Homebuilts continue to pour into the Sun ’n Fun camping area, many hoping to beat a line of nasty weather approaching from the southwest. One standout is a homebuilt Tecnam P96G-100. The Tecnam kit was manufactured in Italy and completed by Georgian Jon Hansen at a facility in Dayton, Florida, in 2002, around the time light sport regulations emerged. Following these regulations, Tecnam discontinued selling the P96 as a kit, choosing instead to offer it exclusively as a completed Light Sport Aircraft.
This particular airplane was the pride of Jon Hansen, who tragically flew west in 2019. Two owners later, it now belongs to Jimmie Rickerson, who flies it out of Winder, Georgia. Rickerson, who has flown numerous classic aircraft—from Comanches to Cessna 140s—fell in love with the Tecnam’s handling characteristics and capable panel. His Tecnam features a full Garmin complement, including two G5 flight instruments, a Garmin transponder, and a GTN 650 nav/com GPS.
Powered by a Rotax 100-hp water-cooled engine, Rickerson enjoys a leisurely cruise of about 120 knots. The mostly aluminum structure is complemented by a composite turtledeck, wingtips, and wheel pants. Interestingly, the flying surfaces—including ailerons, flaps, elevators, and rudder—are fabric-covered aluminum frames.
Rickerson declares that his Tecnam is a joy to fly, although he is disappointed it’s no longer available as a kit. While he doesn’t know how many existing kits or projects are still in the United States, he notes that his aircraft’s serial number is 192—suggesting there could be at least another 191 out there.
I doubt 120 kt if not RG
It has a very strange shape leading edge wing fairing at the wing-fuselage junction. Is this standard ?
Was it necessary to improve aerodynamics at the stall or for some other reason?
Enjoy your articles…. Wish I was there….