Tecnam P2010 Guide and Specs

Introduction

P2010, unlike other Tecnam aircraft released in 2014, is not classified as a light aircraft. It has four seats and is compliant with CS23 and FAR23 in Europe and the United States. This is a significant aircraft in terms of certification since it is the first all-new high-wing, four-place single aircraft certified under Part 23 since the Cessna 177 Cardinal.

The P2010 is ideal for families, professionals, and notably flight schools, thanks to its cutting-edge avionics, streamlined design, excellent efficiency, and sexy appearance. Having three engines to choose from Although the P2010 has the potential to be a game-changer in the US market, there are maintenance worries.

A turbo-diesel engine variant, certified by the EASA in Europe and shortly to be certified by the FAA in the United States, offers a significant benefit in terms of fuel efficiency and improved range owing to reduced fuel consumption. However, I have reservations about having to replace the engine rather than overhauling it.

Continental claims to be working with Tecnam to extend the 1,200-hour time limit (when to replace the power plant). However, it should be noted that this engine can operate on both avgas and diesel, which adds to its worth.

On the other hand, we have Lycoming IO-360 engines with 180 horsepower and Lycoming IO-390-C3B6 engines (MkII version P2010) with 215 horsepower (at 2,700 rpm). AVGAS is used by both engines. In takeoff, the 215-horsepower version had some performance to show.

European Tecnam is taking it seriously for both the EU and US markets, with its luxurious interior, many engine options, composite-metal mixed structure, and the newest Garmin avionics.

Aircraft are certified for the day, night, VFR, and IFR. We may see more of these Italian in the future, particularly as replacements for outdated training school fleets or as a nice partner in cross-country flights.

Tecnam P2010 Specifications

After the Cessna 177, the Tecnam P2010 is the most recent FAA-approved high-wing, four-seat single. With its modern design and similarity to the legendary Cessna 172 Skyhawk, the newest model is also considered to be extremely comparable.

Utilizing cutting-edge production methods, such as composite fuselages with metal elements like the wings or landing gear or stabilator assemblies make the aircraft far more contemporary, efficient, and downright tempting.

Cabin windows curve inward and are darkly tinted from the factory, with softly upswept wingtips and flowing nose cone returning to the well-balanced fuselage.

All these specs of the fuselage and effective design characteristics put Tecnam aircraft ahead of their American rivals that are designed decades ago. Tecnam P2010’s fuselage is composite and smooth, with laminar flow wings, in contrast to the old-style riveted metal construction of Cessna aircraft.

If you’ve never heard of it, laminar flow is the type of flow in which air flows around wings without turbulence, attaches well to the wing surface, and therefore improves efficiency. Higher efficiency, as you may know, translates to greater flying ranges, greater performance, and lower flight costs.

Of course, effectiveness alone won’t persuade buyers, especially pilots from places like States flooded with modern aviation gear for over a century. Tecnam takes it seriously by creating a stunning comfy interior with four electrically adjustable seats. However, owing to FAA Part 23 rules, passengers cannot adjust their seats in the US.

P2010’s four-seat cabin is also quite accessible. The plane has three passenger entrances and one baggage hatch. The seats of P2010 are upholstered in high-quality Alcantara leather.

In addition to being accessible, the interior provides excellent passenger legroom and the option to remove rear seats to carry large items when the luggage compartment on the right side of the fuselage is insufficient.

Tecnam does not ignore the pilot’s comfort when flying this beauty. The P2010’s large cabin allows for the installation of cutting-edge avionics. The P2010 has a “Garmin G1000 NXi Factory Equipped Integrated Flight Deck”.

It contains twin screens and is designed to relieve the pilot of mission strain, which is a current trend for premium single aircraft. The GFC700 autopilot from Garmin is a great example of how Garmin and Tecnam’s notion of meeting in one place helps the pilot.

Tecnam uses a similar strategy to adopt PBN. PBN eliminates the need to maintain sensor-specific routes and procedures, as well as the costs associated with them, and avoids the need to develop sensor-specific operations with each new evolution of navigation by using a performance-based method.

PBN can improve operational safety, flight efficiency, and airspace capacity while lowering costs and environmental effects.

The GFC-700 autopilot is accurate and easy to use, and the Garmin ESP package offers force feedback when exceeding aircraft limitations. Along with the Garmin TAS 800, safety is improved even more.

