Tecnam has extended its P2012 model range with the introduction of a STOL variant dedicated to short take off and landing operations and specifically designed to operate across the most demanding commercial airports in the world.

Addressing the needs of a market niche that was left undeveloped and unsupported for decades, Tecnam says it is once again providing a solution to those operators that seek for their business a modern, spacious, comfortable, safe yet stylish aircraft, with STOL capabilities.

The company reports that the P2012 STOL is the only twin piston with short take off and landing capabilities compliant to the latest certification amendments. It offers a 3,680kg/ 8,113lb maximum gross weight, while guaranteeing a modern design, wide and comfortable cabin, and 11 seats.

The interior accommodation is enhanced by a central aisle, a dedicated window for each of the nine passengers, no bench or double seats and the best passenger amenities such as USB ports, cabin air conditioning, individual fresh and hot air outlets, dedicated reading light, seat pockets and cup-holders.

The interiors design and the superb view provided by the high wing configuration provide a best-in-class experience for the flights to typically exotic STOL destinations.

Mission accomplishment and flight safety enhancement pass through a modern cockpit with the latest technology, including a state-of-the-art Garmin G1000 NXi avionic system and GFC700 specifically tuned autopilot. An active and connected flight deck (Bluetooth, Flight Stream and Iridium) and a toolbox of modern aids (Wx radar, storm scope, inset map and Synthetic Vision) are provided to reduce workload and fatigue while increasing mission effectiveness.

From the performance perspective the P2012 STOL can easily and more comfortably carry an equivalent payload of the most well known British STOL aircraft while matching its takeoff and landing performances. Moreover, the P2012 STOL can also outperform its useful load by 20% up to a remarkable value of 1284kg/ 2,830lb while performing a STOL mission.,

At maximum takeoff weight of 3,680 kg/ 8,113 lb, the take-off run takes 275m/ 900ft, and to clear the obstacle the takeoff distance is achieved in 425m/ 1395ft. Even better at the 3,630kg maximum landing weight where the landing distance from the obstacle takes only 360m/ 1,180ft, and the impressive ground run requires just 155m/ 510ft.

The P2012 STOL is available in the passenger and multi-mission configurations (combi, cargo, air ambulance). Fully interchangeable, the 11-seat, twin-engine, fixed gear, unpressuried Tecnam can quickly and easily be converted from a nine-passenger carrier into a special-purpose aircraft and back again.

The aircraft's main features are:

- Two flight deck plus nine passenger single seat cabin accommodation.

- Two six cylinders, turbocharged, piston engines.

- Single pilot certified in VFR and IFR.

- PBN certified for GPS approaches.

- No type rating issue/renewal required.

- Easy maintenance.

Following the successful completion of the preliminary P2012 STOL flight test campaign in early 2022, the aircraft has entered its final configuration moving on to the certification phase in 2023.

“For decades, the STOL aircraft market has been left undeveloped and unsupported, leaving operators with very few options for supporting and expanding their operations. Tecnam's response to meeting the needs of these businesses is a modern aircraft that addresses current needs with an innovative solution. Manufacturing the STOL of the 21st century grants accessibility to the world's most remote and challenging commercial airports, increasing the regional connectivity while exceeding customers' expectations,” says Giovanni Pascale, Tecnam's managing director.

“Tecnam took up the challenge of providing a modern, safe and efficient solution to one of the most demanding aircraft commercial missions: the STOL mission. Developing and testing this aircraft provided the opportunity to outperform current ageing aircraft, while facing nowadays more restrictive safety regulations. The P2012 STOL delivers best in class takeoff and landing capabilities while contemporarily offering the latest ergonomic design and passenger comfort, elevating the passengers' experience in the STOL mission to the ultimate aviation standards,” adds Francesco Sferra, P2012 sales and business development manager and experimental test pilot at Tecnam.