Tecnam revamps fleet to fit new US sport pilot rules

Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam is reengineering many of its aircraft to take full advantage of the recent changes in certification rules in the USA.

One of the most exciting new aircraft is Tecnam Astore two-seat sport aircraft powered by the 160hp Rotax 916 engine.

The US authority, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), launched its Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) regulations last year. MOSAIC replaces rigid weight limits with performance-based criteria, including the allowance of four-seat aircraft, retractable landing gear, constant-speed propellers and multi-engine configurations.

In response, Tecnam has announced MOSAIK59, a dedicated product family engineered specifically to maximise the new privileges available to Sport Pilots and the wider aviation community.

“When we read the Rule for the first time, we thought it was shaped around our mission, now more than ever confirmed: making flying easier, safer, and accessible for everyone,” said Giovanni Pascale Langer, Managing Director at Tecnam.

“Tecnam is ready to tailor our most trusted platforms to help more people access aviation with plug-and-play solutions.”

Tecnam P2010 Gran Lusso

So what is MOSAIK59? In Tecnam’s words:

• M.O.S.A.I.: Modular Optimized Sport Aviation Initiative – A commitment to modular design allowing aircraft to adapt to diverse missions, from primary flight training to high-performance cross-country travel.
• K59: Represents the 59-knot clean stall speed, the critical performance metric defined by the FAA that unlocks the ability for Sport Pilots to operate more capable, higher-performance, and multi-seat aircraft.

Tecnam says its MOSAIC compliant fleet consists of:

P92 Echo MKII, two-seat high-wing which meets the European and UK 600kg microlight rules

P2008 Next Generation: With an increased Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW), pilots can now fly with full fuel and two adults onboard with room to spare. Customers can choose between the high-performance Rotax 916iS or the proven 912iS, with an optional airframe parachute system available.

Astore GT: The pinnacle of the MOSAIK59 lineup. This relaunched low-wing beauty is powered by the 160hp Rotax 916iS and features an in-house developed air conditioning system and an optional airframe parachute.

P2010: The four-seat P2010 now meets the 59-knot stall requirement.

P2006T NG: Light twin-engine with 59 knot stall speed, allowing flight schools and private owners to operate a certified twin under Sport Pilot privileges.

Tecnam