What Options are Must Have in a P2008?

[Adam]

Greetings everyone!  I'm new to Tecnam Talk so go easy on me...  I have been a Sport Pilot since 2009.  I trained in a SportCruiser at SMO and have owned 3 Flight Designs over the years including a 2006 CTSW, 2012 CTLS and a 2015 CTLSi.   I have decided to buy / order a new P2008 and become a "Tecnam Guy".   Looking for some input from those that fly the P2008 to answer the basic question:

What options would you want if you were ordering a P2008 today?   912iS v 914?   Which brakes?  Which advanced panel and airframe options?

Thanks for any input.  This isn't necessarily about just cost - its about getting the right options and configuration that will last me a long time.  (I don't want to be the guy that says "I wish I would have added this" 30 days after delivery!)

Adam

www.CoffeyAviation.com
Fullerton Airport - KFUL

[Cluemeister]

Hi Adam, and welcome. I'm guessing the answers you'll get might match what the message poster has purchased!

For me, I bought a 2016 P2008 with a 914 turbo, dual G3x, and a chute. The turbo power has been great, but I've had nagging carb issues when I apply full power (115%). I'm looking forward to getting those carb issues resolved and enjoying my 914 to its full capacity. The chute reduces useful load, but as the P2008 is certified to a higher weight in Europe, I don't mind flying at US max gross. I bought the original Matco brakes and tires, and had tire/tube issues, so I've upgraded to the Beringers with tubeless tires recently.

I'm also adding a Garmin dash mount AOA indicator. Even though I have one on the G3X screen, I want to have one that is in my field of vision while looking outside.

Paint and interior I plan to upgrade in the future, but I should have done that at ordering. Those definitely fall into the "I wish I would have added this" category. So after all this rambling, I would say if I did it again:

- 914
- chute
- dual G3x
- Beringers
- Paint and interior upgrade
- Assuming you'll have heated pitot, night lights, etc. already.

Thanks for asking and welcome again!

[Flocker]

Welcome to Tecnam Talk! I'm sure you'll get some good feedback here. What is your mission most of the time?

[Glenn]

Jan 4, 2018 14:52:42 GMT Adam said:

Greetings everyone!  I'm new to Tecnam Talk so go easy on me...  I have been a Sport Pilot since 2009.  I trained in a SportCruiser at SMO and have owned 3 Flight Designs over the years including a 2006 CTSW, 2012 CTLS and a 2015 CTLSi.   I have decided to buy / order a new P2008 and become a "Tecnam Guy".   Looking for some input from those that fly the P2008 to answer the basic question:

What options would you want if you were ordering a P2008 today?   912iS v 914?   Which brakes?  Which advanced panel and airframe options?

Thanks for any input.  This isn't necessarily about just cost - its about getting the right options and configuration that will last me a long time.  (I don't want to be the guy that says "I wish I would have added this" 30 days after delivery!)

Adam

www.CoffeyAviation.com
Fullerton Airport - KFUL

Hi Adam, welcome to TecnamTalk. 

First, if you haven't already done so, go fly a couple of different P2008 and see what you think.  Assuming you can travel a little, I'm sure any of us will gladly give you a ride in a P2008. (I'm just a bit north of DFW.)  Order a plane that fits the flying YOU plan to do.  You could just add all the options that every one else did and think you've got the "perfect plane" but I'd advise against that.  

I suggest your option list should start with dual G3X Touch, autopilot, and ADS-B IN & OUT.

Can you tell us a little of how you might use your P2008 and what you think is important?  

Glenn

[Adam]

Jan 4, 2018 16:19:25 GMT Flocker said:

Welcome to Tecnam Talk! I'm sure you'll get some good feedback here. What is your mission most of the time?

Most of the time I play inside a 3 hour box.   I seldom ever wander farther.   I am mostly a fair weather burger chaser who thinks the fun is getting there, not necessarily being there! (although for my wife its being there so she keeps me in balance)  Common flights to Vegas, Nor Cal, Reno/Tahoe, Phoenix, San Diego etc.  There is some mountain flying (Big Bear, Mammoth, Reno).  Flying out of Fullerton, CA I can be in the mountains having a snow ball fight (Big Bear L35) to an Island 26 miles off the coast (Catalina KAVX) and wind up by the pool (Palm Springs KPSP) all in the course of an afternoon if I wanted.  Some great destination short hops in my area.

Glass, autopilot, BRS, premium paint and interior are all "givens" for me.  I like the idea of big boy tubeless tires (so tired of pinched tubes in split wheel Matco's).   The P2008 really feels like a plane that could "take me home" (last the rest of my flying career).

