PIREP - Tecnam P92 checkout

[zaitcev]

A couple days ago I scored a checkout in P92 with oceanairflightservices.com. Before getting there, I had a fit check in their P2002 (a low wing), and although the canopy closed, there wasn't any space above the head. So, Evektor remains peerless in this regard among the low-wing LSAs.

The P92, obviously, has no problem with the headroom. And the visibility is better than in Remos, owning to narrower door frames and different front pillars. One thing I did not mention in my Remos report is that the legroom is compromised too. I eventually adopted a position in which I intentionally create an interference between feet, which allows me to cruise at least somewhat coordinated. In P92 I can use a natural foot position.

Fuel in P92 is fed from wing tanks and the checkout airplane definitely drew more from the left side. We only flew for 1 hour and had to resort to cutting off the left tank. Unlike the C150, P92 has two fuel valves.

With my low hours I am not the best reviewer of flight qualities, so just one thing: P92 really likes to glide, and its flaps do not create much drag. In a way it was much like landing a Mooney. We went to Hollister for practicing, and as my instructor urged me to descend, I was concerned that I would land short at first. Then I started coming in flatter and became afraid to snatch the airport fence. It's a good thing that P92 slips quite nicely, because I feel like needing it.

Again, there's not much frame of reference for me to draw upon, especially since Michael babies his N28GX so much and puts all the newest electronics in it, while N137LM is a steam gauge panel. P92 fits me much better, but I like the way GX flies more. In GX I only need to point it with the joystick generally in the right direction and it goes there, while P92 I actually have to fly, like any other airplane.

[Jack Tyler]

Here's a quick link to view the P92 along with the rest of the Tecnam fleet, to go along with zaitcev's post:

http://www.tecnam.net/Models.php

How would you describe the build quality of this a/c, relative to its age and level of use?

[zaitcev]

I don't have an eye for build quality. I would not even know where to look. For example, I'm not bothered by blind rivets on SportCruiser. P92 looks like an ok airplane to me.

[ming1000]

I got my SP ticket in P92; it's a very nice plane, it's seat is higher than CT, SportStar, so the view is much better than those two.

For controls, you really need positive input to make it to know what you want and need hard foot work to make a coordinate turn.

[eidolon45]

Interesting posts. I have most of my training hours in a P-92 - Some in the Echo, but most in the Eaglet. Very comparable aircraft, but I finally soloed in the Eaglet. I also have flown the Remos GX, as well as a 2002 Sierra and a Sky Arrow. Don't have the "tallness" challenge of Zaitcv, but generally agree with his newbie assessments. My one experience in the Sky Arrow (another Italian LSA) also impressed me. It is heavier, tandem, pusher and a lot of fun. I found it easier to handle and land. Too bad there is such a limited number of them stateside and they have limitations on useful load.