Cape Air (9K, Hyannis) has voluntarily grounded its fleet of six Tecnam P2012s amid a dispute between US and European regulators over modifications of the type's elevator trim control system.
Internal company communications seen by paxex.aero indicate the suspension of the eleven-seat utility aircraft is “not due to a technical or mechanical issue,” but rather to allow the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to discuss and agree on changes to the mechanical operation of the aircraft.
The two regulators are expected to meet on Tuesday, August 18.
Cape Air had already halted operations of its Tecnam fleet in mid-July only to resume them in early August on flights from Boston, St. Louis Lambert International, and Chicago O'Hare. However, following a brief spell of activity, the fleet was grounded again.
Cape Air is the North American launch operator of the Tecnam P2012 with a total of 110 orders and options with Costruzioni Aeronautiche TECNAM, all of which will replace its fleet of eighty-two Cessna (twin piston) 402Cs.
ZilAir (SYZ, Mahé) in the Seychelles is the only other commercial operator of the type at present time.
