Tecnam announced today the certification of the low-wing P2002 Sierra MkII light aircraft to the new German 600kg rules. The latest version of the EASA Basic Regulation now allows for 600kg MTOW Ultralight (UL) aircraft under the control of the CAA's of the member states.

Germany is the first country to declare the opt-out, implementing the new- regulation German 600kg technical LTFUL 2018 rules. It is also the first country to develop and publish the necessary airworthiness requirements for these aircraft, delegating the certification process to the DULV (Deutscher Ultraleichtflugverband e.V.) agency. The new certification of the Sierra MkII is of great importance, since the German Type approval is recognised in many European countries. The increased weight allowance means greater safety, as the aircraft can be equipped with a parachute, more avionics and more fuel.

All else remains unchanged. The Tecnam P2002 Sierra MkII retains all the features and flying qualities that have established the aircraft's position in the marketplace: an improved cabin for greater comfort, the latest avionics, new paint colours, several interior options and a redesigned cowling for the 100HP Rotax engine.

- Larger cabin, with new premium interior design

- Redesigned canopy with more headroom, and new locking mechanism that reduces noise levels

- Seats with extra fore and aft adjustment

- Sleeker engine cowling

- Very latest in avionics

- Several options for paint colours and interior fabrics.

The MkII offers state-of-the-art technology in a jet-style cockpit. Customers can choose from an extensive range of options, starting with the basic analogue instruments needed for visual flight, a six-pack analogue with Garmin GPS, the Garmin G3X which features twin 10.6-inch screens, and the Garmin G3X touch suite.

The largest range of options is for Interior and exterior styling, with four choices for every style package: Standard, Premium and Power. For the exterior, the range of paint schemes includes new metallic colours which can be matched to the seats, cabin sides and instrument panel covering. The customer is free to choose whatever suits their imagination and taste.

In non-European countries, the P2002 SIERRA MkII is available in the Ultralight, US Light Sport Aircraft and Experimental categories, whereas the certified version, the P2002JF, is available as the European CS-VLA and soon the CS23 IFR.