Regional US flight on a Tecnam P2012 with Cape Air
Posted by Mattynice75@reddit | aviation | View on Reddit | 80 comments
Took a flight today from Billings Montana up to Wolf Point Montana. Flight 9K1773.
Airline was Cape Air who operate flights under the Essential Air Services programme in Montana and also in the North East in Massachusetts.
Fare was $35 for a 70 minute flight including baggage.
The aircraft itself was fantastic. Holds 9 passengers with an open cockpit. And massive windows with a high wing means everyone gets a brilliant view.
We had 7 passengers but were advised the flight was 150 pounds overweight. Thankfully a passenger took the offer to fly tomorrow which meant the 6 of us and our baggage made it.
The seats are comfortable, with a large armrest built into the airframe and included a phone charging port. Plenty of leg room as well.
Every passenger and every single piece of luggage is weighed on check in. But be aware of the dimension limits.
I would do this flight again in a heartbeat. If you have the chance it’s a great aircraft to fly in.
Interesting_Dingo_88@reddit
I remember watching Cape Air's first two Tecnams land at their headquarters at KHYA after their delivery flights from Italy. Still haven't gotten to experience one first hand, but I've heard good things. The old workhorse Cessna 402s are finally getting to rest!
Captainrexcody@reddit
Picking up Sandpiper Air vibes from Wings. Was Lowell working on the aircraft?
Firm_Love3598@reddit
The two planes used to film wings belonged to Cape Air.
SilentUnicorn@reddit
November-one-two-one-papa-papa
Spfoamer@reddit
The show was based on Cape Air!
RumSwizzle508@reddit
It was also based on the old Provincetown Boston Airlines (PBA), Cape Air’s much cooler predecessor, and more so Nantucket Airlines (which Cape Air absorbed as some point).
Mattynice75@reddit (OP)
Not sure sorry
Captainrexcody@reddit
Was a tv show on NBC in the 90s about a tiny airline servicing Nantucket and cape cod.
Mattynice75@reddit (OP)
Ahhhhh ok! Yep I can see the comparison now!
intensenerd@reddit
No lie as soon as I saw this picture I could hear the theme from Wings.
SilentUnicorn@reddit
I've flown cape air out of Rutland Vt. Even got to sit in co-pilot seat once.
melaflander34@reddit
Had the most amazing commercial flight of my life with these folks from HYA to BOS in their Cessna 402. "Hey sit anywhere you want, there is no seat assignment."
Jokingly asked, "can I sit with you up front?"
"Yeah, come on up!"
Could not believe he was serious. Got to sit copilot the entire flight. (Part 135 rocks!)
Odd-Worth7752@reddit
Indeed. Done this many times on Cape Air from BOS to PVC. Also one leg flying with Alan, one of the senior pilots who is also an instructor. No pax obviously
melaflander34@reddit
Was it this gentleman? He said he was an instructor before coming to Cape Air. He is hoping to go mainline some day.
Dude is loving life. Flared so perfectly, it was like a feather coming to land.
mkosmo@reddit
Nearly all Cape Air pilots were CFIs before flying for Cape.
Odd-Worth7752@reddit
The very one!
melaflander34@reddit
That dude is a stud!
He even let me listen in on his calls to BOS Tower. I seriously felt like a kid again.
I may finally cash in my GI bill and get some wings. I've been talking about it for a long time.
SuperFriendlyAv8or@reddit
Alan sounds like the man 😎
Distinct-Fig-4216@reddit
Do it.
Odd-Worth7752@reddit
Yah I needed hours for my multi engine cert and it was a great place to get a few. Still have the t shirt that they gave for a successful landing at PVC
Jazzlike_Climate4189@reddit
I flew with them to St. Croix on the 402. I was so hyped to sit up front, the pilot was probably sick of me and the questions! Luckily for her it was a short flight!
Two_Luffas@reddit
Ha, did the same with them from Puerto Rico to the BVI's. Talk about a bucket list item!
