The Tecnam P2002 Sierra is a two-seat, low-wing, light aircraft designed and constructed by the Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam. Introduced during the early 2000s, the aircraft quickly became a staple of the company's product lineup, comprising 70 percent of its available production capacity during some years. Development Development of the Tecnam Sierra commenced during 2002. It was developed for compliance with both to the very light aircraft (VLA) regulations present in Europe as well as the light sport aircraft (LSA) regulations used in the United States. Under the rules laid up in either zone, the aircraft does not need to be provided with a recovery parachute. However, primarily as a consequence of its maximum weight (in a standard configuration) of 580 kg, the Sierra cannot be operated as a LSA in either Australia or Canada due to their lower weight limitation of 550 kg present on LSA. By 2005, the Sierra had risen to particularly prominence in Tecnam's lineup, the company having dedicated around 70 percent of its total aircraft production capacity to manufacturing the Sierra alone. By this point, the aircraft was being produced at a rate of six per week, while the company claimed to have an order backlog spanning the following six months. Furthermore, the Sierra could also be supplied in a near 'ready to go' configuration suited to the European trainer market, which was one reported consequence of having secured its VLA certification. By mid-2005, Tecnam had reportedly completed delivery of roughly 180 Sierras. Since the introduction of the original model, Tecnam has continued to develop the Sierra and pursue additional certification of the type. In the 2010s, in response to customer demand for more luxurious features, the firm introduced the improved Sierra MK II; it is available in three styles: standard, premium, and power. During February 2020, it was announced that the Sierra Mk II had been certified as an ultralight aircraft by Germany authorities, clearing the type for use across most of Europe. Being permitted an increased maximum weight under this certification, the aircraft can thus be equipped with additional equipment such as a Ballistic Recovery Systems (BRS) parachute, new avionics, increased fuel capacity, and various comfort improvements within the cockpit. Design The Tecnam P2002 Sierra is a two-seat, low-wing, light aircraft. A major market for the Sierra is the flight training sector; accordingly, its design and several of its major features, such as