears. All these features indicate the effectiveness of P2006T’s design.
The P2006T can fly 650 nm on 200 liters of internal gasoline. The climb range of 1036 feet per minute is greater than that of most single-engine competitors, which increases safety, particularly during training and rural operations.
This is especially true if your base is surrounded by tall mountains. Even little changes in the climb rate might have a significant impact. Furthermore, the high wing design and climb rate increased safety; in other words, the trainer may intervene more readily and handle the plane more rapidly.
The semi-tapered wings of the P2006T are constructed of standard mono-spar construction. A 100-liter Avgas tank is installed in each wing. The wing is designed to have a low drag/lift ratio, and the wingtips are tapered and pointed to maximize efficiency.
The NACA 63A airfoil is engineered to perform effectively at both high and low altitudes. Electrically expanded aluminum flaps allow for a stall speed of 48 knots, which is roughly like the Cessna 172.
Table 1: Tecnam P2006T Specs and Performance – Source: Tecnam Website
| Tecnam P2006T Specs and Performance | |||
| Length | 28.5 ft (8.7 m) | Rate of Climb | 1,036 ft/min (5.3 m/sec) |
| Height | 8.46 ft ft (2.58 m) | Landing Run | 758 ft (231 m) |
| Wingspan | 37.4 ft (11.4 m) | Landing Distance | 1,145 ft (349 m) |
| Area | 159 ft square (14.8 m square) | Range | 650 nm (1,204 km) |
| Main Door Width | 25 in (634 mm) | MTOW | 2712 lb (1230 kg) |
| Main Door Height | 38 in (970 mm) | Useful Load | 906 lb (411 kg) |
| Max Seating Capacity | 4 | Baggage Allowance | 176 lb (80 kg) |
| Max. Cruise Speed | 145 kts (269 km/h) | Fuel Tank Capacity | 52.8 US Gal (200 lt) |
| Stall Speed (Flaps Down Power Off) | 55 kts (102 km/h) | Engine Manufacturer | Two Rotax 912 S3 |
| Max Operating Altitude | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | Engine Power | 200 hp |
| Takeoff Run | 988 ft (301 m) | Propeller | Two Bladed Constant Speed Full Feathering MT-Propeller |
| Takeoff Distance | 1,293 ft (394 m) | Fuel Consumption | 9 USG/h (34 lt/h) |
| Fuel Type | Mogas and Avgas | ||
Tecnam P2006T Modifications and Upgrades
The Tecnam P2006T has already been upgraded with the Garmin G1000 Nxi avionics package. This suite can be added to aircraft that do not already have it. Aside from that, Rotax may provide updated variants of the Rotax 912 engine family in the future that are P2006T compliant.
Tecnam P2006T SMP
P2006T SMP is a Special Missions variant of the P2006T. Because of its features, the P2006T is a highly customizable aircraft. For security forces and the military, this aircraft may be adapted for anti-piracy, counterterrorism, border monitoring, and a variety of other missions. Low operating expenses, great flexibility, and single-pilot operations permitted in IFR are only a few of the benefits.
NASA X-57
For the experiments, an Italian Tecnam P2006T with electric propulsion will be used. NASA will measure efficiency by comparing Tecnam and X-57 data. Ground and flight testing are part of Phase 2. Electric motors, batteries, and instrumentation are among the technologies being explored.
A new wing design for two more engines has also been created but has yet to be tested on the X-57. The Phase-3 design incorporates a redesigned motor-positioning wing.
This phase covers Modifications 2 and 4, as well as the construction and testing of additional components for the final X-57. Flying tests with all fourteen motors are part of the final testing. Two bigger electric cruise motors and 12 smaller high-lift motors will be installed in the wings. X-57 demonstrates the very efficient and clever design of the P2006T.
Tecnam P2006T Prices
The Tecnam P2006T has a starting price of $625,000 and is available for purchase. On the other hand, the value of a used aircraft is greatly reliant on several things. The fuselage, engines, and other components’ configuration, total flight hours, and general condition are all considered. Used P2006T will sell for $350,000 to $520,000 by 2021, depending on condition.
Tecnam P2006T Maintenance Schedule
The Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM) doc. 2006/045 ed2 rev0, or later FAA certified versions, is included with each Tecnam P2006T aircraft and includes Chapter 5, “Time Limits/Maintenance Check.” When the aircraft should be maintained is specified in this part of the document. In addition to this, a maintenance manual for Rotax 912 series engines is available.
Scheduled checks must be performed by the guidelines in the Aircraft Maintenance Manual. Regardless of the aircraft’s flying hours, an annual inspection is needed. The first planned engine inspection must be conducted after the first 3/6 hours. All necessary checks are documented in the Aircraft Maintenance Manual. For details on regular and unplanned engine maintenance, consult the engine manufacturer’s Maintenance Manual.
When using 100LL, the engine requires just an oil change every 50 hours, and a gearbox checks every 800 hours. These periods have been reduced to 25 and 600 hours, respectively. BO is recommended after 2,000 hours.
