The Tecnam P2002 Sierra is a two-seat, low-wing, light aircraft designed and constructed by the Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam. Development of the Sierra commenced during 2002, and it was developed for compliance with both the very light aircraft (VLA) regulations in Europe and light sport aircraft (LSA) regulations in the United States. By 2005, the Sierra had risen to prominence in Tecnam's lineup, and the company dedicated around 70 percent of its total aircraft production capacity to manufacturing the Sierra alone.
Since the introduction of the original model, Tecnam has continued to develop the Sierra, and in the 2010s, because of customer demand for more luxurious features, the firm introduced the Sierra MK II. The Sierra Mk II is available in three styles: standard, premium, and power. During February 2020, it was announced that the Sierra Mk II had been certified as an ultralight aircraft by German authorities, clearing the type for use across most of Europe. Due to its ease of piloting and maintenance, the P2002 Sierra is an excellent solution for training in flight schools, and many flight schools in Europe and all over the world rely on it for students' initial training. It is also an ideal platform for surveillance and for recreational and private use.
The P2002 Sierra is a twin seat, single engine aircraft with a tapered, low wing, fixed main landing gear, and steerable nosewheel. It has a low wing, streamlined design and bubble canopy. The aircraft's wing is of single spar construction, entirely aluminium alloy covered, and the forward fuselage structure consists of a welded steel tube truss, aluminium clad, while the rear fuselage is a riveted aluminium alloy sheet monococque. The sliding canopy allows 360 degree vision in the cockpit and has full rollover protection.
Each aircraft is typically powered by a single Rotax 912 S2 engine, capable of 100 hp (75 kW), which drives a three-blade fixed-pitch propeller in standard configuration, but various alternative propellers can be installed. The aircraft features conventional flight controls, using pushrods and cables that connect with the ailerons, all-moving horizontal stabiliser and rudder. A steerable nosewheel provides a high degree of ground manoeuvrability, and hydraulically-actuated disc brakes are present on the main wheels. The Sierra possesses gentle handling qualities, so it is suited to use as a basic trainer aircraft.
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Expert behind this article
Jim Goodrich
Jim Goodrich is a pilot, aviation expert and founder of Tsunami Air.
What is the Tecnam P2002 Sierra?
The Tecnam P2002 Sierra is a two-seat, low-wing, light aircraft. It is designed and constructed by Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam. Moreover, It is a cantilever low-wing aircraft of conventional configuration, seating two side-by-side in an enclosed cockpit. The P2002 Sierra MkII is a low wing aircraft with streamlined design and bubble canopy. The P2002-RG Sierra is a kit built version fitted with pneumatically operated retractable undercarriage. The P2002 Sierra has a twin seat, all-metal structure, tricycle landing gear, steerable nose gear and single engine.
What are the specifications of the Tecnam P2002 Sierra?
The specifications of the Tecnam P2002 Sierra are given in the table below.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 21 ft 8 in (6.60 m) |
| Wingspan | 28 ft 3 in (8.61 m) |
| Height | 2.44 m (8 ft 0 in) |
| Wing Area | 123.8 sq ft |
| Aspect Ratio | 6.4 |
| Empty Weight | 730 lb |
| Max T/O Weight | 1,318 lb |
| Engine | Rotax 912 S2 |
| Horsepower | 100 hp |
| Max Cruise | 120 kts |
| Stall Speed | 40 kts |
| Max Range | 900 nm |
| Consumption | 4.5 gal/h |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft |
| Rate of Climb | 923 ft/min |
| Takeoff Run | 489 ft |
| Landing Run | 620 ft |
| Passengers | 1 |
| Cabin Width | 1.07 m (3 ft 7 in) |
| Fuel Capacity | 26.4 gal |
The Tecnam P2002 Sierra MkII is a two-seater side by side, low wing aircraft. The power plant is a liquid and air cooled Rotax 912ULS2 four-cylinder, four-stroke engine with 100 hp. Max cruise speed is 120 kts (222 km/h), and max range is 900 NM (1667 km). The wide slotted flaps, electrically activated, allow stall speed lower than 40 Kts, and allow steep approaches and easier landings. Rate of climb is 6.2 m/s (1,220 ft/min), and service ceiling is 3,995 m (13,110 ft). The wing also accommodates a pair of integral tanks that provides a maximum fuel capacity of 100 litres (26.4 gal). Consumption is 4.5 gal/h (17 l/h) at 75% power, best economy.
Empty weight is 331 kg (730 lb). Max takeoff weight is 598 kg (1,318 lb). Useful load is 233 kg (514 lb), and baggage allowance is 20 kg (44 lb). The increased weight allowance means greater safety, as the aircraft is equipped with a parachute, more fuel and more avionics. Minimum crew for flight is one pilot seated on the left side. Night flight is approved if the aircraft is equipped as per the ASTM standard F2245-06 A2 - LIGHT AIRCRAFT TO BE FLOWN AT NIGHT. During all phases of flight, both tanks normally supply engine fuel feed, and an electric fuel pump provides back-up to the mechanical one. The quick drain gascolator is installed under the cabin door and provides easy access for checking fuel.
