The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has awarded full type certification to the P2012 Traveller. With Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification expected to follow shortly, Tecnam is on track to commence deliveries early this year.

The two prototypes used in the certification programme have flown a total of 600 hours with Tecnam experimental pilot Lorenzo De Stefano. The flight test programme included sorties in severe environments: in real icing conditions and very hot temperatures, at altitudes and speeds not usually met in everyday operations, testing diving speeds and flutter conditions. The test programme was focused on assuring customers that the P2012 will operate safely and reliably at all times in all weather conditions.

The company reports that particular care has been applied to cabin safety, evacuation and fire protection tests, going further than the CS23 EASA and FAR23 FAA requirements and reaching commuter category standards (for aircraft up to 19 passengers), while for other features, such as seating safety, Tecnam met the more restrictive CS-23 FAR 23 rules.

Tests were also performed in partnership with organisations as Federico II University of Naples Wind Tunnel, Polytechnic of Milan for dynamic tests on seats, Ice wind tunnel in New York, lightning test in Nürnberg, Germany.

Michele Oliva, head of design organisation, says: “I need to say thanks to all our engineers from the Tecnam design office, authorities' representatives and our partners, but especially to the technicians of the experimental department that set-up the aircraft for testing, often working until late at night, to let us be ready for the next morning tests. I am especially proud that we have successfully completed the project that the late Professor Luigi Pascale started. We know we have achieved all that he envisioned in the development of this game changing aeroplane.”

The certified aircraft configuration is a high wing twin engine machine powered by two Lycoming TEO540C1A six cylinder turbo piston engines. It is the first piston aircraft with electronic management of engine power, which, coupled with a Garmin autopilot, enables a reduced workload for pilots and a better lifetime of the engines. The authorities' test pilots particularly appreciated the ergonomics of the cockpit, which make the flying experience of the pilot comfortable and safe. The P2012's versatility will open up new opportunities for passenger, medevac, VIP, cargo and for any other mission.

Paolo Pascale, Tecnam CEO, comments: “The EASA certification of the P2012 Traveller marks a significant milestone for my Tecnam team, our very first commuter airline aircraft. We have embraced new challenges and developed new skills. I am very proud to lead one of the most innovative and growing global aviation companies and I dedicate this important achievement to Luigi and Giovanni Pascale brothers who started all this in 1948.”