P2002-JF

The Tecnam P2002-JF is the type-certified sister of the P2002 Sierra – the same all-metal low wing from Capua, but not an ultralight: it is an aircraft certified to EASA CS-VLA. EASA granted the type certificate on 27 May 2004; type certificate data sheet EASA.A.006 covers the fixed-gear JF and the retractable-gear P2002-JR (certified 2 February 2007). For buyers this means the JF is flown on a PPL(A) or LAPL(A) rather than an ultralight licence, it may be used for training and rental, and flight schools and clubs in Germany, Austria and Switzerland therefore operate it as a modern, economical alternative to the Cessna 152 and Piper PA-28; air forces use it for ab-initio training as well. Anyone searching for “Tecnam P2002 JF Sierra” usually means exactly this aircraft: in listings and in the press the JF often appears as “P2002JF Sierra”, whereas the pure ultralight variant is called P2002 Sierra or Sierra MkII.

Structurally the JF is a cantilever low wing in aluminium and steel with fixed nosewheel gear, two side-by-side seats in a 1.10 m wide cabin and a 20 kg baggage compartment. The sliding canopy gives all-round visibility and has passed inverted rollover drop tests; the two 50 l wing tanks sit outside the cabin for passive occupant protection. The TCDS quotes 8.6 m span, 6.6 m length, 2.4 m height and 11.5 m² wing area. Operating limits depend on which modifications have been carried out: the basic JF has 580 kg maximum takeoff mass and 138 KIAS VNE, MOD2002/29 (SB010-CS) allows 600 kg and 141 KIAS, MOD2002/87 (SB0105-CS) allows 620 kg and 142 KIAS. MOD2002/127 (2013) brings the Rotax 912 S3 and a Hoffmann variable-pitch propeller, and night VFR is approved with MOD2002/050 or MOD2002/084 (formerly Service Bulletin 044-CS). Since 2014 a factory-built, EASA-approved hand-control version for pilots with disabilities has been available. The P2002JF MkII marketed from 2020 pairs the airframe with a Garmin G500 Txi glass cockpit; the JR shares the airframe but has retractable gear and stays at 600 kg. The P2002 EA and RG kits and the lighter Astore, by contrast, are not certified under EASA.A.006 – worth checking on the data sheet when buying used.

Power comes from the 100 hp Rotax 912 S2 with carburettors, dual ignition and a 2,000-hour TBO, cleared for premium unleaded from RON 95 and AVGAS 100LL; the standard propeller is the two-blade Hoffmann wooden HO17GHM A 174 of 1.74 m. For the fixed-pitch propeller Tecnam quotes 122 KTAS (226 km/h) maximum cruise, 4.4 m/s climb, a 237 m takeoff roll, a 164 m landing roll, a 4,267 m service ceiling and 568 NM (about 1,050 km) range. With the variable-pitch propeller the figures rise to 128 KTAS and 4.8 m/s. In everyday flying operators see more like 95 to 115 kt at 15 to 18 l/h of premium unleaded; the stall arrives at 41 KCAS with full flap and is benign. On weight one has to be honest: Tecnam quotes 380 kg empty for the basic VFR fit, equipped aircraft weigh 389 to 399 kg according to the manufacturer’s price list, and one club aircraft weighed in at 396 kg. At 620 kg that leaves roughly 220 to 230 kg useful load; with full tanks (100 l, about 72 kg) that is still a good 150 kg for two people and baggage. On an unmodified 580 kg aircraft the sums are correspondingly tighter.

Anyone looking to buy a used Tecnam P2002-JF will find only a handful of listings in Germany – the market is Europe-wide, and prices are often quoted in pounds or net of VAT. Asking prices from summer 2026 show three tiers: early 2004 to 2008 airframes with high total time sit at around 40,000 to 70,000 euros, 2010 to 2013 aircraft with 1,500 to 4,000 hours total time and Garmin avionics at 65,000 to 95,000 euros, and a 2018 JF with 600 hours and Power Flarm was offered at 117,000 euros. For comparison, a 2007 P2002-JR with glass cockpit was for sale in Germany in summer 2026 at 89,000 euros, and market overviews quote a median around 75,000 euros for the whole P2002 family including the ultralight Sierra. New, the P2002JF MkII was listed on Tecnam’s 2020 price list at 179,900 euros net ex works (VFR day/night) or 223,000 euros net as the IFR version. Price drivers are the engine’s remaining time to its 2,000-hour TBO, the modifications carried out, the avionics and complete CAMO records.

Strengths: an EASA type certificate with clearly documented operating limits, suitability for training and rental, very benign stall behaviour, short takeoff and landing distances, an economical Rotax with 100 l of fuel, a cockpit that at 1.10 m wide and with a canopy that may stay open up to 70 kt also fits tall pilots, and a manufacturer that continues to support and develop the type. Weaknesses: useful load is tight with full tanks, and a certified aircraft costs more to keep than an ultralight – annual ARC, maintenance programme, CAMO and approved spare parts. Pilots converting from a Cessna have to get used to the single brake lever between the seats instead of toe brakes and to the electric trim; as a low wing the JF offers less downward visibility. Empty weights vary from aircraft to aircraft, which is why the weighing report matters more than any data sheet.

The P2002-JF is the first choice for flight schools, clubs and PPL holders looking for a modern, economical and certified two-seat trainer and tourer who like a low wing. Those wanting to travel faster should look at the retractable-gear P2002-JR; those wanting the same airframe on an ultralight licence at 600 kg should compare the P2002 Sierra MkII – and check carefully whether a listing’s “600 kg” means an ultralight class or the JF modification MOD2002/29. Those preferring a high wing with better downward visibility will find the alternative in the Tecnam P92 Echo or P2008JC.