Tecnam P2008

The Tecnam P2008 is a single-engine, high-wing two-seat aircraft built by Tecnam in Italy but aimed at the US market. It is the first Tecnam aircraft to incorporate major composite components, introducing a carbon fibre fuselage and integrated fin, with metal wings and tailplane. This hybrid construction combines the aerodynamic efficiency of composite material with the strength and reliability of metal, resulting in a more fuel-efficient and comfortable aircraft. The P2008 was introduced at the AERO Friedrichshafen 2009 show, with first deliveries in December 2009.

The aircraft is powered by a Rotax 912ULS flat four piston engine, with an available turbocharged Rotax 914 option. Cruise speed is 116 knots and stall speed is 39 knots. The cabin seats two side-by-side with a door each side, and baggage space is behind. It has a fixed tricycle undercarriage with a castoring nosewheel. Adapted to LSA and ultralight categories, the P2008 has established itself as the aircraft of choice for flight training organizations and recreational flyers alike, due to its easy to fly nature, low cost of maintenance, and modern design.

Expert behind this article

Jim Goodrich

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

What is the Tecnam P2008?

The Tecnam P2008 is the first Tecnam aircraft to incorporate major composite components, featuring a carbon fibre fuselage and an integrated fin. The wings and tailplane are all-metal. It can be adapted to LSA, ELA1 or ultralight categories. The plane has become one of the company's most popular aircraft.

The single-engine Tecnam P2008's versatility and ease of use have established it as both the aircraft of choice for Flight Training Organizations worldwide as well as recreational flyers alike. The cockpit has touchscreen displays, and the aircraft has SVX enhanced view and topography. This provides the pilot with high-fidelity situational awareness and an interface that mirrors modern commercial cockpits.

The P2008 offers an optional BRS ballistic parachute system. The P2008 MkII has a safety chute. The weight of the BRS system matters when figuring out balance and limits the center of weight range. For Light Sport Luxury, the P2008 combines carbon-fibre fuselage and metal wings. Extra Speed is a key selling point for this luxury light sport. Tecnam Aircraft was among the first manufacturers to recognize there was a market for upscale LSAs, and it responded with the P2008.

I was inside a Tecnam P2008 in a flying school in America. The fuselage is carbon fiber and smooth. The wings had metal covers and appeared fitted. The cabin has headroom and legroom for 2 people. The cockpit has three display panels. The BRS safety chute is optional. The BRS parachute is put near the back part of the passenger space.

Jim Goodrich

Pilot, Airplane Broker and Founder of Tsunami Air

What are the specifications of the Tecnam P2008?

The specifications of the Tecnam P2008 are given in the table below.

The Tecnam P2008 is a single engine piston, high wing, two seat, ultralight aircraft. It has a carbon fibre fuselage and metal wings. Its fixed tricycle undercarriage has spring cantilever main legs and a castoring, non-steerable nosewheel on a compressed rubber suspension. Ground steering is achieved by differential braking. Length is 22 ft 8 in (6.91 m), wingspan is 29 ft 6 in (8.99 m), and height is 8 ft 1 in (2.46 m). Empty weight is 780 lb (354 kg), max takeoff weight is 1,320 lb (600 kg), and useful load is 540 lb (245 kg). Limited to 1,320 pounds (598.74 kilograms), the aircraft lacks the mass to float if power is reduced to idle above the runway. In order to compute the weight and balance of this aircraft, loading charts are provided.

The P2008 is powered by a Rotax 912ULS flat four piston engine, producing 100 hp. A turbocharged Rotax 914 UL is available, producing 115 hp. The turbocharger uses a computer to manage boost, leaving only a single lever for power; there is no fuel mixture control and no propeller control in flight. Fuel capacity is 29 US Gal (110 L) and fuel consumption is 4.50 gal/hr (17.03 L/hr). Approved fuel is MOGAS or AVGAS 100 LL. Rate of climb is 900 ft/min (274.3 m/min) at sea level, and 1040 ft/min (317.0 m/min) with the turbo. Cruise speed is 116 knots (134 mph, 215 km/h) economical, stall speed is 39 knots (45 mph, 73 km/h) flaps down, and rotation is at 48 knots indicated airspeed. Range is 4,877m (16,000 ft) with turbo, and service ceiling is 4,267 m (14,000 ft). The first flight was on 30 September 2008. The aircraft features Frise ailerons and inner slotted flaps. The electric flap control has three positions: 0 degrees, takeoff (15 degrees), and landing (40 degrees). Nose tire pressure is 2.2 Bar (32 Psi) and main landing gear tires are 2.8 Bar (40 Psi).

