What is the difference between the Tecnam P2008 and P2010?

The P2008 is a two-seat ab-initio airframe powered by the Rotax 912 (100 hp) and certified under both EASA CS-LSA and FAR Part 23. The P2010 is a four-seat IFR-capable airframe powered by the Lycoming IO-360 (180 hp), IO-390 (215 hp), or the Continental CD-170 Jet-A diesel — positioned directly against the Cessna 172S and Piper Archer.

Is the Tecnam P2010 a viable Cessna 172 alternative?

Yes. CAE, L3Harris Flight Academy, Purdue University, and Epic Flight Academy operate P2010 fleets at scale as a 172 / Archer-class alternative. Cabin width (47.2 inches) is wider than the 172's, and the carbon fuselage gives a modern composite airframe at a comparable price point.

Does the Tecnam P2010 burn Jet-A?

Variant-dependent. The P2010 with the Lycoming IO-360 or IO-390 burns 100LL avgas. The P2010 TDI variant burns Jet-A through the Continental CD-170 piston diesel and is the typical choice for European ATOs that want to standardise on Jet-A across the fleet.

Tecnam

P2008 / P2010

Single-engine pistonPrimary trainer2010s onward — modernin production

Power: 180 hp
Cruise: 136 kt
MTOW: 2,557 lb
Range: 720 nm
Fuel: 100LL avgas

Reference data only — never for flight planning or operational use.

This entry is a fleet-research reference for flight school operators. Always consult the actual aircraft's POH (Pilot's Operating Handbook), the manufacturer's latest service documents, and the relevant FAA / EASA TCDS for any operational decision — flight planning, weight and balance, performance calculations, fuel loading, regulatory compliance, or maintenance scheduling. Numbers shown here are POH-typical for the family's representative variant under standard conditions and are not a substitute for type- and airframe-specific data.

Editorial confidence: Medium confidenceLast reviewed 2026-05-05

2 primary sources cited. Spec data is partially attributed; some operating details are editorial synthesis pending additional research.

View 3 disclaimers specific to this entry

Performance data
Reference data only — never use this entry for flight planning, weight and balance, performance calculations, fuel loading, or any operational decision. Numbers shown are POH-typical for the family's representative variant and standard conditions. Real-world numbers vary by airframe age, weight, density altitude, engine condition, and configuration. Always consult the actual aircraft's POH and the manufacturer's latest service documents.
Cost data
Cost ranges are illustrative reference figures for fleet planning. Actual acquisition, rental, and operating costs vary substantially by region, airframe age, engine and avionics generation, and local market conditions. Numbers should be validated against current quotes from local brokers, schools, and maintenance providers before any commercial decision.
Operator list
Operator lists capture schools and programmes we know to fly the type at scale. Lists are not exhaustive, may include operators that have changed fleets since publication, and should be treated as starting points for verification rather than current customer lists.

🇺🇸Specs shown in Imperial.

Performance

Cruise speed (Vc)136 kt
Never-exceed speed (Vne)180 kt
Stall (landing config) (Vs0)51 kt
Climb rate750 fpm
Service ceiling14,000 ft
Range720 nm
Endurance6 h
Takeoff roll1,310 ft
Landing roll750 ft

Weights

MTOW2,557 lb
Empty weight1,675 lb
Useful load882 lb
Baggage capacity88 lb

Dimensions

Wingspan34.4 ft
Length25.5 ft
Height9 ft
Cabin width47.2 in

Powerplant

EngineLycoming IO-360-M1A — 180 hp · 100LL · 9 gph
Total horsepower180 hp
Primary fuel100LL avgas
Unleaded pathG100UL eligible (STC available)

Cockpit & avionics

Cockpit typeglass
Autopilot commonly availableYes
Typical packages
- Garmin G1000 NXi— modern (current new-build)
- Garmin GFC 700 dual-axis autopilot— modern (standard option)

Certification

RegulatoryEASA CS-23 · FAR Part 23 · EASA CS-LSA (P2008)
Certified rolesNormal category
IFRYes
Spin approvedNo
Aerobatic-categoryNo
TailwheelNo
Complex (FAR 61.31)No
High-performance (FAR 61.31)No

Why is the P2008 / P2010 popular?

Structured popularity-driver evidence. Each axis below carries one factual statement; we don't grade, the facts speak.

Industry network effects

Adopted by CAE, L3Harris Flight Academy, Purdue University School of Aviation, and Epic Flight Academy as a 172 / Archer-class alternative; Tecnam Flight Academy operates the type as its primary fleet.

Regulatory fit

P2008 carries dual EASA CS-LSA + FAR Part 23 certification — uncommon dual cert that lets a single airframe serve both EASA ATOs and US Part 141 schools without variant changes.

Operating economics

P2010 with the Lycoming IO-360 burns 100LL at roughly 9 gph in cruise — at parity with the Archer; the 215 hp IO-390 variant adds high-density-altitude capability.

Fuel future-proofing

P2010 TDI variant (since 2018) replaces the Lycoming IO-360 with the Continental CD-170 Jet-A piston diesel for European fleets that want to standardise on Jet-A; Lycoming IO-360 / IO-390 variants are on the G100UL compatibility path.

Pedagogy and handling

All-carbon fuselage with metal wings; cabin width 47.2 inches is wider than the 172 (39.5 inches), and Garmin G1000 NXi standard avionics matches the IFR cockpit environment of the DA42 multi-engine and the Cirrus single.

How flight schools track this aircraft in Aviatize

Schools running P2008 / P2010 mixed fleets typically configure them with shared Tecnam-network maintenance scheduling. Engine reserves track against the IO-360 or IO-390 2,000-hour TBO. The P2010 TDI runs a separate Jet-A fuel surcharge model. Carbon-fuselage inspection cycles are tracked as separate maintenance items.

schedulingtraining managementaircraft maintenancebilling

Sources

Provenance for the data on this entry. Primary sources are POH / TCDS / manufacturer pages; derived sources record where Aviatize editorial synthesis is layered on top.

Primary sourcePOH·Retrieved 2026-05-05
Tecnam
https://www.tecnam.com/aircraft/p2010/
Tecnam P2010 product page.
Primary sourceEASA TCDS·Retrieved 2026-05-05
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/document-library/type-certificates
EASA TCDS A.507 covers P2010 variants.
Editorial synthesisAviatize-internal·Retrieved 2026-05-05
Aviatize editorial
Entry authored by Aviatize from accumulated industry knowledge cross-referenced against the primary sources cited above. Specific fleet figures, fleet wins, and recent production status changes are research-backlog candidates and should be verified against primary sources before flipping verified: true.

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