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Tecnam P2010

Jim Goodrich • Reading time: 9 min

Tecnam P2010

The Tecnam P2010 has a carbon fiber fuselage and all-metal wings. The P2010 was designed in the glass cockpit era so it comes with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics and a stable, comfortable platform.

This four-seater airplane offers excellent versatility and performance. You can choose from a Lycoming IO-360 with 180 hp, a Lycoming IO-390 with 215 hp, or the diesel P2010 TDI with a Continental CD-170 engine burning Jet-A1. The cruise speed is around 137 to 150 kts and useful load is up to 882 lb or 925 lb. Due to its low drag and efficient design, the P2010 has a range of up to 720 nm or even 1300 nm in the TDI variant. The cabin is roomy and refined, with a third entry door that allows rear passengers to enter directly without climbing over seats. The front seats are electrically adjustable, and the interior can feature Alcantara leather.

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Expert behind this article

Jim Goodrich

Jim Goodrich

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

What is the Tecnam P2010?

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The Tecnam P2010 is the most advanced high-wing, modern single-engine aircraft in the market. It's the latest in the Italian manufacturer's P2010 line of high-wing, fixed-gear four-seaters. The P2010 was developed from the two-seater P2008. The avionics in the P2010 come in the form of the Garmin G1000 NXi IFR and Flat-Panel suite. An integrated GFC700 autopilot is included as an optional upgrade, and autopilot comes as standard on the TDI. The GFC 700 is a 2-axis autopilot that uses information from the G1000 suite, and the P2010 MkII pairs the Garmin G1000 NXi with the GFC 700 autopilot and Electronic Stability Protection.

The aircraft is certified with three distinct engine options, and the Continental CD-170 is a FADEC-controlled diesel engine that runs on Jet A, diesel fuel, and Jet A-1. This version changes the global operating equation, which is why the P2010 stands out where avgas availability is limited or expensive. Flight schools can choose diesel for global fuel availability. The fuel burn is 8.7 gph at 137 KTAS, and diesels use glow plugs instead of spark plugs.

What are the specifications of the Tecnam P2010?

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The specifications of the Tecnam P2010 are given in the table below.

Specification180hp215hp
Max takeoff weight2557 lb (1160.6 kg)2557 lb (1160 kg)
Empty weight1631 lb (739.8 kg)1665 lb (755.7 kg)
Useful load870 lb (394.63 kg)892 lb (404.6 kg)
Max cruise137 kts150 kts
Max range720 nm720 nm
Fuel burn12 gal/hr (45.42 L/hr)12 gal/hr (45.42 L/hr)
Service ceiling12000 ft (3657.6 m)14000 ft (4267.2 m)
Stall speed52 kts52 kts
Climb rate841 fpm1009 fpm
Takeoff run1102 ft (335.9 m)1192 ft (363.3 m)
Landing run778 ft (237.1 m)860 ft (262.13 m)
EngineIO-360-M1AIO-390-C3B6
Seats44

The Tecnam P2010 blends a carbon fiber fuselage with an all metal wing, stabilator, and rudder. Length is 26 ft 2 in (7.98 m). It offers a choice of three engines: the Lycoming IO 360 M1A, 180 hp, the Lycoming IO 390 C3B6, 215 hp, and the Jet A burning Continental CD 170 turbo diesel, 170 hp. For the 180 hp (134 kW) Lycoming, empty weight is 1,665 lb (755 kg) and and for the 215 hp (160 kW) version, empty weight is 1,687 lb (765 kg) or 1,720 lb (780 kg). The turbo diesel has an empty weight of 1,808 lb (820 kg) or 1,841 lb (835 kg). Maximum takeoff weight is 2,557 lb (1,160 kg) for Avgas models while the TDI has a max takeoff weight of 2,646 lb (1,200 kg). Useful load for the 215 hp model is 837 lb (380 kg), and the turbo diesel has a useful load of 805 lb (365 kg).

Fuel consumption changes with the motor. The Lycoming IO 360 burns 8.7 gph at max cruise, 5.5 gph at long range cruise, and at 60% power it burns 12 US gal/hr. The turbo diesel burns 5.2 US gal per hour. Its direct diesel injection engine is based on the common rail technique and is turbo charged, giving fast cruise above 140 KTAS (259.3 km/h) at 10,000 ft (3,048 m) and a service ceiling up to 18,000 ft (5,486 m).

The 215 hp version reaches a max cruise of 150 kt, while the turbo diesel max cruise is 140 KTAS. Max range for the Avgas versions is 720 NM, the TDI has a max range of 961 nm. The 2018 Tecnam P2010 MkII has the 215 HP Lycoming IO 390 C3B6 engine, handcrafted in Italy, and a carbon fiber fuselage.

What is the performance of the Tecnam P2010?

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The performance of the Tecnam P2010 is given in the table below.

AspectValue
Speed146 kt
Cruise137 kt
Stall52 kt
Climb841 fpm
Ceiling12000 ft (3657.6 m)
Takeoff1952 ft (595.4 m)
Landing1709 ft (520.9 m)
Range600 nm
Load880 lb (399.16 kg)
Power215 hp

The Tecnam P2010 combines the single-engine layout with modern materials and design for a stronger, more aerodynamic aircraft that is more efficient in flight. The P2010 is equipped with a 215 hp Lycoming IO-390-C3B6 engine, a 170 hp turbo diesel TDI, or a 180 hp Lycoming IO-360-M1A. The 215 hp (160.3 kW) variant has a max cruise of 150 kts (172.6 mph) and maintains a cruising speed of 146 kts (168.0 mph) at 75% power, with a rate of climb of 1,100 ft/min (5.6 m/s). The 180 hp (134.2 kW) engine has a fastest speed of 146 kts (270.4 km/h) and an economic cruise of 137 kts (253.7 km/h), and a rate of climb of 841 ft/min (4.27 m/s). The 170 hp turbo diesel TDI has a max cruise of 140 kts and a fastest speed of 161 mph (140 kts). All versions have a variable-pitch propeller that delivers cruise speed, and the stall speed is 52 kts, or 53 KIAS in landing configuration (Vso).

