Tecnam celebrates the first flight of the 'Astore' next-generation Light Sport Aircraft

Tecnam today revealed the successful first flight of the Tecnam Astore LSA took place at its Capua production facility on the 27th of May.

The Tecnam Astore is an all new two seat, low wing aeroplane that offers superlative performance and value. It was recently premiered as part of Tecnam's 65th anniversary celebrations at Aero 2013 Friedrichshafen, Germany.

Commanded by Tecnam's Test Pilot, Captain Enzo De Blasio, the Tecnam Astore performed a flawless maiden flight.

Captain De Blasio commented after the successful first flight "The Astore's behavior noted from the taxi up to landing includes really short ground roll radius and good feeling with the oleopneumatic shock absorber on nose gear. Incredible high elevator power during high speed roll and improved efficiency can be immediately recognized once airborne. With engine OFF glide, the efficiency ratio is higher than the Tecnam P2002 and will measured with more accuracy during the flight test programme.

All the promises on this wonderful, comfortable, quiet and fast aircraft are going to become true!"

Combining beautiful Italian styling, the latest technological innovations, higher standards of comfort and very low purchase and operating costs, the Tecnam Astore has been developed by Tecnam's renowned Head of Aircraft Design, Professor Luigi Pascale.

The Tecnam 'Astore' design affords the pilot the smoothest and most pleasurable flight with innovations such as an Apple iPad® mini supplied with each aircraft as standard. The Levil G Mini, using its WiFi connection, provides a full Primary Flight Display on the iPad® mini using compatible third party applications such as Air Navigation Pro or similar. Additionally, the pre-installed dedicated app will compute the actual Weight and Balance, provide checklists and include all the Pilot Operating Handbook sections. Everything at the piots fingertips!

Low operating costs are assured through Tecnam's close association with Rotax. All of this results in a remarkably efficient aeroplane, with customers being offered a choice of how they want their Tecnam Astore' powered, be it with the Rotax 912ULS, the all new 912iS or the Rotax 914 engine. Operators may choose both MOGAS and AVGAS to fuel their Astore.