What is the performance of the Tecnam P2008?

The performance of the Tecnam P2008 is given in the table below.

The Tecnam P2008 has performance metrics based on maximum takeoff weight. The cruise speed is 215 km/h (134 mph, 116 kn) economical, 65% power at 2,286 m (7,500 ft). Normal cruise is 112 kts. MAX cruise is 128 kts (237 km/h). A P2008 has a top cruising speed around 120 knots. Due to the turbocharged Rotax, 117 knots (135 mph) true airspeed at 9,000 feet (2,743 meters) is possible. Cruise speed (75% power at 6,500 ft) is 118 kt, and max level speed at sea level is 120 kt.

Range is 1,277 km (793 mi, 690 nmi). Normal range is 703 nm. Max range is 800 nm (1482 km). With 45-min reserve, at 4,000 ft (1,219 m) at 72% power, best economy is 109 kt (125 mph)/3.7 hr, and fuel consumption is about 3.7 gal/h (14 l/h). Stall speed is 73 km/h (45 mph, 39 kn) flaps down. Flaps up, stall speed is 44 kt. Stall speed, clean, is 45 KIAS, and in landing configuration is 39 KIAS.

Takeoff ground roll is 600-700 ft at sea level. Takeoff distance to clear a 50 ft obstacle is 1,007 ft (307 m) or 1,180 ft (360 m). Speed at lift-off is 48 KIAS (55 mph), and speed over 50 ft obstacle is 60 KIAS (69 mph). Landing distance ground roll is 500 ft (152.4 m) or 515 ft (157.0 m), and over a 50 ft obstacle is 915 ft (278.9 m) or 1,200 ft (365.8 m). Approach speed is 65 KIAS. Rate of climb is 5.85 m/s (1,152 ft/min) at sea level. Max climb rate at sea level is 900 ft/min (274.3 m/min), and climb between 500 & 800 fpm (152.4 & 243.8 m/min) is typical. The turbocharged Rotax greatly improves rate of climb, especially on hot days, due to extra horsepower. Climb performance drops off above ten thousand feet. Service ceiling is 4,265 m (13,993 ft), max operating altitude is 13,000 ft (3,962 m) or 15,000 ft.

Never exceed speed (VNE) is 145 kt. Glide ratio is 12.8, so for every 304.8 m (1,000 ft) above ground level in zero wind, it is possible to cover about 3.7 km (2 NM). Primary DC power is provided by an external alternator with a 14 VDC output, rated to 40 Amps at 5,800 rpm. The Rotax 912ULS engine has 100 hp. The turbocharged Rotax 914 engine produces 115 horsepower from the 80-horsepower Rotax 912, with lower compression, due to turbocharging. The Rotax powerplant has time between overhauls of 2,000 hours in the air.

What engine does the Tecnam P2008 use?

The Tecnam P2008 is powered by a Rotax 912ULS flat four piston engine. The P2008 JC MKII is powered by a ROTAX 912S2 100 HP. This engine is a 100-horsepower Rotax 912, with 4 cylinders horizontally opposed, 1352 c.c. of overall displacement, liquid cooled cylinder heads, ram-air cooled cylinders, two carburetors, integrated reduction gear box with torsional shock absorber and overload clutch. The engine manufacturer is Bombardier Rotax GmbH and the engine model is 912 S2 or 912 ULS2/S2.

The engine burns about 4.5 gallons (17.0 liters) per hour and cruises at about 116 knots (133.5 miles per hour). It uses MOGAS or AVGAS. A turbocharged version was offered with a Rotax 914 UL engine that could handle higher elevations and warmer climates. The engine has a choke.

What avionics are used in the Tecnam P2008?

Garmin avionics are used in the Tecnam P2008. The wide cabin allows for a large instrument panel avionics: Garmin G3X with two screens. Garmin G3X Touch integrated avionic suite is installed. Touch panel setup has a maximum of three 10.6inch (26.9cm) screens. Almost all later model P2008s can be found with top-of-the-line Dynon and Garmin panels with autopilots. Some are fitted with a triple-screen Garmin G3X glass cockpit displaying traffic and weather, and even a backup electronic flight instrument system by an Italian company called Flybox. Flybox Obl is a backup gauge. Primary flight information is provided by MD302. All information provided by G3X Touch is only intended for situational awareness. Garmin GNC 255A navigation information is presented on the display. Antennas are from the Comm Antenna Comant Industries CI-121, Nav Antenna Comant Industries CI-158C, GPS Antenna Garmin GA-35, Transponder Antenna Garmin 010-10160-00, ELT Antenna ANT200, and Marker beacon Antenna Comant Industries CI 102.

