Tecnam P-Mentor

The Tecnam P-Mentor is an Italian two-seat, low-wing light aircraft, purpose-built for ab-initio through instrument flight training, designed and produced by Tecnam in Capua, Italy. The design was first unveiled at AERO Friedrichshafen in April 2022, and it received EASA CS-23 type certification on 7 April 2022, later validated by FAA Part 23 and Transport Canada. Its configuration features a cantilever low-wing, two seats side-by-side under a bubble canopy, fixed tricycle landing gear with wheel pants, and a single engine driving a two-bladed variable-pitch propeller.

The P-Mentor is powered by the 100 HP Rotax 912iSc four-stroke, fuel-injected engine, which runs on both avgas and unleaded mogas. Fuel consumption is 14 L/h (3.7 US gal/h), contributing to a very low cost of operations averaging $65 per hour, and making it the IFR trainer with the lowest fuel consumption and CO2 emissions currently available. Due to a 130 litre fuel capacity, endurance exceeds 9 hours. The fully integrated Garmin G3X Touch glass cockpit, with a GI 275 backup and optional GFC 500 autopilot, provides PBN/RNAV and AFCS training capabilities, so students can progress from their first flight up to Commercial Pilot License and full instrument rating on a single platform.

The aircraft is designed to be the ultimate two-seat trainer, combining exceptional performance with a focus on training excellence. It offers simulated retractable landing gear and variable pitch propeller procedures, which is why complex-aircraft habits are introduced early without the weight of actual mechanisms. The cabin features modern, ergonomic seats, control sticks, and superior visibility through a wide sliding canopy. Safety is built in with a steel safety cage, crash resistant seats, an optional ballistic recovery parachute, and a wing that meets the latest CS 23 stall recovery requirements without needing the parachute. All of this makes the P-Mentor the safest two seater on the market, a unique profitable asset for flight schools, and for private owners the smartest deal for a full IFR CS 23 aircraft.

Expert behind this article

Jim Goodrich

Jim Goodrich is a pilot, aviation expert and founder of Tsunami Air.

What is the Tecnam P-Mentor?

The Tecnam P-Mentor features a cantilever low-wing, two-seats-in-side-by-side configuration enclosed cockpit under a bubble canopy, fixed tricycle landing gear with wheel pants and a single engine in tractor configuration, driving a two-bladed variable pitch propeller. For training use it is optionally equipped with a simulated retractable landing gear handle but the landing gear does not retract. The P-Mentor can operate under IFR rules in compliance with the latest EASA and FAA requirements, allowing PBN/RNAV as well as AFCS training capabilities. It was introduced in April 2022 and is EASA CS-23 type certified in Europe, later followed by FAA Part 23 and Transport Canada validations.

With the Rotax 912iSc, the P-Mentor is the IFR trainer with the lowest fuel consumption and CO2 emissions currently available, due to its fuel-efficient design. It has gas use of 3.7 American gallons per hour, so running expenses are $65 per hour. The P-Mentor is the safest two-seater on the market, and the best suited low-wing, two-seater for flight training and personal mobility.

One platform can accompany students from their first flight up to Commercial Pilot License, stepping through Variable Pitch and (simulated) Retractable Landing Gear, up to their full instrument rating. The P-Mentor is a turnkey solution for many flight schools to train students from their first flight up to their CPL-IR on a single platform. With a variable pitch propeller, a simulated retractable landing gear and an optional ballistic parachute, it offers a complete training package.

The P-Mentor is equipped with the Garmin G3X Touch integrated avionics suite. Featuring a high-resolution touchscreen display, seamless system integration, and synthetic vision, the G3X provides student and instructor pilots with situational awareness and ease of use. With optional GTN 650 integration and full IFR capability, the P-Mentor's cockpit delivers the advanced technology and reliability required for today's training environments.

The Tecnam P-Mentor is the first choice for PPL, UPRT, and IR, making it a versatile option for flight schools. It is the only CS-23-certified piston trainer offering full IFR and UPRT capability in a two-seat configuration. It helps with learning to fly with instruments, training for GPS routes, learning how the autopilot works, and how to handle unexpected plane movements. The P-Mentor has a purchase cost of $462,510, a used price of $398,500, and a new version priced at $346,269. Financing starts at $1,492.53 per month.