4eyedbuzzard@reddit
Yeah, I sat right seat in the Cessna 402s many times out of Lebanon, NH to Logan. Enjoyed it as I took lessons for a while so I kind of knew what was going on. Pilots were usually young but very competent.
Rampaging_Bunny@reddit
goals
melaflander34@reddit
The landing at BOS was so cool. We chased a A320 in.
Mattynice75@reddit (OP)
That’s an awesome experience to have had!! I’ll add the north east network to my next trip there!
melaflander34@reddit
Stay at the Double Tree there right next to the airport. Great place and warm cookies with a commute that's almost as long as security... 3 minutes.
extratoastedcheezeit@reddit
I thought the Tencam ended up being a maintenance nightmare and cape air was trying to offload them.
DM_me_ur_tailwheel@reddit
That is correct. Originally the plan was to have most of the fleet replaced by Tecnams but that's no longer in the cards. They've tried to sell a couple tails but by and large they're stuck with the 30 P2012s they currently operate, and the old 402s are well... old and part availability is limited. The "plan" was to start flying Caravans in some EAS markets instead but it has yet to materialize.
extratoastedcheezeit@reddit
Sad, really cool plane. I don't need something that size, but if I did - I'd like to fly the Tencam at least once.
jwardell@reddit
Cape Air Tecnams fly right over my house in VT several times every day, previously unheard of to me but it's probably my most spotted plane now. Thanks for this post and all the interesting comments!
KAP_420@reddit
I used to be a pilot for Cape Air and have lots of time on the 402 and the Tecnam. I’ve flown in every region and nearly every airport we serviced. In my professional aviation journey, I always look back at how much fun I had there and miss it like crazy. If I was able to make my major captain pay, but fly New England in that 402, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
ReadyplayerParzival1@reddit
The 2012 doesn’t have single point refueling? Gotta be a pain for the tamper
daviator88@reddit
Not as bad as refueling a caravan on floats. Had to break out the BIG ladder for that guy.
Pilot0160@reddit
The only aircraft that have avgas SPR currently are the Goodyear Blimps but they have their own special pump that hooks to the gondola.
senorpoop@reddit
Avgas refueling isn't a thing, unfortunately.
SashaGreyjoy-@reddit
Was everybody really short, like 5'6" and under? I can't sit in one of those awful planes without tilting my head 30 degrees and it's still scraping the ceiling. Last time I had to work in one (survey operator), I had to sit on the floor for everything except takeoff and landing. Hate Tecnams with a white hot passion.
Mattynice75@reddit (OP)
No, I’m 6’2” and sure I had to duck my head as I entered and walked to my seat but once seated it was fine. Plenty of room.
pootislordftw@reddit
35$ ticket for 7 pax, how the hell are they making enough money on this route to keep it afloat
Latter-Vacation-4392@reddit
IKR...that's crazy
RumSwizzle508@reddit
It’s called Essential Air Service and connects remote towns to the air network that otherwise wouldn’t have service.
Latter-Vacation-4392@reddit
Thanks. That explains it. Subsidized.
Mattynice75@reddit (OP)
Subsidised by the government
fresh_like_Oprah@reddit
(How do I phrase this in a way that won't get my comment deleted?)
maine-recluse@reddit
I fly Cape Air once a twice a year from RKD to BOS. Best way to see the Maine coast ( short of maybe a sailboat ⛵️). Prefer the Tecnams to the Cessnas but both are fun rides. Highly recommend hearing protection for either.
Available_Wolf4136@reddit
I would love to take one of these planes but I'm afraid I will have to take a huge shit. When you have to go you have to go. What should I do? What do the pilots do if they have diarrhea?
senorpoop@reddit
If you are that worried that you can't make it an hour without having to take a huge shit, you might want to talk to your doctor.
Hairy-Association636@reddit
Nice! How's the cabin noise during flight? Quiet or noisy?
Mattynice75@reddit (OP)
It was noisy but better than on a Metroliner!! They hand out ear plugs as you board if you want them.