The 215 hp and 180 hp engines have a max range of 720 nm, but the 170 hp TDI has a max range of 1,300 nm and can fly for more than 14 hours. The 215 hp (160.3 kW) engine has a service ceiling of 25,000 feet (7,620 meters). The 180 hp (134.1 kW) has a ceiling of 15,000 feet (4,572 meters), and the TDI has a max operating altitude of 18,000 feet (5,486 meters). Takeoff distance is as low as 1,558 ft (475 m) for the 215 hp (160 kW) and 1,952 ft (595 m) for the 180 hp (134 kW), with a landing distance of 1,709 ft (521 m). On grass, takeoff distance gets longer, and if the grass is wet, takeoff distance rises by up to 30 percent due to tire drag and reduced grip. The useful load is up to 882 lbs (400 kg), and the aircraft has a crosswind limit of about 14 mph (22.5 km/h).

I flew in the Tecnam P2010. At about 8,000 feet, gas use was economical. The handling at altitude is impressive, stable, and responsive. The stall is gentle and predictable, with no abruptness, giving me confidence in slow-speed turning.

Jim Goodrich
Jim Goodrich
Pilot, Airplane Broker and Founder of Tsunami Air

What engine is used in Tecnam P2010?

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The Tecnam P2010 is certified with three distinct engine options. The standard P2010 is powered by a 180-horsepower Lycoming IO-360-M1A four-cylinder piston engine, which uses Avgas. There is an option for the more robust 215-horsepower Lycoming IO-390-C3B6 engine. The MkII version uses this Lycoming IO-390 engine, which provides 215 hp at 2,700 rpm. The Lycoming IO-360 uses about 9 gallons (34.1 liters) per hour at 65% power, and the 215 hp (160 kW) Lycoming IO-390 uses about 12 gallons (45.4 liters) per hour. Both have TBO of 2,000 flight hours. Lycoming’s four-cylinder engine overhaul costs start from twenty-five thousand dollars.

There is also the Continental CD-170 diesel engine option. This engine is a FADEC-controlled diesel engine that runs on JET-A. It has 170 horsepower and is used in the P2010 TDI. Due to FADEC, this engine provides the same power as the Lycoming for 26.5 to 30.3 liters per hour (7 to 8 gallons per hour). The standard P2010 MkII does not have the 170 diesel engine but the Lycoming plane engine. That is why the diesel option is not available for the standard MkII. The Continental Jet-A piston engine family has over ten million hours in the air.

What avionics are used in the Tecnam P2010?

The Garmin avionics are used in the Tecnam P2010. The wide composite cabin allows for a large instrument panel with three avionic options: analogue IFR, a Garmin G500 IFR or the twin-screen Garmin G1000 NXi IFR with integrated GFC700 autopilot. The P2010 MkII comes equipped with the Garmin G1000 NXi, paired with the GFC 700 autopilot and Electronic Stability Protection. The TECNAM P2010 TDI features the Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpit and the GFCTM 700 autopilot. The G1000 NXi Integrated Flight Deck System includes Dual GEA 71 Engine & Airframe unit, Dual GIA 63WAAS Com/nav/GPS/GS/Loc, GMA 1347 Digital audio system, GDC 72 Air data computer, GTX345R Mode S Transponder (ADS-B In and OUT), and MD 302 Standby Attitude Module Digital Back-up. The standard Garmin avionics package includes antennas: Marker Beacon Antenna, Emergency Locator Transmitter Antenna, NAV Antenna, Transponder Antenna, and VHF Antenna.

What is the Tecnam P2010 interior like?

The Tecnam P2010 interior has Italian leather seats. The seats can recline and there are multiple adjustments for seat height and fore and aft position and seatbelts with buckles. The front seats can be raised or lowered by means of an electric motor, and a premium option makes your aircraft more luxurious with Alcantara leather and a dark ceiling. The parking brake and rudder trim controls are conveniently located at the aft end of the center console, and a leather-trimmed shelf runs from door to door across the subpanel.

The cockpit is made of glass. The instrument panel has Garmin LCDs. The wide composite cabin allows for a large instrument panel with state of art avionic options: twin-screen G1000 nxi IFR and new Flat-Panel Suite with integrated GFC700 autopilot.

Inside, the cabin is roomy, with 43 inches (109.22 cm) of width. There is a separate aft door that gives passengers easy access to the rear seats and baggage compartment. The cabin includes auto-style cup holders, adjustable map lights in the ceiling, a flip-down sunglasses holder, map and storage pockets galore, and the fire extinguisher location under a removable panel in the floor.

What is the price for the Tecnam P2010?

The base price for the Tecnam P2010 is $626,750. Tecnam P2010’s basic setup with 180 horsepower costs $345,000 to $370,000 USD, and the sticker price does not include options. Tecnam P2010 has an average used price of $441,311, and pre-owned planes cost between $430,000 and $620,776. 2024 luxury diesel model is $895,000. 2023 Tecnam P2010 TDI has a price of $819,876. For international buyers, goods brought into America have a tax on incoming items and section tax on imports from China. Tax on imported goods is thirteen out of every hundred. Calculation of import VAT uses price including cost, freight, and insurance. Lowered VAT is nine out of every hundred.