The Tecnam P96 Golf is an Italian all-metal side-by-side two-seat single-engine, low wing light aircraft. It was designed by Luigi Pascale and produced by the Italian general aviation manufacturer Tecnam in Naples between 1997 and 2006.Simpson 2005, p. 296. It has been replaced in production by the newer Tecnam P2002 Sierra.
Design and development In terms of its construction, the Tecnam P96 Golf is relatively conventional, being composed primarily of aluminium. Fibreglass was used for some pieces of the airframe, including the turtle deck and forward cowling. The legs of the landing gear are also composed of steel, which are attached directly to the spar directly underneath the cockpit. The wing tips are also composed of a lightweight composite. While pulled rivets are used across the majority of structural elements, several areas (such as the hinge plate for the ailerons) feature driven rivets instead. Both the ailerons and flaps covered by fabric.
In comparison with typical US-built general aviation aircraft, the interior of the P-96 is relatively spacious. At the pilot's discretion, the canopy can be opened mid-flight; it is secured in place by a total of three catches. Four-point seat belts are also fitted as standard. Rollover protection is incorporated into the trailing edge of the windscreen, which features both carbon and fiberglass construction, while welded steel is present around the cockpit as a protective measure for the aircraft's occupants. Directly aft of the seats is a compact baggage compartment.
The P96 is fitted with a fully steerable nosewheel that is fitted with a rubber shock absorber. The brakes are hydraulically-actuated. An electronic trim system and corresponding position indicator is typically provisioned, although its control implementation differs between early-built and later-built aircraft. While not fitted as standard, various additional avionics have been offered for the P96, including a radio set, GPS navigation unit, and a transponder.
In-flight, the P96 has relatively responsive handling, which remains effective even when flown at well beneath cruise speeds. In terms of propulsion, it is typically furnished with either the Rotax 912S, capable of producing up to 100 hp, or the Rotax 912, which produced up to 80 hp.
Variants
Golf 80 Powered by Rotax 912 UL. Golf 100 Powered by Rotax 912 ULS engine.
Specifications (P96 Golf 80)
See also
References Citations
Bibliography