Tecnam shapes the future of IFR aviation training with the P-Mentor
TECNAM has announced the introduction of a new, revolutionary aircraft into the General Aviation arena – a model named P-Mentor.
With these words in mind Tecnam started the P-Mentor program: a simple and sustainable solution to guide student pilots from their first flight up to Instrument Rating, all in one two-seater single piston aircraft: IFR; PBN, RNAV; Variable Pitch, Autopilot, Simulated Retractable Gear Control; BRS.
The P-Mentor is the ultimate synthesis of Tecnam’s leadership, knowledge and experience in solutions for Flight Training Organisations and private customers.
The P-Mentor allows complete PPL, IR and UPRT training, with approved PBN/RNAV as well as AFCS: the entire training syllabus with unprecedented fuel consumption and emissions, further enhancing the renowned profitability of Tecnam-made fleet.
For the first time ever, the extremely fuel efficient and low-emissions Rotax 912iSc becomes the hearth of a full IFR-approved aircraft, coupled with an MT constant speed propeller.
The all-new wing specially designed for the P-Mentor features a tapered planform with laminar flow airfoil and mixed structure; light alloy for spars and wing box, CFRP for the one-piece leading edge. Its design allowed the P-Mentor to pass the latest CS-23 Amendment requirements for low speed and stall characteristics without ballistic recovery system being essential part of the aircraft configuration. BRS is approved and available as an option for customers who require additional safety add-ons. Integral fuel tank is located behind the main spar and it offers a remarkable 130lt volume and more than nine hours endurance.
Flight and Training experience offers the state-of-art Garmin® G3X glass cockpit, with Garmin® GI275 as back-up instrument and multiple configurations to allow PBN/RNAV as well as GFCTM 500 autopilot training. Simulated retractable gear control for enhanced students’ proficiency since their first flight is available as an option.
Besides its revolutionary avionics, the P-Mentor sports Tecnam’s signature Italian style with the clean and sleek lines, interiors shaped around a large cabin, modern seats and superior visibility.
Tecnam’s commitment towards sustainable aviation is a reality today: flight training choosing Tecnam as their single and twin-engine aircraft fleet supplier can save up to 10 tons of CO2 for every graduated Commercial Pilot. The less-emission training fleet currently available is Made-In-Tecnam.
P-Mentor is the IFR approved aircraft with the lowest fuel consumption and CO2emissions, with up to 60% of emissions reduction when compared with IFR competitors.
A number of selected Training Organisations already pre-ordered the P-Mentor, confirming the great benefits of this new design.
“We are delighted to present the P-Mentor today. I am sure this new design will revitalise the Trainer market, helping many flight schools to remain competitive and profitable and making new student pilots happier and more proficient. Real sustainability, fuel economy and profitability start here,” says Tecnam’s Managing Director, Giovanni Pascale.
“When I see a new Type Certificate with this model’s name, I think of my father and my uncle, Prof Luigi Pascale – the men who started this adventure. It also reminds me of all our collaborators and customers that brought us here today – our Mentors” says Tecnam’s CEO, Paolo Pascale.