Gallery: Tecnam Unveils P-Mentor Trainer

Tecnam’s P-Mentor two-seat training aircraft is IFR certified by EASA with FAA certification to come. International deliveries will begin in about four months. “The European market is already backlogged with orders,” says David Copeland, Tecnam director of sales. “The initial reaction has been pretty wild.... We’re bringing back to the market a certified two-place aircraft, which is really, really important.” Credit: Tecnam

The P-Mentor is powered by the Rotax 912iSc fuel-efficient engine coupled with an MT constant speed propeller. It can be fueled with avgas or Mogas. It also is equipped with the Garmin G3X glass cockpit and is approved for Performance-Based Navigation and Area Navigation (PBN/RNAV) training and for Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS). Credit: Tecnam

Tecnam plans to secure FAA certification, but it will take time to build enough aircraft to satisfy U.S. demand, Copeland says. The company plans to announce pricing at Aero Friedrichshafen, although pricing will be in the mid-$200,000 range. Besides the training market, an aircraft in this price range will be attractive to private pilots as well, he says. Credit: Tecnam

The P-Mentor has a range of 730 nm and a maximum cruise speed of 117 kts. “I am sure this new design will revitalize the trainer market, helping many flight schools to remain competitive and profitable and making new student pilots happier and more proficient,” says Giovanni Pascale, Tecnam managing director. Credit: Tecnam