What are the specifications of the Tecnam Mentor?

The specifications of the Tecnam Mentor are given in the table below.

The Tecnam P-Mentor has a 2 seat capacity. Length is 6.74 m (22 ft 1 in), wingspan is 9.00 m (29 ft 6 in), and height is 2.50 m (8 ft 2 in). Empty weight is 430 kg (948 lb). MTOW is 720 kg (1,587 lb). Useful load is 285 kg (628 lbs). Baggage capacity is 25 kg (66 lb).

The Tecnam P-Mentor is powered by the Rotax 912iSc3 engine, a 100 HP engine, with a 2-blade constant speed propeller. Total fuel capacity is 147 l (37 US gal), including auxiliary tanks. Fuel consumption at 60% is 14 l/h (3.7 US gal/h). Operational costs are $65 per hour. Max range is 950 nm (1,760 km). Endurance is up to 9 hours. Cruise speed at 75% power is 117 KTAS.

What is the performance of the Tecnam P-Mentor?

The performance of the Tecnam P-Mentor is given in the table below.

The Tecnam P-Mentor's performance is due to its 100 horsepower Rotax 912 engine and constant speed propeller. Max cruise speed is 117 knots (217 km/h). At 75% power, cruise speed is 95 knots, and at 85% power, it is 104 knots. Stall speed with flaps down is 44 knots. Never-exceed speed (Vne) is 162 knots indicated.

Fuel consumption is 3.7 US gallons per hour (14 liters per hour) at 60% power. It delivers a true airspeed of around 100 knots while burning about four gallons per hour. At 4800 RPM, it cruises at 95-100 knots, and at 5000 RPM, it goes at 105-110 knots. With 131.6 liters (34.8 gallons) of usable fuel, endurance is over 8 hours, and max range is 950 nautical miles (1,760 km). The rate of climb at maximum weight is about 600 feet per minute (183 meters per minute), and with light weight it goes beyond 800 feet per minute (244 meters per minute). Takeoff ground roll is 1,017 feet (310 meters), and landing run is 650 feet (198 meters).

What engine does the Tecnam P-Mentor use?

The Tecnam P-Mentor uses a 100 hp Rotax 912iSc / 912iSc3 four-stroke engine. The drive is provided by a 100-horsepower Rotax 912iSc3 Sport engine in combination with a Constant Speed Propeller from the manufacturer MT-Propeller. Due to the optimized integration of the Rotax 912iSc engine, the P-Mentor is the IFR trainer with the lowest fuel consumption and CO2 emissions on the market - up to 60% less than its competitors. The engine runs on unleaded EN228 mogas or 100LL avgas, and because of that it is strategically positioned for lead-fuel transition. Fuel consumption is 15 L/h (3.96 gal/h), which is about four gallons per hour (15.14 L/h).

The engine has a hybrid cooling system: water-jacketed top sections and finned cylinders. The top part of the cylinder has a water cooling area, and the engine head has a water pump that moves coolant. Water cooling takes heat from the engine head, which is 350°F (177°C). The finned cylinders have cooling ridges that are cooled by wind. This system has less weight and simplicity.

The engine electrical system has an alternator with coils inside the generator box. It makes 100 amps of electricity. The spark system has a battery start and a spark box, but the spark maker does not get power from the battery. The fire system gets power from wire coils. It has a backup spark system as well. The engine has a compression ratio of 9:1, an engine size of 1,352 cm, and a mass of 60 kg (132.3 lb). The engine has a TBO of 2,000 hours.

What is the Tecnam P-Mentor’s electrical system?

