France-based flight school Mermoz Academy has taken delivery of a twin-engine P2006T MKII. The company already operates 10 Tecnam P2010 and P2006T aircraft.

The aircraft is equipped with an S-Tec 55x high-performance, two-axis autopilot with advanced features, as well as a modern Garmin avionics suite that integrates all primary flight, navigation, communication and terrain data on two high-definition LCDs.

Two Rotax 912S3 engines mean the aircraft can be operated on avgas and mogas 95 octane fuel, leading to huge cost savings and offering the best training for multi engine, variable pitch and retractable landing gear ratings. Mermoz says it based its choice of aircraft in part on the reliability and fuel efficiency of these engines compared with those on other twins.

“Mermoz Academy's mission is to go above accepted standards to guide our trainees towards excellence and employment through experience sharing and partnerships, taking the environment into account,” says deputy CEO Stéphane Larrieu.

Engine efficiency also means very low CO2 emissions. A recent study shows that flight schools operating with Tecnam single and twin-engine fleet can reduce emissions by up to 60 per cent, amounting to 10 tons of CO2 for each student by the time they receive their commercial pilot licence.

“The relationship with Mermoz is now consolidated," says Tecnam chief sales officer Walter Da Costa. "We are delighted to be partnering together to fulfil all the needs of a modern flight academy. Mermoz is the proof of how to be a leading academy and it can rely on Tecnam support for all future developments."