The latest version of the EASA Basic Regulation allows for 600kg (1322.8 lb) MTOW Ultralight (UL) aircraft. During February 2020, the Sierra Mk II was certified as an ultralight aircraft by German authorities. Being permitted an increased maximum weight under this certification, the aircraft can thus be equipped with additional equipment like a Ballistic Recovery Systems (BRS) parachute, increased fuel capacity, new avionics, and various comfort improvements within the cockpit. The option to use 100LL AVGas or unleaded automotive fuel (with up to 10% ethanol content) makes this aircraft flexible and cost effective.
What is the performance of the Tecnam P2002 Sierra?
The performance of the Tecnam P2002 Sierra is given in the table below.
| Aspect | Value |
|---|---|
| Cruise | 120 kts |
| Stall | 40 kts |
| Max speed | 156 kts |
| Cruise speed | 122 kts |
| Ceiling | 15,000 ft |
| Climb | 1,200 fpm |
| Takeoff | 620 ft |
The Tecnam P2002 Sierra has a cruise speed of 120 knots (the max allowed in the LSA category) and a top speed of about 130 knots. Stall speed with flaps down is 40 knots, and the range is around 600 nautical miles. The glide ratio is 12.8, so from 304.8 m (1,000 ft) of altitude, it is possible to cover about 3.7 km (2 nautical miles) in zero wind conditions.
Rate of climb is 1,220 ft/min (372 m/min), and the service ceiling is 15,000 ft (4,572 m). Takeoff run is 489 ft (149 m), and landing distance is 1,100 ft (335 m). Due to a redesigned engine cowling, the aircraft can reach nearly the top speed allowed in the light sport category.
I flew the Tecnam P2002 Sierra. The gas usage is four and a half gallons per hour. The handling is responsive and stable. I covered 600 kilometers without refueling.
Jim GoodrichPilot, Airplane Broker and Founder of Tsunami Air
What engine does the Tecnam P2002 use?
The Tecnam P2002 is powered by a single Rotax 912 S2 engine, a four-cylinder, four-stroke engine. The engine manufacturer is Bombardier Rotax GmbH, model 912 S2. The engine makes 100 horsepower, or 73.5 kilowatts. The Rotax 912 S2 runs at 5,800 turns every minute. The Rotax 912 S2 has a gearbox with a reduction ratio of 1:2.4286. The engine uses a propeller with two paddles and set pitch. The engine uses liquid and air cooling, and has dry oil forced to flow. The time between overhauls is 2000 hours. The P2002 Sierra MkII is fitted with a Rotax 912ULS2 engine, a variant of the Rotax 912. This engine generates 98 horse power at 9,500 turns per minute. The MkII also has the engine option Rotax 915 iS or iSC, which has 135 horsepower.
What avionics are used in the Tecnam P2002?
The Tecnam P2002 uses standard Garmin avionics. The standard Garmin avionic package has a GMA 340 audio panel, a GTX 335 transponder with ADS-B OUT, a GNC 255A COM/NAV, and an ELT 406 MHz KANNAD. It includes antennas for the transponder, VHF, marker beacon, and ELT, as well as speakers, a microphone, and stick push-to-talk switches with phone jacks. If the aircraft has a dual Garmin G3X avionics suite, the autopilot is a Garmin autopilot. However, the Tecnam P2002JF has an autopilot choice: the BendixKing xCruze 100, an automatic plane steering system.
For a glass cockpit, the Tecnam P2002 has an option for electronic screen display avionics. The second avionics option includes a GARMIN G500 PFD and a GTN 650 Com/Nav/Gps with antennas. The P2002 Sierra MkII has a glass panel screen, an emergency beacon, a GTR 225A radio, a plane tracker, and a Garmin GMA 245 sound box. A good substitute for Garmin G3X is Dynon. The Dynon SkyView system is comparable to Garmin's similar models, but it does not have built-in navigation map skills. Dynon is easier to deal with. The P2002 does not have ADS-B In capability as included.
The engine monitoring screen has live information about RPM, volt condition, temperature, fuel flow, and pressure. This system works with Garmin engine information screens or Aspen Avionics Evolution Multifunction displays, which have high-resolution color screens replacing old-style dials. The Garmin G600 shows traffic data and weather information.
What is the price for the Tecnam P2002 Sierra?
The price for the Tecnam P2002 Sierra ranges from $150,000 to $160,000 for an aircraft with Garmin G3X Touch avionics and two 10.6-inch screens. Used Tecnam P2002 Sierra prices start at $41,000. The average price is $70,560. A 2006 Tecnam P2002 EA Sierra with 3,960 usage lists at USD 60,000. A 2005 model in Poland, registration OKKUU83, has a price of US$84,619. A 2009 version, N309TA, is priced at $110,000 USD.
