Tecnam has received a Major Change Approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certifying the P2002JF with a variable-pitch propeller.
Tecnam made the change to enable flying schools to use the P2002 for complex type training. The new prop is expected to deliver several improvements over the standard model, including:
- Increase in cruise speed of 5-7 knots
- Increase in rate-of-climb of 150-200 ft/min
- Lower noise levels
- Better control over fuel consumption
The variable-pitch unit adds just 5 kg to the basic empty weight, in comparison to a traditional fixed-pitch propeller aircraft. With more weight in the nose, flying qualities are improved with a forward CoG, rather than an aft CoG. Any performance loss due to this modest CoG shift is compensated for by better propeller power ratio.