Tecnam has been appointed by Dublin Weston airport-based National Flight Centre Pilot Academy (NFC) for its aircraft fleet replacement programme. The replacement fleet will include Tecnam twin-engine P2006T aircraft and Tecnam P-Mentor single engine aircraft. To ensure the maximum level of service, NFC will also become an authorised Tecnam maintenance facility for Ireland.

NFC head of training Darragh Owens says: “Following detailed competitor analysis we are delighted to have chosen Tecnam as our long term partner for our aircraft fleet renewal programme. We will continue to focus on delivering high quality training with modern glass cockpit aircraft while achieving significantly reduced fuel consumption and emissions. The replacement programme will commence in December 2022.”

The P2006T MkII is a twin engine, four seat aircraft with fully retractable landing gear. It offers innovative design with the Garmin 1000 NXi avionics suite, integrating all primary flight, navigation, communication and terrain data on two high definition LCD displays. The P2006T is also equipped with an S-Tec 55x high-performance, two-axis autopilot with advanced features. Fitted with two Rotax 912S3 engines, it exhibits remarkable fuel saving and can be operated on Avgas and Mogas 95 octane fuel, leading to huge cost reductions.

The P-Mentor is the latest design from Tecnam, a IFR single engine two-seat single engine piston aircraft: IFR; PBN, RNAV; variable pitch, autopilot, simulated retractable gear control; BRS. The extremely fuel efficient and low-emissions Rotax 912iSc becomes the heart of a full IFR-approved aircraft, coupled with an MT constant speed propeller.

Tecnam chief sales officer Walter Da Costa says: “We are delighted to welcome National Flight Centre, one of Europe's longest established pilot academies, to the Tecnam family. Today, we are one of the most important in the GA market, having delivered more than 7,000 aircraft to 70 countries worldwide, offering a complete solution for all pilot training needs. We are also pleased to authorise NFC as Tecnam-approved Part 145 maintenance facility in Ireland.”