P2008 Getting IFR certified?

[keithn208ta]

Hello!

Has anyone had luck or tried to get their P2008 certified IFR?  I have a Garmin 650 on order which will pair with my older G3X.  Once in, my avionics themselves will be fully IFR capable with WAAS GPS.  My avionics shop is getting an approval letter for the 650 installation, but I am curious if anyone has been able to also get Tecnam to issue an IFR certification for their plane as well?

[WinP]

I don't know the process but you have to get the plane re-registered as Experimental. I don't know that Tecnam issues any certification. Grant Opperman just sold his P2008 and I know he went through the process successfully.

I'm happy to talk offline and can give you Grant's contact info. Also I'd love to compare notes, I have a P2008 that should be delivered relatively soon and I am thinking about putting in some kind of IFR navigator, whether the 650 or just a GPS one like the 175. But I don't think I want to convert it to an IFR-legal machine.

[grantopperman]

Sept 7, 2022 13:49:30 GMT WinP said:

I don't know the process but you have to get the plane re-registered as Experimental. I don't know that Tecnam issues any certification. Grant Opperman just sold his P2008 and I know he went through the process successfully.

I'm happy to talk offline and can give you Grant's contact info. Also I'd love to compare notes, I have a P2008 that should be delivered relatively soon and I am thinking about putting in some kind of IFR navigator, whether the 650 or just a GPS one like the 175. But I don't think I want to convert it to an IFR-legal machine.

I’m still lurking here, too. Feel free to ask any questions and I’ll help however I am able.

[Ed Midgley]

I converted to E LSA and the operating limitations state it’s legal IFR.
I’m pretty sure that’s the only option as Tecnam isn’t likely to issue a LOA.
That said if your plane meets all the requirements for IFR flight I’m not sure the FAA cares what the manufacturer says.
Ed

[grantopperman]

Sept 8, 2022 11:42:21 GMT Ed Midgley said:

I converted to E LSA and the operating limitations state it’s legal IFR.
I’m pretty sure that’s the only option as Tecnam isn’t likely to issue a LOA.
That said if your plane meets all the requirements for IFR flight I’m not sure the FAA cares what the manufacturer says.
Ed

That's exactly right as Ed said it. The one potential issue to think about is that each FSDO is its own fiefdom: Rulings and cooperative spirit may vary by geography. If I were contemplating that change, I'd probably talk to the one that has jurisdiction over your area and make sure they are willing to work with you.

On a practical, not regulatory, level, also think about why you want IFR capability. P2008s are amazing, wonderful machines. There's no reason in the world you shouldn't be able to use one and file IFR to transit complex airspaces "in the system." I also was completely comfortable shooting an approach through a non-icing layer to good visibility below or climbing up through a layer to VFR conditions on top. 

However, having flown about 2,500 hours in all kinds of conditions and with all kinds of equipment up to FIKI aircraft, I wouldn't fly a Tecnam in anything more than gentleman's instrument conditions. These aren't the planes for truly challenging weather missions.

[keithn208ta]

Thanks everyone! Grant - I completely agree about "gentleman's IFR". I don't have any interest in pushing the plane past anything more than say low cloud cover on an overcast day to light rainy, lower vis days. Complex/challenging IFR days to me are still a "no go" "no fun" flying. But since the plane will have full IFR capabilities from an avionics perspective, I see no reason not to make sure it's fully legal if those situations arise. Sounds like I really need to get with my local FSDO on this. I did also wonder like what Ed says - if the plane is meets all the book requirements for IFR flight, does the FAA really care what the manufacturer says. Again, good question for the FSDO. I'll keep everyone posted!

[keithn208ta]

Sept 7, 2022 13:49:30 GMT WinP said:

I don't know the process but you have to get the plane re-registered as Experimental. I don't know that Tecnam issues any certification. Grant Opperman just sold his P2008 and I know he went through the process successfully.

I'm happy to talk offline and can give you Grant's contact info. Also I'd love to compare notes, I have a P2008 that should be delivered relatively soon and I am thinking about putting in some kind of IFR navigator, whether the 650 or just a GPS one like the 175. But I don't think I want to convert it to an IFR-legal machine.

Win - I'd love to connect offline.  You'll love the P2008.  I'll let you know when the 650 comes in and we can compare notes!