Tecnam's new Astore LSA made its maiden flight in Capua, Italy on May 27.
According to the test pilot Enzo De Blasio, the prototype showed no poor characteristics.
"The Astore’s behavior noted from the taxi up to landing includes really short ground roll radius and good feeling with the oleo-pneumatic shock absorber on nose gear," he reported.
"Incredible high elevator power during high speed roll and improved efficiency can be immediately recognized once airborne. With engine OFF glide, the efficiency ratio is higher than the Tecnam P2002 and will measured with more accuracy during the flight test programme.
"All the promises on this wonderful, comfortable, quiet and fast aircraft are going to become true!"
Astore customers will have a choice of three Rotax powerplants: 912ULS, 912is or 914 Turbo. The 75% power cruise speed is 120 knots, with a range of 670 nm.
The Astore will come standard with innovations such as an iPad mini. The Levil G Mini, using its WiFi connection, provides a full Primary Flight Display on the iPad mini using compatible third party applications such as Air Navigation Pro or similar.