Image source: Tecnam
Italy: The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has officially granted Type Certification to Tecnam’s P2006T Next Generation (NG) aircraft, less than a year after its introduction at AERO Friedrichshafen in April 2024. The P2006T series, which first flew in 2007 and was certified in 2009, has been in operation for over 15 years.
Tecnam P2006T NG: Evolution and Enhancements
Built on Tecnam’s aviation heritage and decades of engineering expertise, the P2006T NG integrates advancements to meet the needs of flight schools, private owners, and special mission operators. It is an evolution of the original P2006T, incorporating customer feedback and new technologies.
Efficiency and Sustainability
The P2006T NG features an increased Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 1,290 kg (2,844 lb), providing 60 kg more payload than previous models. It is powered by twin fuel-injected Rotax 912iSc3 engines, each delivering 100 horsepower. The aircraft consumes approximately 14 liters (3.7 US gallons) of fuel per hour per engine, reducing operational costs and CO₂ emissions by up to 45 metric tons per year.
Fleet Integration and Maintenance
Operators managing mixed fleets benefit from the interchangeability of engines and accessories between the P2006T NG and Tecnam’s P-Mentor IFR trainer, streamlining logistics and maintenance. The aircraft also features quick-release engine cowlings, providing easy access to the powerplant bay for servicing.
Avionics and Cockpit Enhancements
The P2006T NG features a redesigned cockpit with a central console housing the Garmin GCU 477 Flight Management System keyboard, integrated with the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite. It is equipped with a three-axis Garmin GFC 700 autopilot with Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP), a GI 275 standby instrument, and Garmin Flight Stream for connectivity between tablets, smartphones, and the aircraft.
Accessibility and Comfort
The aircraft includes four independent doors—one for the pilot, one for the co-pilot/instructor, one for passengers, and one for the baggage compartment—enhancing accessibility and operational efficiency. The redesigned windows improve visibility, while fully LED winglet-integrated position and navigation lights enhance safety.
Image source: Tecnam
Luxury Variant: P2006T NG SPORT
Tecnam offers a premium edition, the P2006T NG SPORT, designed with enhanced aesthetics and comfort. This variant features a black leather dashboard with soft LED lighting, handmade carbon-fiber panels and leather yokes, Alcantara headliners, and moquette seats, combining performance with refined styling.
Special Mission Variant: P2006T NG SMP
The P2006T NG is also available in a Special Mission Platform (SMP) configuration, designed for operations such as search and rescue, reconnaissance, border patrol, and aerial mapping. This variant includes certified power boxes and hatches, offering a cost-effective solution for specialized missions.
Market Presence and Deliveries
With over 300 units sold, the P2006T remains one of the most widely delivered twin-engine aircraft in its category, alongside Diamond’s DA42 and DA62. It is the only type-certified twin-engine aircraft powered by Rotax engines. Following certification, deliveries of the P2006T NG are scheduled for customers in Spain, Poland, Romania, France, Portugal, Denmark, Argentina, Paraguay, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand.
Tecnam’s Managing Director, Giovanni Pascale Langer, stated: “First of all, I would like to thank my design and certification team for this great result! Today, with this new certification, Tecnam confirms its position as one of the most prolific aircraft manufacturers, as we certify several new designs every year in order to offer our customers the most advanced aircraft.”
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