Thanks for the input.

Adam

www.CoffeyAviation.com

Fullerton Airport - KFUL

[Adam]

Jan 4, 2018 17:09:21 GMT Glenn said:

Jan 4, 2018 14:52:42 GMT Adam said:

First, if you haven't already done so, go fly a couple of different P2008 and see what you think.  Assuming you can travel a little, I'm sure any of us will gladly give you a ride in a P2008. (I'm just a bit north of DFW.)  Order a plane that fits the flying YOU plan to do.  You could just add all the options that every one else did and think you've got the "perfect plane" but I'd advise against that.  

I suggest your option list should start with dual G3X Touch, autopilot, and ADS-B IN & OUT.

Can you tell us a little of how you might use your P2008 and what you think is important?  

Glenn

Hi Glenn,  One thing I didn't cover in my last post "what I think is important".    Safety, Comfort, Capable...   Dual G3X Touch, autopilot and ADSB in/out are definite needs.  I question which wheels / brakes.  I question 914 (carbs but turbo) v 912iS (fuel injected but no turbo).   Other than G1000 in my 172/182 days, I have been flying with Dynon for a long time, so not sure which Garmin options are important.   I will do the BRS (as much for my wife's comfort as my own).  

[ChiMike]

Adam,

While I’ve not owned a CTLS I’ve flown several, did part of my training in CT’s (and in smaller Tecnams.) But when it same time to make my purchase decision I had no hesitation on a P2008 turbo with a chute. Mine is a 2015 that I bought from the original owner at 125 hours, so all the upgrades were his choices.

That said, I’d change nothing in how he equipped the plane: full Garmin glass and auto pilot, BRS system, and 914 turbo engine, and ADS-B in and out. The engine is a few pounds more, and probably .5-.7 gallons per hour in fuel at cruise than the 912is—but it definitely is a deal maker for takeoffs fully loaded+ at higher temps and higher density altitudes. And when you want to change altitude during cruise or need altitude to get over the hills, it is great to have.

I do not have the tire/brake package others have mentioned and I’ve had no issues to date.

One option on the plane is a Garmin 650 Nav system. Yes, an IMC/ILS capability is overkill on a plane that isn’t certified for flight in those conditions—but, the original owner knew he could train (VFR ) for his instrument proficiencies. The G3X panels are slaved through the GTN, and it is a remarkable system. Expensive, but pretty cool. Tied in with the auto pilot, the plane is simply a stable and amazing platform for cross country jaunts and quite comfortable. I’d strongly recommend the Sirius weather and music app add ones.

Congrats on your choice— I think the P2008 is the best value proposition out there for a truly cross country capable new airplane.

[buzz]

Hi Adam welcome to the group. I have seen your YouTube videos with your CT. I have a 2008 with 914 Dynon Skyview Touch with Dynon Comm, Auto Pilot, Knob Panel, ADSB in/out, and Intercom. Also Garmin 796 in the middle. Also got the paint and upholstery upgrades. Love the 2008.

I am one of the few here with Dynon. Love Dynon. Spent a long time making the decision between Dynon and Garmin. I liked the fact that when Dynon added touch they retained all of the button/knob functions. Not a real fan of touch when flying. Also not a fan of the very reflective G3X screens and greasy finger prints. Either way both Dynon and Garmin are great options. The technology is crazy cool. I live 1 hour from Dynon so that's nice as well. I really like the 796. I have it in a docking station that is tilted 15 degrees towards the pilot. I enjoy being able to pop the 796 out of the panel and take it home for flight planning.

Very happy with 914. Was originally going for the 912IS for the efficiency but changed to 914 for the turbo. It's hard to beat the 914 when you are dealing with tall ground and high DA's. Have taken off at two airports with 8200ft DA's. Full fuel, two adults, bags....no problem. I think Jetcat has even had a higher DA take off. I bet you would love the 914 on those Big Bear trips.

I wanted the BRS but decided against. Was very concerned with total weight. I honestly don't know how the others that have essentially the same options as well as the BRS are dealing with the weight. I have a hard time as it is and I am only 150lbs and my wife 105.

I have not switched to the Beringer brakes yet. Everybody else says they are the best. I would have these put on at the beginning.

One other thing that I am working on is inflatable PFD's. Quite a bit of water here in the Seattle area and my swimming skills are not good. I purchased two Switlik Aviator PFD's. My plan is to ware proactively when my flight involves a lot of over the water flying. In addition I want to be able to quickly donn the PFD in an emergency. So to that end I am working on adding pockets to the seatbacks so that I can reach back over the shoulders and pull the PFD up then over my head then down and buckled. The Switlik Aviator first goes over the head then buckled at waist. Many PFD's are put on like a jacket but that makes it hard to put on in an emergency when sitting in a seat.