The autopilot allows the airplane to make coupled instrument approaches and can even control indicated airspeed. Garmin GFC number six hundred self-flying system is available. The ballistic system works with avionics. Avionics has height warning and speed caution. The parachute needs an activation handle.

What is the electrical system of the Tecnam P2008?

The Tecnam P2008's electrical system consists of a 12 VoltDC circuit controlled by a Master switch located on the instrument panel. An integrated AC generator provides electricity, or primary DC power is provided by an external alternator with a 14 VDC output, rated to 40 Amps at 5,800 rpm. A 12 Volt battery placed in the fuselage or in the engine compartment provides secondary DC power for essential electrical loads in the event of an alternator failure. The switch between the energy sources (alternator and main battery) is automatic and no action is required in order to activate the alternate energy source.

A 2 Ah valve regulated lead-acid buffer battery is installed to avoid the shut-down of G3X Touch during engine start-up. This secondary battery can also provide additional electrical power in the event of an alternator failure or a total loss of electrical system. This battery is enabled by the master switch and is only connected to the G3X Touch units. It is installed beside the main battery and is housed in a dedicated box.

The alternator and battery are connected to the battery bus in order to provide energy for the electric equipment. Each electrically fed instrument is connected to a dedicated circuit breaker which protects the cable from the battery bus to the associated electric equipment. The generator light is located on the right side of the instrument panel. The Alternator (ALT) light (red) illuminates for alternator failure, failure of regulator/rectifier, with consequent over voltage sensor set off. The battery can support energy requirements for approximately 20 minutes. For ground maintenance and/or starting, an external power socket is provided.

What is the price for the Tecnam P2008?

The Tecnam P2008 has a typical price range of $130,000 to $210,000. New models cost approximately $155,000-$170,000 from the factory, with a standard price of $147,200 and options up to $196,054. Pre-owned aircraft range from $80,000 for older models up to $200,000+ for newer, well-equipped examples. Average used prices fall between $130,000-$180,000 depending on year, total hours, and condition. Early 2000s versions cost $40,000, and models from the 2010s cost from $60,000. The 2022 P2008 MKII has a list price of $210,000 and the 2024 P2008 A has a list price of $189,000 ( 174,000).

Fuel consumption is 4.5 gallons per hour (17.0 liters per hour), which makes operating costs cheap. Annual operating costs, assuming a $150,000 purchase price and standard owner-operator assumptions, are cheap. The parachute costs $6,410 including installation, the harness requires repacking and the canopy needs a new rocket engine. The Tecnam P2008 has a service ceiling of 14,000 feet (4,267 meters) and a maximum range of 514 nautical miles (952 kilometers).

Which is better: Tecnam P2008 vs Sling?

Differences between Tecnam P2008 and Sling are explained in the table below.

Tecnam P2008’s fastest flying speed is about 147 miles per hour (236.6 kilometers per hour), while Sling’s is 120 miles per hour (193.1 kilometers per hour). Tecnam P2008’s gas usage is 17 to 21 per hour, and fuel expense is $24.75 to $30.25. Sling’s fuel usage is 19 liters per hour (5.02 gallons per hour), and expense is $56. Tecnam P2008 is more fuel-efficient.

Tecnam P2008 has a width of 1.22 meters (4 feet) and height is 35.83 inches (91 centimeters). Seats are adjustable and move to the back, and it has doors on each side and storage area behind the seats. P2008 has Garmin G3X easy touch screen dashboard, dual big screens, and 10inch (25.4 cm) Garmin's touch screen system. Sling 2 base has dual 10inch (25.4 cm) touchscreen navigation screens, landscape layout, and G3X Touch has augmented view, map that moves, and engine gauges. Sling 2 electronics include Garmin GTN GPS, automatic pilot controller, GSA 28 servos, talking box, and backup G5 Gauges. P2008 has a backup flight screen by Garmin.

Tecnam P2008 has responsive controls, oversized elevators, and strong rudders, but controls feel different when slowing for landing. Tecnam P2008 is not aerobatic, does not have approved spins, and has 62 recorded incidents, including 18 deaths. Sling 2’s safety reports are not in documentation, so crash numbers are not known. Sling 2 uses strong, light metal, stressed-skin semi-monocoque build with punched panels and riveting, and fixes for aluminum use common standard equipment. Tecnam P2008’s fuselage uses strong plastic material, wings metal, is lighter and stronger, fights corrosion, but is vulnerable to damage from a hit and delamination.