Tecnam Astore

[FastEddieB]

Just a reminder, and for some perspective...

1) My Sky Arrow weighs a porky 860 lbs or so, with no chute and fairly basic avionics and instrumentation.

2) It only goes about 95k at 5,200 rpm

3) It only holds 17.8 gals usable.

On the one hand, it would be nice if it was lighter and faster and held more fuel.

On the other hand, it is still fully capable of taking me and Karen, full fuel and a modicum of baggage anywhere in the U.S. IOW, we do not feel unduly limited by its "shortcomings".

And on the third hand, with this view, who's complaining?

[Nomore767]

Eddie,

How does the RAM suction mount perform on the left side of your canopy? Ever fall off? Do you take it off after even flight?

I've got an iPad Air but the suction mount doesn't hold as well on the right side of my panel. I've gone back to using the knee board which in many respects is better, however I'm not a huge fan of cables and knee-pads and have considered adding a second screen instead.

[Mark Gregor]

Certainly weight is an issue. The problem is that its very difficult to build a 1320lb aircraft with all the amenities people want that is strong and durable enough to withstand everyday use.

Tecnam has been in business longer than pretty much everyone in the LSA market and is not going to build an aircraft that cannot take a hard landing or two. They are designed and engineered to a different standard. Other LSA companies have been working to make a more durable product and have also gained weight in the process. It is both the structural improvements and added options. If you look at LSA as a whole, a large percentage of insurance claims are from landing incidents due to some fairly fragile landing gears. I believe Tecnam has done very well in this regard and it shows in their safety record. I know there are companies who will insure a Tecnam LSA but unwilling to insure other LSAs.

The customer has to make a choice. A stronger and likely safer aircraft that may on occasion be a few lbs overweight or a lighter aircraft that is always 100% legal.

Take the very popular Cessna 150/152 as an example. If you see two normal sized adults in a 150 you can almost guarantee it is over gross pretty much every time it takes off. They have been flying this way for many years yet nobody seems to point it out regularly. Yes it is illegal yet the FAA has not decided to use their time looking for overweight Cessna 150s. I doubt they will be out looking for slightly overweight LSAs either but I could be wrong. For the record I guarantee you will never hear me recommend to someone to fly overweight.

Its all about choices and we all want to make a case as to why our choice was best. The reality is that if you like the plane you are flying it was the right choice for you. It may or may not be the right choice for everyone else. There are plusses and minuses to every aircraft. My belief is that Tecnam has the most refined and best engineered 2 place Factory built aircraft on the Market. Either LSA or Part 23. I would guess a majority will agree but Im sure not all!
The thing that Tecnam will never compete on is lowest price as many of you have pointed out!

Mark Gregor

[SportPilot]

.......

[Nomore767]

Mark,

'slightly overweight' 'a few pounds overweight'…is that like being slightly pregnant?

A little denial going on here.

[FastEddieB]

Eddie,

How does the RAM suction mount perform on the left side of your canopy? Ever fall off? Do you take it off after even flight?

It's actually two RAM suction cups and arms, attached to the cover/mount supplied by OtterBox, using two RAM balls stuck on with Super-Lock Tape.

A better view:



Holds just fine. Rarely does either suction cup come loose, and even if it does the other is there for backup. I typically leave the suction cups there all the time, removing the arms for local trips. Often leave the whole kit and caboodle in place, sans iPad, just popping out the iPad at fuel stops, let's say.

Best part was I had all the components lying around, making the installation virtually free.

[Nomore767]

Okay thanks for that!

Didn't realise it was the old 'double suction-cup' trick!!

[MrMorden]

I had a single RAM suction cup mounting a full sized iPad on the side window of my CTSW for over a year. I never took it off and it never got loose or fell off, even with large changes in temperature and humidity.

[Flocker]

I know there are companies who will insure a Tecnam LSA but unwilling to insure other LSAs.

Just curious, which company are you referring to?

[drseti]

I'm guessing that would be the Tecnam Insurance Agency.

[Mark Gregor]

Flocker,

Im not going to call out individual insurance companies here. If you are looking for suggestions on Tecnam insurance please feel free to contact me. Be happy to help.

From my experience helping to insure both Tecnams and other LSAs, both for myself and customers, I can tell you ins companies have concern about the high rate of landing incident and accidents some LSAs have. Some companies have decided they will not continue to insure LSAs anymore or only certain makes or models. Another concern is the availability of parts after an accident. Because of Tecnams safety/accident record and being in business since 1948 and still producing parts for all the models, they are in a little better situation.

Paul,

Not sure what you meant but Tecnam does not provide insurance for their customers directly.

Mark Gregor
Tecnam US Inc.
507-327-9465

[drseti]

I know that, Mark. I was being facetious.

[Flocker]

If you are looking for suggestions on Tecnam insurance please feel free to contact me. Be happy to help.

PM sent.