To be successful, a manufacturer must relentlessly innovate. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the aviation industry where we have seen the advance of high speed fixed gear aircraft with glass cockpit avionics and other previously high price accessory items now becoming available to the general and recreational aviation pilot. Tecnam Italy was the one of the first manufacturers of Light Sport Aircraft to enter the Australian market. Building on a history of recreational and GA aircraft sold in Australia since 2000, Tecnam offers a mix of high and low wing aircraft to meet the needs of almost every pilot considering a LSA aircraft.
Following the successful launch of the Rotax powered Tecnam P2006 Light Twin aircraft, Italian designer Professor Pascale has focused his skills on developing the tried and proven P92 Echo Super airframe into a robust trainer for all levels of flight-training from recreational pilot certificate through to CASA commercial training. The result is the Tecnam P92 Eaglet.
What makes the Eaglet different? There are a number of advancements, all designed to increase appeal for both new and experienced pilots: more space, better visibility and a GA-style modular instrument panel.
Immediately noticeable from the outside are the expansive windows. Larger one-piece rear quarter windows complement a larger rear cabin window. The cabin door windows are also larger, offering outstanding vision to the side and rear quarters. Interior improvements include an increased baggage area with a deeper and longer hat shelf, and curved interior panels to increase cabin width to a generous 1.18m (45”). Leg room and seat support are excellent.
Perhaps most likely to find favour with pilots is the innovative modular instrument panel, which allows them to utilise traditional analogue instruments or any of the new generation panels of EFIS and engine instruments - or any combination of the two. The avionics panel is also wider, enabling a large AvMap GPS to be mounted sideways if preferred. This allows extra space for more complex radios if required. Dedicated circuit breakers complete the panel, with central console extending aft housing accessory switches, 12 volt auxiliary socket and handbrake. Pilot and co-pilot toe brakes are now offered as an option. Large span ailerons improve the roll rate and complete the list of innovations.
As a high wing LSA touring and training aircraft, the Eaglet cannot be beaten. In-flight adjustable seats improve cabin comfort, cabin ventilation is excellent, and the spring steel main landing gear and trailing link nosewheel can easily handle Australia’s rougher bush strips.