All these features make the Tecnam P2010 an excellent choice for families, professionals, and notably, students enrolled in flight training programs.

Tecnam P2010 Performance and Handling

Three distinct engine options are the P2010’s most unique feature when it comes to performance. One of these choices, with a Turbodiesel engine, makes the Tecnam P2010 considerably more appealing.  P2010 180hp with a Lycoming IO-360 and P2010 215hp with a Lycoming IO390-C3B6 are the other choices.

The Continental CD-170, a liquid-cooled four-cylinder in-line four-stroke diesel engine with DOHC, powers the P2010 TDI (double overhead camshaft.)

Tecnam’s managing director believed that general aviation engine research had been stagnant for decades, resulting in high operating expenses owing to excessive fuel consumption and obsolete technology of air-cooled aircraft engines.

According to Continental, the CD-170 decreases fuel usage by up to 50%. The P2010 TDI has been under covert development for some time until the company introduced it in 2020.

The FADEC (Full Engine Authority Digital Engine Control) technology on the Tecnam P2010 TDI boosts efficiency even further.

Engine monitoring is incorporated into the Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpit, and the 170-hp CD-170 engine operates on both jet fuel and diesel. Because of its engine, the P2010 TDI variant has a considerably greater range than the other two versions.

The 215 horsepower Lycoming IO-390-C3B6 engine, on the other side, allows P2010 to ascend at 1,100 ft/m and cruise at 146 knots at 75 percent power. On the contrary, the Lycoming IO-360 180hp variant with the traditional aviation engine option is a more cost-effective and conservative alternative.

Overall, the Tecnam P2010 provides a pleasant performance and easy handling to its users. Matching this unaltered faultless performance with the preferred engine selection in three different ways owing to its appearance and smart wing design. From taxi to cruise through landing, the aircraft is simple to handle in every aspect of a flight.

Table 1: Tecnam P2010 – Source: Tecnam Website

Tecnam P2010 Modifications and Upgrades

MT-Propeller, the manufacturer of diesel version’s propellers, has an STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) for the Tecnam P2010 equipped with Lycoming IO-360-M1A engines and is selling improved propellers.

According to them, it offers the best vibration dampening properties, requires no engine change, and aids in shortening ground roll and takeoff distances while maintaining the weight of the original two-blade propeller.

On the other hand, the model’s most significant improvement since its launch has been the addition of Continental diesel engines. Additionally, Tecnam offers the following choices, as seen in the accompanying table:

Table 2: Options – Source: Tecnam P2010 Brochure

Tecnam P2010 Prices

In 2015, the Tecnam P2010 was priced at $345,00; however, the latest TDI variant is presently priced at over $412,000. It should be noted that prices will vary significantly depending on the engine and other available choices.

However, pre-owned P2010 prices presently fluctuate between $237,000 and $300,000. And presumably, if it is a MkII or TDI variant, the price will climb.

Tecnam P2010 Maintenance Schedule

Tecnam provides an Aircraft Maintenance Manual with aircraft that determines the time limitations and requirements for maintenance. Scheduled inspections must be conducted in line with the Aircraft Maintenance Manual’s requirements. Annual inspections are required regardless of the aircraft’s flying hours.

The Aircraft Maintenance Manual details all needed checks. Refer to the engine manufacturer’s Maintenance Manual for information on scheduled/unscheduled engine maintenance. Aircraft modifications or repairs must be carried out in line with TECNAM’s Aircraft Maintenance Manual and job cards.

Tecnam P2010 Model Common Problems

According to some pilots, if the vortex generators on the vertical stabilizer are not installed properly, they may cause airworthiness issues. Some customers express dissatisfaction with the length of time required to complete trim.

Fixed pitch props at 180 hp may struggle to provide the necessary power, particularly when more than two passengers are aboard.

On https://support.tecnam.org/, Tecnam publishes service bulletins for all of its aircraft.

Tecnam P2010 Where to Find Replacement Parts

You may simply get “Spare Parts-Parts Catalogs” for your aircraft from the Tecnam Website. Along with replacement parts, you may see optional upgrades. However, this panel is only accessible with a login and password.

Additionally, you may access the Tecnam official website to locate Tecnam headquarters and approved repair and service locations for your P2010. You may do so by visiting their page.

Currently, Europe has far more service points than the United States, but with rising ownership, it is reasonable to assume that points in the United States will increase.