Check out our complete guide about Aircraft Maintenance 101.
Tecnam P2006T Model Common Problems
The absence of Rotax servicing facilities has been one of the concerns in the United States. The problem has been resolved, and more Rotax maintenance specialists have been trained in the United States.
Another typical issue for owners from the United States is the cost of replacement parts, which is more than for other aircraft made in the country. An advertisement for nose gear was also issued in 2019 concerning a hazardous situation caused by a manufacturing fault in the nose landing gear piston tube. To resolve the issue, Tecnam released a service bulletin.
Tecnam P2006T Where to Find Replacement Parts
Tecnam operates about forty service centers in the United States, with over a hundred throughout Europe. These service locations are aircraft firms that have been allocated and authorized by Tecnam. Customers can use these services to discover replacement parts or order components directly from Tecnam’s website.
Tecnam P2006T Insurance Options
Aviation insurance is a highly specialized sector, with premiums varying according to the make and model of the aircraft, hull value, usage of the aircraft, pilot experience, and qualifications, and even the loss history of each specific make and model, as well as the loss history of the industry as a whole.
The insurance for the Tecnam P2006T Comanche, like other airplane insurance, is divided into two halves. The first is basic liability coverage, which covers damage to the aircraft, and the second is optional hull coverage, which covers damage to the aircraft itself.
Tecnam P2006T Resale Value
The aircraft’s resale value is determined by its current condition. For example, most of these aircraft are now employed in flight schools and will be sold at a lower price if they have too many flying hours. However, in the next years, a resale value of $250,00 to $500,000 is expected.
Tecnam P2006T Owner Reviews
The majority of owners in the United States are pilot training schools that use the P2006T for multi-engine training. The general impression is that the aircraft is smooth to fly and simple to control, even during one-engine failure training.
On the other side, one of the concerns is the higher spare part pricing because the aircraft is manufactured in Italy. Another issue is that the 100-horsepower engines do not provide adequate power for consumers who want more from a twin-engine. However, remember that this is a twin with a single engine.
Tecnam P2006T Similar Aircraft
Despite being a single-engine plane, the P2006T is reported to have a lot of similarities to the Cessna 172. Aside from that, the P2006T is a one-of-a-kind plane in terms of weight and other parameters. However, we can locate Beechcraft Baron or Piper Seminole on the twin-piston market. However, as previously stated, this cannot be said in the same way as P2006T. P2006T has specs that are more akin to single engines.
Tecnam P2006T Clubs You can Join
Sign up for “My Tecnam” on the Tecnam website, where you may access papers and spare parts catalogs. The “Tecnam Aircraft USA Owner’s Group” is another group you may join.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How much is a Tecnam P2006T?
Answer: The base price of the aircraft is $625,000.
Question: What is the range of a Tecnam P2006T?
Answer: The range of the aircraft is 650 nautical miles (1204 km).
Question: Where Tecnam P2006T is produced?
Answer: It is produced in Capua/Italy in Europe.
Question: What is the top speed of Tecnam P2006T?
Answer: The top speed of the aircraft is 145 kts (269 km/h).
Further Reads:
- Tecnam Plane Types and Model Guide
- Lancair Plane Types and Models: A Complete Guide
- Piper Aztec Guide and Specs: A Class Of Its Own
- Beechcraft Premier 1A Guide and Specs
References
Tallman, J. W. (2021, July 1). Little Big Twin – AOPA. Little big twin – AOPA. https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2021/july/pilot/little-big-twin.
Bergqvist, P. (2011, August 25). Tecnam P2006T | Flying. Tecnam P2006T | Flying. https://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/pistons/tecnam-P2006T/.
NASA (n.d.). How Will the X-57 Be Built??. NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/specials/X57/modification.html.
Tecnam (2017, October 17). Type Certificate Data Sheet No.A62CE for P2006T. https://www.tecnam.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FAA-P2006T.pdf.
Boatman, J. (2021, August 25). Nose-Gear AD Comments Open for Tecnam P2006T | Flying. Nose-Gear AD Comments Open for Tecnam P2006T | Flying. https://www.flyingmag.com/story/aircraft/P2006T-nose-gear-ad-comments-open/.
Tecnam P2006T Aircraft for Sale – USD 389,722 – Ad IDNo. 126630 – AirCraft24.com. (n.d.). Tecnam P2006T aircraft for sale – USD 389,722 – Ad IDNo. 126630 – AirCraft24.com. https://www.aircraft24.com/multiprop/tecnam/P2006T–xi126630.htm.
P2006T By Tecnam: Affordable Twin Engine Aircraft for Sale. (2021, August 24). Tecnam Aircraft. https://www.tecnam.com/aircraft/P2006T/.
P2006T SMP: The Most Advanced Special Mission Twin Engine Aircraft. (2021, April 2). Tecnam Aircraft. https://www.tecnam.com/aircraft/P2006T-smp/.
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