Surprised there was no running thread on this aircraft, so I thought I'd provide an update. It has entered service with Cape Air in large numbers and some smaller operators around the world. But the aircraft seems to have some serious teething problems, primarily related to its advanced FADEC equipped engines. Very interesting to note that the Britten Norman Islander does not have FADEC equipped engines. Based on what I've read about these 2 aircraft, I feel that the Islander is the better airplane for bush flying missions where you need the most rugged, versatile aircraft possible, while the Tecnam excels at commuter flights where you need to pack in as much luggage as possible, and passenger comfort is a top priority.
Below are some comments that Cape Air pilots have been saying about the P2012 on a pilots forum.
"Saw a plane the other day that had TWELVE PAGES of engine write ups in a single inspection period and was still on the line. There were 8 tecnams grounded in the Midwest yesterday. This “FADEC” on a piston twin is not meant for commercial use. Everything inside feels cheap and plasticky. The P212 itself is a minivan with wings, and it flies like a minivan without wings when you go to idle. The narrow wheelbase and high wings makes it sketchy in crosswind. The wheel struts sometimes don’t compress on landing leaving you taxiing 10 degrees wing-low on one side. This is “normal,” lol."
"There has been all sorts of stuff… landing gear, electrical, exterior trim, spraying oil, crew doors, tail stand, cargo door, ice detection, heater exhaust to name a few. I get it’s an A model and this stuff is fixed as it pops up but it’s almost like we’re experimenting on passengers. At least they’re grounding the fleet when things do pop up instead of pushing the envelope but that also causes problems with service when you don’t have enough planes on line "
