Generally, short takeoff and landing (STOL) and piston twin are not phrases that usually go together. The P2012 STOL with longer wings, new engines, 50% less landing and takeoff distance, is “The STOL aircraft of the 21st Century”, according to Tecnam.

Developed by the Tecnam Research & Development team, the P2012 STOL represents the ultimate choice in this category which is currently populated by ageing aircraft.

“Finally, after decades, a new solution for the aviation market has arrived,” Tecnam said. “Tecnam proudly presents the P2012 STOL that makes the world`s extreme commercial airports accessible with comfort, safety and style.”

Tecnam unveiled the short takeoff and landing (STOL) variant of its twin-engine P2012 Traveller, the P2012 STOL during a press conference at the National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Orlando, Florida.

This aircraft has a 16.6 metre (54.5 foot) wingspan, 2.6 metres (8.5 feet) wider than the standard P2012. The latest model, the P2012 STOL, has twin 375 horsepower Continental GTSIO-520-S engines, while the Traveller has full authority digital engine control and uses 375-hp Lycoming TEO-540-C1A engines, controlled by a single power lever.

At its maximum takeoff weight of 8,113 pounds, the P2012 STOL will offer a takeoff distance of 1,394 feet and landing distance of 1,181 feet, nearly halving the standard Traveller’s takeoff distance of 2,596 feet and landing distance of 2,438 feet.

Though the Traveller and the STOL models have the same, 8,113-pound max takeoff weight, the Traveller’s max cruise is 194 knots at 10,000 feet, while the STOL version is slightly slower, with a 185 knot max cruise at the same altitude. Maximum ranges are 950 nautical miles and 905 nautica miles respectively.

The P2012 is certified for single-pilot VFR and IFR for commercial operations, as it is equipped with a state-of-the-art Garmin G1000 NXi avionic system and a GFC 700 autopilot specifically tuned for the STOL mission. 

“For decades, STOL aircraft market has been left undeveloped and unsupported, leaving operators with very little options for supporting and expanding their operations. Tecnam’s response to meeting the needs of these businesses is a modern aircraft that addresses current needs with an innovative solution,” Giovanni Pascale, Tecnam’s managing director, said.

Many believe that this aircraft could be the Brittan Norman Islander replacement, but the jury is still out whether this STOL twin will be better. It has some tought competition in the form of Twin Otter’s and the Cessna Caravan, but remember this is a piston twin and those are turboprops.

While most know the Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam for their range of single-engine LSAs and other conventional aircraft, this aircraft is targeting passenger and cargo operators who need the ability to utilise unimproved airstrips as short as 1,000 feet. In addition to passenger transport, the aircraft can be used for cargo, air ambulance, and special missions, and just as easily converted back to passenger operations. The Tecnam Research and Development team developed this aircraft to be flexible in multiple applications.

Orders are now being taken with a starting price of USD2.75 million. Deliveries will begin in 2024.