The Italian aircraft manufacturer, Tecnam, is preparing for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification and first customer delivery of the company's new P2012 Traveller. The new, high-wing aircraft recently received European Aviation Safety Administration (EASA) type certification. True Blue Power's intelligent, long-life batteries and Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics' 2-inch Standby Attitude Module (SAM) are standard equipment on the highly-anticipated Traveller.

The 11-seat, twin-engine Traveller meets the growing demand to replace thousands of aging FAR23/CS23 aircraft. Launch customer, Cape Air, ordered 20 of the Italian-made aircraft and will replace their existing fleet of Cessna 402s. The Massachusetts-based regional airline is one of the largest in the United States, providing service to more than 525,000 passengers per year. Cape Air will be the world's first airline to place the P2012 into commercial service, and Tecnam has already received orders from many other customers worldwide.

"We are very proud to partner with Tecnam on the P2012 project," said Todd Winter, President and CEO of Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics and True Blue Power. "The certification of the Traveller positions Tecnam as a leading supplier to regional and commuter airlines. Cape Air is a long-time friend and customer of Mid-Continent, and I am certain they will take this aircraft to the next level."

Three intelligent, long-life True Blue Power TB17 (17 amp-hour) lithium-ion batteries deliver significant weight savings, increased useful load, superior high-temperature and cold-weather performance, faster engine starts and reduced carbon emissions. These operational benefits add to the versatility of the technologically-advanced P2012, which can be used for passenger aircraft, medevac, VIP, cargo and other missions.

The Traveller's modern, innovative engineering is evident in the aircraft's advanced flight deck. The avionics suite is based on the latest generation Garmin G1000 Nxi and incorporates Mid-Continent's Standby Attitude Module (SAM). Tecnam utilizes SAM's selectable orientation and compact design to complement the panel. The vertical installation saves space and provides a seamless transition from primary flight displays to standby instruments. SAM is the first digital standby instrument to display attitude, altitude, airspeed, slip, vertical trend and heading information in a unique, 2-inch format.