P92 Echo MkII

The P92 Echo MkII is Tecnam's current version of the Echo, introduced in 2016. It carries the proven high-wing concept forward in mixed aluminium and fibreglass construction, now with a modernised cabin, revised aerodynamics and approvals for the US LSA class, the 472.5 kg ultralight class and – since October 2020 – the German 600 kg ultralight class. For that 600 kg version the DULV issued data sheet 974-20; the lighter MkII L with 560 kg takeoff mass runs under DULV sheet 979-21.

Power comes from the Rotax 912 S/ULS (100 hp) driving a two-blade Sensenich fixed-pitch wooden propeller of 1.73 m diameter; the tank holds 90 l for a consumption of around 17 l/h, with both mogas and avgas approved. Buyers should note that the dimensions diverge: the DULV data sheet quotes 8.77 m span, 6.81 m length and 2.66 m height, while Tecnam's website states 8.7 m, 6.4 m and 2.5 m. Both figures are documented and no source explains the difference – for certification purposes the data sheet governs.

Performance depends heavily on the approval variant. Tecnam quotes 115 kts (213 km/h) maximum cruise, 700 NM (1,296 km) range without reserve and a 14,000 ft service ceiling; the data sheet permits 145 kts VNE (269 km/h) and quotes 5 m/s climb at 65 kts. Tecnam gives stall speeds of 39 kts (600 kg) and 35 kts (472.5 kg) as KCAS in its factory data sheet, whereas DULV sheet 974-20 quotes VSO 37 kts IAS. Takeoff distance grows from 230 m to 270 m, and the factory-quoted empty weight rises from 293 kg to 356 kg.

Strengths: at 600 kg takeoff mass the MkII offers the largest payload margin in the Echo family; Tecnam quotes 356 kg empty weight and 244 kg useful load. However, the DULV sheet 974-20 cited here permits an empty weight of up to 385 kg, which cuts useful load to 215 kg – two adults, 20 kg of baggage and full tanks (90 l ≈ 65 kg) will not fit in every aircraft, and the weighing report decides. Add modern avionics, factory support for a current production type and the choice between 472.5 kg and 600 kg approval. Weaknesses: the noise figure of 67 dB(A) is well above the roughly 60 dB(A) of the older Echo series, which can matter at noise-sensitive airfields. As the newest model the MkII is rare on the used market, and per the manufacturer the 600 kg version weighs around 60 kg more empty than the 472.5 kg version – staying inside the ultralight limit gives back part of the payload advantage.

The Echo MkII is the right aircraft for pilots who want a current, rugged high wing with modern equipment and the family's largest payload margin – for touring two-up, or for flight schools buying a new trainer. Those whose priority is low cost are better served by the older Echo series.