The electrical system installed on the P-Mentor is based on 14 VDC voltage. The power source is provided by two internal engine driven alternators and a main battery. The two generators - A and B - are electrically isolated and mounted on one stator. Each generator is connected with a regulator on the fusebox, which takes care of energy management and selects whether the EMS is supplied by the battery or one of the generators. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) makes the selection based on engine status. During engine start, the battery is needed to power the EMS. After the engine speed is high enough to power the EMS with Generator B, the external power source is only required in emergency situations. If a defined engine speed threshold has been reached for a certain time, Generator A takes over to supply the EMS and that is when Generator B can be used to supply the airframe. The main battery starts the engine and powers airframe units in case of one alternator failure. The dual alternator configuration prevents engine shutdown if one alternator fails, so the EMS power is still provided by the remaining alternator.

In normal condition, the main battery is recharged by the alternator. If the main battery fails, the pilot can continue to fly safely by switching off the MASTER switch, located lower left in the cockpit. The main battery supplies power to the aircraft for at least 30 minutes in case of one alternator failure. The electric system has three distribution busses: Essential bus, Main bus, and Avionic bus (activated by the Avionic Master Switch). The Essential bus is fed from two points protected by two different breakers, ESS ALT and ESS BATT, and includes electrical loads required for continued safe flight and landing. Electrical loads are connected to the buses through dedicated circuit breakers, and switches allow the pilot to control loads where required. Each instrument has its own circuit breaker, so the failure of one instrument will not interfere with the supply to others. Power sources can run independently or together without any pilot action and the switch between energy sources is automatic. The following circuit breakers secure and protect the ECU and electrical busses: Two 30 Amp breakers for the Main and Essential Bus when powered by battery (BATT and ESS BATT), two 30 Amp breakers for the Main and Essential Bus when powered by alternators (ALTERN and ESS ALT), one 30 Amp breaker for both buses when powered by alternator and/or for the ECU during engine start (START POWER), and one 30 Amp breaker for the ECU when powered from battery through the BCK BATT switch (BCK BATT). The electrical system page on the MFD or PFD shows Essential Bus voltage, battery ammeter, alternator ammeter, and Lane A/B voltage.

What avionics are used in the Tecnam P-Mentor?

The Tecnam P-Mentor is equipped with the Garmin G3X Touch integrated avionics suite. The panel features a GI 275 backup instrument, a pair of 10.4-inch G3X displays, and an optional Garmin GFC 500 autopilot with RNAV capability. This two-screen, IFR, Garmin panel sets a new standard for entry-level and advanced flight training. The all-Garmin panel includes an optional GTN 650 nav/com for full IFR capability, and is fully IFR-approved under EASA CS-23 for PPL, CPL, IR, and UPRT training. It can safely be flown under IFR using its GFC 500 autopilot, flight director, and cockpit weather and traffic display.

Glass-panel avionics prepare students for modern aviation employment. The advanced technology and reliability suit various training missions, all in a user-friendly and intuitive package. With PBN/RNAV and AFCS capabilities, the P-Mentor's cockpit delivers the advanced Garmin glass cockpit for today's training environments.

What is the price for the Tecnam P-Mentor?

The new Tecnam P-Mentor has a starting price of $350,750. This aircraft offers a low cost of maintenance, low fuel consumption, and great value for money. The P-Mentor allows complete IR, PPL and UPRT training with approved PBN/RNAV and AFCS.

Total cost of ownership aggregates the buying price and all running costs. Operating expenses include insurance, power use, and ongoing repair costs. The low cost of maintenance due to the Rotax 912iS engine and the aircraft's design results in a low ratio of upkeep costs to the initial price. An aircraft with a two-year warranty covering 1000 hours has better worth while airframes exceeding a thousand flight hours or nearing TBO have price reductions.

The 2024 P-Mentor’s cost is between $325,000 and $398,500. Used P-Mentor’s price range is $325,000 to $490,000, with lower-hour airframes under 200 flight time retaining nearly all original worth. Final price depends on dealer charges: dealer setup charge, paperwork charge, and delivery cost to get the aircraft delivered add from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Taxes on imports and regional price variation also apply; import taxes go from 0% to 40%, and each nation charges domestic duties. Manufacturers have discounts for buying many at once: price plans offer 10 percent off on an additional plane, and up to 30 percent off on four or more of an identical model. Financing has common loan periods of 60 months, and the installment uses principal, APR, and total number of months.