Tecnam P2010 Insurance Options

Insuring your Tecnam P2010 comes in two forms. For starters, every aircraft has Liability Coverage. There is coverage for injuries to passengers and third-party property damage under this agreement. Option two covers aircraft damage with hull coverage.

Aircraft damage and injury outside the aircraft are covered by Tecnam P2010 aviation liability insurance, as are legal defense costs if the aircraft owner is sued.

Optional hull insurance protects aircraft damage and has an agreed-upon, non-depreciable value. It’s available but not required. If you get airplane insurance, the insurance provider will pay you the agreed-upon sum depending on the aircraft’s value.

Tecnam P2010 Resale Value

The Tecnam P2010 is a brand-new aircraft that is also available in a brand-new configuration. The resale value of an aircraft is heavily reliant on the number of flying hours logged and the options that have been added to the aircraft for upgrading reasons. If there are any damages to the aircraft, the price will almost definitely be reduced.

Considering that it is now being sold at pre-owned rates, it is anticipated to have a resale value of $250,000. However, given the fact that the TDI already has a somewhat higher base price, the TDI options will be significantly more expensive.

Tecnam P2010 Owner Reviews

Many owners believe that it is comparable to the Cessna Skyhawk in many respects, but that it is superior in many others since it is a much newer design and employs modern production processes.

Some owners are dissatisfied with the performance of the 180hp variant, claiming that it is insufficient when there are more than two persons onboard the boat.

Although the TDI version is not yet available in the United States, it is already well-liked by many looking to news; nevertheless, as previously said, engine replacement hours remain a question mark, even though it offers several advantages.

Many people like the interior comfort and the newest technology Garmin avionics are a reason why many people prefer the P2010 over other models. Flight schools are making extensive use of the aircraft.

Tecnam P2010 Similar Aircraft

Cessna Skyhawk, Piper Archer, and Diamond DA40 are examples of aircraft that are like the Tecnam P2010. P2008, which has two seats and is manufactured by Tecnam, is also among the most popular when compared to P2010, which has a similar construction.

Tecnam P2010 Clubs You can Join

You may join the Tecnam Aircraft USA Owner’s Group or visit the Tecnam Talk forum to meet other individuals who own Tecnam aircraft, including the Tecnam P2010, and to learn more about the aircraft.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Further Reads:

• Tecnam P2012 Guide and Specs: What Makes It Unique?
• Tecnam P2006T Guide and Specs: A Multi-Engine Choice
• Beechcraft Duke Guide and Specs

References

• P2010 170HP Diesel By Tecnam: Single Engine Diesel Plane for Sale. (2021, October 1). Tecnam Aircraft. https://www.tecnam.com/aircraft/p2010-170hp-diesel/.
• Aircraft Flight Manual TECNAM P2010. (n.d.).
• Performance Based Navigation (PBN) – SKYbrary Aviation Safety. (n.d.). Performance Based Navigation (PBN) – SKYbrary Aviation Safety. https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Performance_Based_Navigation_(PBN).
• G., & Or Its Subsidiaries, G. L. (n.d.). Garmin G1000® NXi | Integrated Flight Deck. Garmin. https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/588901#overview.
• Boatman, J. (2021, August 3). Tecnam Introduces Two New Model Updates At EAA AirVenture | Flying. Tecnam Introduces Two New Model Updates at EAA AirVenture | Flying. https://www.flyingmag.com/story/aircraft/tecnam-airventure-2021-model-updates/.
• Slocum, S. (2015, October 28). We Fly: Tecnam P2010 | Flying. We Fly: Tecnam P2010 | Flying. https://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/pistons/we-fly-tecnam-p2010/.
• Tulis, D. (2020, May 27). Tecnam Introduces Jet A-powered P2010 TDI Single – AOPA. Tecnam introduces Jet A-powered P2010 TDI single – AOPA. https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2020/may/27/tecnam-introduces-jet-a-powered-p2010-tdi-single.
• Tecnam P2010 – AOPA. (n.d.). Tecnam P2010 – AOPA. https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/aircraft-and-ownership/aircraft-guide/aircraft/tecnam-p2010.

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Mehmet Atalay

Mehmet is an Aeronautical Engineer who has previously worked for Airbus and Turkish airlines. He fell in love with aviation when he was just 5 years old. During his university years, he was part of his universities aviation club and participated in paragliding. While aviation may be his first love, writing is his second, and he loves to combine the two on Aviator Insider.

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