65 Years Later ... Tecnam
Astore Flies!
By Dan Johnson, June 5, 2013
I just wrote about Van's Aircraft, a 41-year-old company
that just came out with their first ready-to-fly airplane.
Now I want to talk about a 65-year-old company and a 65-year
old airplane design, Astore.
First
came a 1948 Astore. Recently the 2013 Astore — just unveiled
to the public last month at the Aero show — took to the air
on its first flight. The Italian company showed again that
they can take one of Professor Luigi's new designs and
achieve it in a remarkably short time.
Head of Aircraft Design for Tecnam through the
decades, Luigi Pascale will celebrate his 90th birthday
later this year. As a young man he designed the first Astore
and many more aircraft since. Yet this senior engineer
seemingly doesn't need a rest. Company Managing
Director Paolo Pascale said of his uncle, "He is enjoying
the design work ... it keeps him alive!"
Tecnam's Astore is their all-new two-seat, low-wing,
next-generation Light-Sport airplane celebrated
as part of the company's 65th Anniversary. On May 27th, 2013
Tecnam test pilot Enzo De Blasio reported the newest model
performed a flawless maiden flight. "Astore's behavior noted
from taxi to landing includes really short ground roll
radius and good feeling with the oleopneumatic shock
absorber on nose gear," he reported. "Incredibly high
elevator power during high speed roll and improved
efficiency can be immediately recognized once airborne." He
added, "All the promises of this wonderful, comfortable,
quiet and fast aircraft are going to become true!"
Astore's instrument panel incorporates an Apple iPad® mini
that is supplied with each aircraft
as standard equipment. Combined with Levil's G Mini and
using its WiFi connection, iPad® Mini provides a full
primary flight display using compatible third party
applications such as Air Navigation Pro or similar.
Additionally, Tecnam reports a pre-installed, dedicated app
will compute the actual weight and balance, provide
checklists, and include all the Pilot Operating Handbook
sections. "Low operating costs are assured through Tecnam's
close association with Rotax Aircraft Engines," added the
company.
Teaming up with the leading engine producer joined to an
efficient airframe, Tecnam offers customers a choice: the
proven carbureted Rotax 912ULS, fuel injected 912iS, or the
turbocharged Rotax 914 engine ... any of which can work on
mogas, avgas, or a mixture of either in any ratio. |
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