Pilots training at Kilo Charlie Aviation in Kansas will soon be flying state-of-the-art Tecnam aircraft, as the flight school has placed an order for 30 of the Italian designs.
According to Tecnam, Kilo Charlie Aviation, located at New Century Air Center (KIXD) (formerly known as Naval Air Station Olathe), will take delivery of the IFR P-Mentor and twin-engine P2006T MKII over the next two years.
Kilo Charlie Aviation (KCA) was founded in 2020 by Robert Renfro and Drew Konicek, both experienced corporate pilots. Their stated mission was to build the best flight school in the world, and that began with finding the best equipment for their learners to use.
“When we met with Tecnam for the first time, we were unfamiliar with their organization or aircraft. Immediately we knew that we had found a true partner,” said Konicek, Kilo Charlie Aviation’s chief business officer. “The award-winning aircraft combined with the expertise of an international leader in aviation made it an easy choice to move Kilo Charlie Aviation’s fleet to Tecnam.”
In addition to Tecnam, the fleet at KCA includes Piper Arrows, Piper Archers, a Cirrus SR20, and a Beech Baron.
According to Renfro, Kilo Charlie Aviation’s COO, they spent two years trying to find the right aircraft partner for the school.
“Once Tecnam presented the P-Mentor, we knew that all the work over the last two years had to be reevaluated and compared to this aircraft,” Renfro said. “Safety and technology are our two highest priorities here, and after comparing everything it was without a doubt the best option for our school and students.”
Learners at KCA begin their training in the P-Mentor. The two-place, low-wing design features a Garmin G3X glass cockpit, making it suitable for both VFR and IFR training. The aircraft destined for delivery will be equipped with the optional BRS ballistic parachute. The P-Mentor has a variable pitch propeller along with a simulated retractable landing gear option, enabling learners to earn their private pilot up through commercial certificate in a single aircraft. Look to the July print edition/Issue 939 of FLYING for a full We Fly report on the P-Mentor.
The P2006T MKII is Tecnam’s multiengine trainer. The aircraft is a four-place design with fully retractable landing gear. The cockpit is outfitted with a modern Garmin avionics suite, integrating all primary flight, navigation, communication, and terrain data. The design is popular with flight schools across the country because of its low operational cost.
“We are very pleased that so many American flight schools are choosing Tecnam to replace or upgrade their fleet,” said Walter Da Costa, Tecnam’s chief sales officer. “Today’s students are very demanding and deserve a brand new aircraft with the latest technology. We thank and welcome Kilo Charlie for their choice.”
