High-wing, low-wing, single-engine or twin, Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam showed off all of them at its stand, MD-021, on the opening day of Sun ’n’ Fun 2014. The company introduced its newest model, the low-wing Astore LSA, of which more than 30 are flying in Europe, to the U.S. market with typical Italian flair, touting its ability to carry larger pilots in comfort and sporting sophisticated Garmin 3X dual screen technology with GMA 240 audio and GTR 200 com radio in its panel, as well as the Levil G Mini, which, using its Wi-Fi connection, can provide a full primary flight display as well as air navigation and pre-programmed checklist and weight-and-balance apps. The aircraft can also be ordered with dual Dynon SV1000 Skyview EFIS, and accompanying avionics.

Powerplants available on the Astore include the Rotax 912ULS2, the Rotax 912iS or the Rotax 914 Turbo. A “standard” aircraft with the 912ULS2 and analog instruments costs just under $150,000 and ranges upwards to more than $200,000 with a full Garmin package and turbocharged Rotax 914 powerplant.

The company also announced the establishment of a U.S. customer service center on the Sebring Airport in Sebring, Fla. The 43,000-sq-ft facility will cover the U.S., Central and South America and Canadian parts supply, sales and marketing for Tecnam and eventually provide the company with a base for final assembly of aircraft for sales in those markets.

“We are working to be more proactive by making this investment in production, training, customer service and parts supply in the U.S.,” said Shannon Yeager, director of sales for Tecnam U.S. “We plan to have maintenance training at the Sebring facility, as well,” he continued.