Cape Air orders 1 Tecnam 2012

[surveypilot]

http://www.aopa.org/aircraft/articl...ter.html?WT.mc_id=110415epilot&WT.mc_sect=gan

"The P2012 came about with what the company called an “expression of interest” request from Cape Air, a short-haul regional airline with routes in the Northeast with Continental Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines as codesharing partners. Tecnam responded, and Cape Air signed for its first P2012 at the AERO show."

 

[ackattacker]

http://www.aopa.org/aircraft/articl...ter.html?WT.mc_id=110415epilot&WT.mc_sect=gan

"The P2012 came about with what the company called an “expression of interest” request from Cape Air, a short-haul regional airline with routes in the Northeast with Continental Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines as codesharing partners. Tecnam responded, and Cape Air signed for its first P2012 at the AERO show."

Here's a link with photo of cabin mockup:

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/04/13/355536/aero11-tecnam-unveils-three-new-aircraft.html

 

[ackattacker]

More pictures and description, looks ideal for Cape Air's operation.

http://www.aeromarkt.net/index.php?&lng=1&cll=editorial&ID=2241

 

[kingairpilot]

How cute. A 21st century Twin Otter. Seriously though, this is great news for Cape Air and the 10.000's of pax that they fly. When you are flying a route structure that doesn't have enough demand for a 1900 it's tough to find an airplane that is the right size. Guess the only other option would be a Caravan...this seems nicer.

ka

 

[surveypilot]

There is a definite need for this airplane. The key will be how reliable it is. The many operators of Chieftains and 400 series twin Cessna's will be watching this airplane closely. IF they can get it to market at close to the price point they are claiming, and IF it will be as reliable as a commuter airplane has to be, Tecnam will sell a ton of them.

 

[ackattacker]

Seriously though, this is great news for Cape Air and the 10.000's of pax that they fly. When you are flying a route structure that doesn't have enough demand for a 1900 it's tough to find an airplane that is the right size. Guess the only other option would be a Caravan...this seems nicer.

ka

You'd be very surprised at how many pax Cape Air flies yearly. Over 700,000. You'll also find that they can easily beat the operating cost of a single 1900 with 2 402's and offer greater frequency of service.

 

[kingairpilot]

all I will add is WOW.

 

[Bringupthebird]

A re-make of the CE404 Turboprop would do well.

 

[CrimsonEclipse]

Not thrilled about the use of piston engines.
At least the Lycoming TEO-540-A1A will use FADEC.
I'm assuming there will be much lower maintenance considering it is fixed gear.
I'd like to know if it is a composite or conventional construction.

It would seem that a Cessna Caravan could do the same job for a similar price point.

If the maintenance is MUCH lower than a Caravan, FedEx would take notice.

As would many Twin Cessna owners.

 

[Bringupthebird]

AVGAS is going to dry up in the near future. Why would anyone spend the money developing an airplane that has no fuel?

 

[CrimsonEclipse]

AVGAS is going to dry up in the near future. Why would anyone spend the money developing an airplane that has no fuel?

They are hoping to certify the new engines for 100LL, that 97UL stuff and MoGas.

Even though the mock up has 6 levers on the power quadrant, it will likely be single lever operation (each engine).

I still want to see the numbers.

 

[340drvr]

It would seem that a Cessna Caravan could do the same job for a similar price point.

I can only guess that strategically, Cape Air (and Tecnam) have decided that, despite the PT-6's near-bulletproof reputation, a single-engine plane is not a viable option (may or may not be a valid opinion).

 

[jmreii]

I can only guess that strategically, Cape Air (and Tecnam) have decided that, despite the PT-6's near-bulletproof reputation, a single-engine plane is not a viable option (may or may not be a valid opinion).

Single-engine aircraft are an excellent option if operating costs are a concern. If operating costs are not an option then look around the airline/aviation industry for the lastest financial disasters splashing across the morning business pages. I need a bottle of pepto about now!

 

[ackattacker]

Single-engine aircraft are an excellent option if operating costs are a concern. If operating costs are not an option then look around the airline/aviation industry for the lastest financial disasters splashing across the morning business pages. I need a bottle of pepto about now!

I don't have all the numbers but operating costs of a single PT-6 vs. two Lycomings, the 2 piston engines are probably far cheaper.

The Caravan PT-6 has a TBO of only around 3500 hours with a hot-section before that. Cape Air has extended the TBO of the TSIO-520VB's in the C402 out to nearly 3000 hours. A brand new engine is only around $40k vs. roughly $250k for a Pt-6 overhaul and probably at least $50k at the hot.

Then there's fuel... AvGas is more expensive then Jet-A but in theory the Tecnam will burn MoGas. Anyway, the fuel burn on the piston engines is much lower. Roughly the numbers for taxi/climb/cruise fuel flow for the Tecnam would be 4/60/30 gph, for the Caravan, 15/80/55. That's a big difference, particularly when you're going short distances.

 

[CitationUltra]

A re-make of the CE404 Turboprop would do well.

The 404 Turboprop is still made, by Reims in France. It is a 404 with PT-6s and the CE441 wing.

 

[whatfuelpolicy]

I have about 270 hours in the new Tecnam P2006T and it is an awesome aircraft. 145KIAS all day long at an average of 5gph per side. I flew it non-stop from DTO-CEW in 4.7. Tecnam does it right and the airplanes are built with the pilots in mind. Very comfortable aircraft to be in for long rides.