[jetcat3]

Welcome to Tecnam Talk Adam! I’ve seen a lot of your videos online. They helped greatly in learning more about the CTLSi. That’s awesome you’re ordering a P2008!

If you’re going to be flying around the Tahoe area from time to time I’d definitely recommend the 914. My Dad and I flew out of West Yellowstone at 6,650ft with a DA at 8,800ft and we were still climbing at 750ft per minute fully loaded as well.

G3X touch is amazing, as is the Garmin autopilot. I instruct with Dynon avionics practically everyday and do enjoy them as well, but I prefer the G3X touch overall.

[Adam]

Jan 5, 2018 6:42:24 GMT buzz said:

"...I am one of the few here with Dynon. Love Dynon. Spent a long time making the decision between Dynon and Garmin..."

"...One other thing that I am working on is inflatable PFD's..."

Thanks for your input Buzz!

I have been flying Dynon for quite awhile and feel comfortable in the platform.  One of the things I loved about Dynon was the free software updates!   I'm leaning Garmin this time just to be different but would begrudge no one that chooses Dynon.  It has really evolved into a solid Garmin alternative (which helps keep prices down for all of us).

On the PFD.  I too fly over the ocean and since one of my YouTube videos included an engine problem where I would have had to ditch if my engine quit, I take water safety very seriously!   I'll take my chances in a lake ditch scenario, but If I'm over the Pacific Ocean I am not just equipped with flotation, I'm wearing it.  I have flown with 2 styles.   The one that has been least problematic (in terms of comfort and seat belt use) is this one:

www.sportys.com/pilotshop/belt-pack-life-vest.html

I tend to rest it just above my seat belt when in a seated position.

I also own this one - but it is a little more clunky when wearing a shoulder harness (at least in my CT) so most of the time I just put on the fanny pack.

www.sportys.com/pilotshop/aviator-life-vest.html

[Adam]

Jan 5, 2018 15:53:08 GMT jetcat3 said:

Welcome to Tecnam Talk Adam! I’ve seen a lot of your videos online. They helped greatly in learning more about the CTLSi. That’s awesome you’re ordering a P2008!

If you’re going to be flying around the Tahoe area from time to time I’d definitely recommend the 914. My Dad and I flew out of West Yellowstone at 6,650ft with a DA at 8,800ft and we were still climbing at 750ft per minute fully loaded as well.

G3X touch is amazing, as is the Garmin autopilot. I instruct with Dynon avionics practically everyday and do enjoy them as well, but I prefer the G3X touch overall.

Thanks Jetcat,

The P2008 (for high wing fans) and Astore (for those who like low wing) are just downright sexy.  Different price point (v. CT) to be sure but the look and feel is that of a certified aircraft (I know it is certified in Europe).  Tecnam quality, robust build, fit and finish is definitely in a different league!  CT a bit more utilitarian and home brew feel.  I had specific reasons for choosing CT but most of those reasons have evaporated as Tecnam's presence in the USA has increased and the CT's evolution has caused useful load to decrease.  Time to make the switch!  I'm excited. 

[buzz]

You know Adam I don't think it's all about what's the best. Whether it's high wing or low wing, Garmin or Dynon, 914 or 912IS or whatever. I think it's all about Flying. We all love flying. So to me it gets down to what do I like. What fits my needs and my mission. Airplanes are cool and that's what is important. When I was looking for a plane I found all kinds of things in other planes that I liked. In the end however it was the 2008 and my option choices that fit my mission and needs. I am very happy with what I got.

By the way your second listed PFD is the one I use.

[cole505]

Hi Adam,

Welcome aboard! Sounds like your well briefed on what to make sure you get on your new P-2008 I have the Beringer, Brs, glass, deluxe paint, leather seats, and I wish I had the 914 turbo I live in Las Vegas and do a lot of mountain flying. In most of the places you have mentioned in previous posts. Look forward to hearing about you becoming fimilar with your new P-2008 it really is a wonderful airplane to fly!

Ray & Lucy 🐾😎👍🏻😊😊🇺🇸✅

[Flocker]

Jan 4, 2018 14:52:42 GMT Adam said:

I have decided to buy / order a new P2008 and become a "Tecnam Guy".   

Adam

Any updates to speak of?

[ChiMike]

Adam, has not seen if you’d picked up your plane or had any feedback on your decision?