P2002-JF / P2002-JR

The Tecnam P2002-JF is the type-certified version of the P2002 low wing – not an ultralight but an aircraft certified to CS-VLA. EASA granted the type certificate on 27 May 2004, and data sheet EASA.A.006 covers the P2002-JF with fixed gear and the P2002-JR with hydraulically retractable gear. The JF is well established as a certified trainer and tourer and is used by flight schools as an alternative to the Cessna 152 and Piper PA-28.

Structurally the JF is a cantilever low wing in aluminium and steel with fixed nosewheel gear, two side-by-side seats and a 20 kg baggage compartment. The TCDS quotes 8.6 m span, 6.6 m length, 2.4 m height and 11.5 m² wing area. It is powered by the 100 hp Rotax 912 S2, or the Rotax 912 S3 with modification MOD2002/127; the standard propeller is the two-blade Hoffmann wooden HO17GHM A 174 of 1,740 mm diameter, replaced under MOD2002/127 by an adjustable Hoffmann of 1,780 mm. The tank holds 100 l with 99 l usable, cleared for premium fuel from RON 95 and AVGAS 100LL.

Operating limits depend on which modifications have been carried out – the single most important point when buying. The basic JF has 580 kg maximum takeoff mass and 138 KIAS VNE; MOD2002/29 (SB010-CS) allows 600 kg and 141 KIAS, and MOD2002/87 (SB0105-CS) allows 620 kg and 142 KIAS. VNO ranges from 110 to 114 KIAS and VA from 96 to 100 KIAS. Only day VFR is approved and flight in icing conditions is prohibited; night VFR is possible if Service Bulletin 044-CS has been complied with.

Strengths: an EASA type certificate with clear operating limits, suitability for training and rental, an economical Rotax powerplant with 100 l of fuel, a rugged all-metal airframe and a manufacturer that still supports the type. Weaknesses: empty weight, cruise speed, climb rate and range are not in the TCDS – the figures on Tecnam's website belong to the ultralight Sierra MkII rather than the certified JF, which is why they are deliberately omitted here. Only the flight manual and weighing report are authoritative. On top of that come the higher running costs of a certified aircraft with an ARC and a maintenance programme.

The P2002-JF and the retractable-gear P2002-JR suit flight schools, clubs and PPL holders looking for a modern, economical and certified trainer and tourer. Anyone wanting the same basic airframe as an ultralight should compare the P2002 Sierra instead – and check carefully whether a listing's 600 kg refers to an ultralight class or to a JF modification.