Page 14 - Jan22T

Prefight
Opening the crew doors, you notice that Tecnam designed the cockpit for both function and pilot comfort in mind, including electrical seat height adjustment. The P2012 is equipped with the latest Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, GFC 700 autopilot, and Mid-Continent’s standby instrument cluster. All circuit breakers and most electrical switches are conveniently located on a large overhead panel. The fuel selectors are directly forward of this panel, followed by ignition and
fuel pump switches. All of the panels are within easy access by either pilot if operating in a crew environment.
The P2012 is equipped with four- blade MT propellers driven by the lat- est Lycoming 540 series model – the TEO-540-C1A engine with 375 horse- power. The engine is unique in that it has both electronic ignition and fuel injection, with a TBO of up to 2,400 hours depending upon f light profiles. Finally, we have a large bore engine with electronic controls. This capabil- ity results in higher efficiencies and the virtual elimination of hot start
issues – the bane of pilots. Eliminat- ing hot starts is especially important on the P2012 since one of its largest markets will be short-haul commuters and cargo and scenic-tour operators, with multiple flights each day.
We were flying a fully-equipped commuter version with a useful load of 2,807 pounds. This P2012 is equipped with an optional TKS deice system. One of the unique features is the ad- dition of a visible icing indicator just outside the pilot’s window, making ice accretion detection easy, espe- cially at night.
The rear cargo/passenger doors have a unique design. The larger pas- senger door has a wide, integrated set of steps, making it very easy for pas- sengers to access the cabin. A smaller aft door increases the total width of the access to the cabin and cargo area. TSA requirements for Part 121 and Part 135 operations require a secure baggage area, and since the aft cargo area shares the total cabin volume with passengers, Tecnam designed an innovative feature to meet these requirements. The integrated cargo shield is actually secured simply by closing the aft cargo door – nothing could be easier. The aft cargo area holds a generous 527 lb/239 kg, and combined with the forward baggage capacity of 227 lb/103 kg, it provides good flexibility for any mission.
Tecnam’s Francesco Sferra and author Rich Pickett.
The P2012 is equipped with the latest Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, GFC 700 autopilot, and Mid-Continent’s standby instrument cluster. All circuit breakers and most electrical switches are conveniently located on a large overhead panel. (Photos by Author)
12 • TWIN & TURBINE / January 2022