Tecnam P92

Tecnam built the P92 in Capua, Italy, launching the family in 1993. Designers created a strut-braced high wing with side-by-side seating for two. The MkII version combines metal wings with a carbon-fibre fuselage for strength and comfort. Many aircraft use the Rotax 912 series engine, typically 100 hp on later models. The Rotax burns mogas or 100LL at roughly 3.5 gph in cruise - the lowest direct fuel cost of any Tecnam trainer.

The P92 Echo MkII comes with up-to-date technology, composite fuselage, glass avionics and the same flying qualities: safe and easy to fly. The aircraft's predictable handling and easy-to-slide-into seats make it the plane of choice for many older customers. Flight schools use the P92 widely for primary training due to low running costs. The high-wing design provides excellent visibility. The P92 meets the 10-hour Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) training requirement. Its stable and forgiving flight characteristics make it suited for student pilots. At just $160 per hour, training in the P92 is a cost-effective alternative.

Approximately 2,500 P92 airframes have been delivered across all variants since 1993. The P92 Echo Classic Light appeals to budget conscious buyers looking for a low cost, predominantly metal, factory produced Light Sport aircraft. The P92-JS is a two-seater side by side, single strut braced, high wing aircraft type certified to CS-VLA. Multi-jurisdiction microlight certification makes the type widely usable. The Eaglet is certificated as a Special Light Sport Aircraft. Prices for earlier Echo examples range from about $40,000 to $90,000, while late-model MkII aircraft often cost between $170,000 and $230,000.

Expert behind this article

Jim Goodrich

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

What is the Tecnam P92?

The Tecnam P92 is a two-seat, high wing, single engine SLSA aircraft equipped with tricycle landing gear. The Tecnam P92 meets the 10 hour Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) training requirement for both Part 141 and Part 61 Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPL). The P92 Echo MkII has up-to-date technology, glass avionics, and a composite fuselage.

The high-wing design provides excellent visibility for both instructors and students, boosting situational awareness during flight. The P92 has earned its place in the Chesapeake Sport Pilot fleet as one of the gentlest and safest trainers on the market. The aircraft are equipped with advanced Garmin G3X Touch glass cockpit avionics and Garmin Autopilot systems. The Tecnam P92 has ultralight, French ULM Class 3 small plane license, and German LTFUL light aircraft approval. The P92 JS is classified as a special light sport plane in America.

What are the specifications of the Tecnam P92?

The specifications of the Tecnam P92 are given in the table below.

The Tecnam P92 is an advanced ultralight, certified as an Italian DM 133, French ULM Class 3, and German LTF-UL microlight, plus an EASA CS-LSA variant and FAA S-LSA eligibility. It is a high wing, single strut-braced aircraft with two seats and a tricycle landing gear.

Empty weight is 320 kg (705 lb) for some Echo variants, while the standard empty weight is 355 kg (780 lb). Maximum takeoff weight is 600 kg (1,320 lb), giving a useful load of 245 kg (540 lb). The baggage allowance is 20 kg (44 lb). The engine is a Rotax 912 ULS2 four cylinder, four stroke powerplant that produces 100 hp. Fuel consumption is approximately 4.5 US gal per hour. With standard tanks of 22.4 US Gal, the maximum range is 700 NM (1,296 km). Max cruise speed is 118 knots (219 km/h), and stall speed with flaps down is 35 knots (65 km/h).

What is the performance of the Tecnam P92?

The performance of the Tecnam P92 is given in the table below.

Tecnam P92 performance has a max speed of 120 kts, max cruise of 115 kts (213 km/h), normal cruise of 116 kts, and economy cruise speed of 92 kts. Stall speed with flaps down is 35 kts and clean stall speed is 44 kts. Low stall speed and slow flying characteristics allows it to operate with ease on short runways. Real-world performance is up to 115 knots (132 mph) max cruise, 700-mile (1,127 km) range, and 14,000 ft (4,267 m) ceiling.

Max range is 700 NM (1296 km). Endurance is 5 hours. Fuel consumption is approximately 4.5 gal/h (17 l/h) with Rotax 912 ULS engine 100 hp (74.6 kW). Rate of climb is 1,010 ft/min (308 m/min), up to 1,200 ft/min (366 m/min). Take off run is 190 m (623 ft) and take off distance is 370 m (1213 ft). Landing run is 120 m (394 ft) and landing distance is 302 m (990 ft). Because of slow flying characteristics, this plane climbs well and has good crosswind capability.

What is the price for the Tecnam P92?

The price for a late-model Tecnam P92 Echo MkII is between $170,000 and $230,000. Earlier Echo and Echo Classic examples can range from about $40,000 to $90,000 depending on condition, avionics and hours. The standard price is $126,000-154,000. Used models have a price range from $37,900 to $182,464, and you can find a 2008 Eaglet Tecnam P92 at $77,500 for sale. A new P92 Echo Classic Light is $74,999, while a Tecnam P92 Echo model 2 has a base price of $159,900. The 2007 Tecnam P92 Echo Super version is 35,000 euros, or if you get a 2017 Echo it is $56,000. Price varies because of avionics: Garmin has advanced and deeper connected airplane systems so its price is higher, but Dynon is best for the price and has good value for money.

For operating costs, the rental rate is $124 USD per hour/wet. Money spent to run things goes from 15% to 40% of expenses, and repair expenses relative to vehicle market value go from 1% to 5% per year. Cost of owning is 4.5% of purchase price and value loss expenses are 7% of purchase price.