Tecnam has just increased the versatility of its popular P92 high-wing LSA series airplanes by introducing an amphibious version, the P92 Sea-Sky Hydroplane. This seaplane model will be offered for both the Echo Classic and its slightly larger and faster sibling, the Eaglet. Flight tests are in progress and the only performance numbers available so far for the Sea-Sky is takeoff distance, which Tecnam claims is less than 660 feet.
A seaplane version of the P92 was previously available, but it was taken off the market several year ago after the float manufacturer went out of business. The new Sea-Sky floats are produced in-house using composite capability developed for Tecnam’s P2008 and P2010 models. The floats are made of carbon fiber and have four retractable wheels to allow for land and sea operations. The Sea-Sky landing gear will be convertible from floats to wheels only.
The P92 Sea-Sky Hydroplane will be offered at $159,900 for the Echo Classic version with a 100 hp Rotax 912 engine, Garmin’s SL40 com, GTX 327 transponder and Area 500 GPS and a Trutrak Gemini PFD. A similarly equipped Eaglet will cost an additional $12,000. Tecnam also plans to offer a seaplane-only version at a lower cost.
Retrofit kits for existing airplanes will also be available for $35,000, not including labor, shipping and a sea propeller. Tecnam has not announced when the first Sea-Sky Hydroplane will be delivered, but Tecnam North America’s CEO Phil Solomon said the retrofit kits should be available by the end of February.