Hairy-Association636@reddit
Gotcha. I sometimes fly on a Grand Caravan so I was curious how the dB's compare to that. This thing's piston powered yes?
RumSwizzle508@reddit
Yes. Cape Air primarily flies piston aircraft as their bread butter routes in New England are too short for turboprops.
Redfox_192@reddit
The engine noise is so distinctive for the P2012, I live under the Logan flight path and it’s the only plane I can recognize by sound alone, even at several thousand feet in the air.
NYIsles55@reddit
I've been meaning fly Cape Air for a bit since they came into ISP. Unfortunately, I assume since it's probably one of their few non essential air service flights, ticket are $250 one way for a 90 minute flight to BOS, so I haven't been able to do that yet. Gotta make money somewhere to help subsidise the EAS flights I assume, but I'll have to suck it up and pay for it at least once.
FishermanNatural3986@reddit
Did this flight for work. Fantastic flight with great views the entire way.
Latter-Vacation-4392@reddit
Man how are they staying in business at $35 each X 7 passengers. I can't see how that even covers the gas.
Mattynice75@reddit (OP)
Essential air service agreement. Government subsidies for every flight.
Latter-Vacation-4392@reddit
Ahhh ..gotcha
AKcargopilot@reddit
Hey I fly those planes in the background! But yeah Cape Air is rad those planes are workhorses.
Perfect-Cow-9127@reddit
I instantly could tell that was billings was there last year
BIG_BROTHER_IS_BEANS@reddit
I love that two of Cape Air’s big hubs are Logan international and Logan international.
regiinmontana@reddit
I'm sorry you had to go to Wolf Point.
Mattynice75@reddit (OP)
Why? It’s just for 1 night until I join the Amtrak train to Seattle tomorrow. The hotel staff picked me up from the airport, the hotel room is clean and comfortable, had a great meal at the local diner. It’s a nice small town.
regiinmontana@reddit
Mostly meant tongue in cheek. I lived in Great Falls for a while and had to travel to Williston. I gained a dislike for NE Montana. It's so flat and boring to drive every week.
BIG_BROTHER_IS_BEANS@reddit
Could be worse. He could have had to go to Scobey.
moosemune@reddit
What a cool little bird!
dend7369@reddit
Reminds me of the show wings. So dope
ArkaOhad49@reddit
Always cool seeing the p2012 out in the wild. how does the ride compare to the old cessna 402s they used to fly? the cabin looks way more modern tbh.
FlyingSceptile@reddit
Based on the first photo I was initially thinking it might be Logan Airport, with flights to the Cape that gives Cape Air it’s name.
I was kinda right. Different Logan lol
schrutesanjunabeets@reddit
Fun fact: the P2012 was designed for Cape Air.
Kenai Aviation in Alaska has one too, which I've been on. Fun little plane!
orbak@reddit
Unfortunately Kenai aviation went under in November 2025 and no longer operate. I miss flying on these and hearing them their unmistakable buzz over my house.
lake_hood@reddit
Kenai aviation shut down in November.
Mattynice75@reddit (OP)
Yeah I really enjoyed it. Biggest windows I’ve seen on a plane!
whatdahelldamnguy@reddit
35 bucks sign me up
MileHigh_FlyGuy@reddit
Wow. My cape air flight from SJU to STT was in a really crappy 402C where the pilot taxied all the way to the runway with the door open because it was so hot inside. At least I rode in the copilot seat too.
Imaginary-Doctor-753@reddit
I flew from Wolf Point to Billings back when CapeAir had the Cessnas. It was a beautiful late summer morning flight with a stunning sunrise.
One of my most memorable flights! Thanks for sharing your trip.
There used to be a really good brewery in Wolf Point. But I don’t think it survived Covid.
ajfoscu@reddit
Developed and built in my great-grandparents town of Capua, Italy. 🇮🇹
Mattynice75@reddit (OP)
The take off roll felt like a race car! Sure has that Italian race feel!
Key-Raccoon-4913@reddit
I flew into BIL on American Eagle back in 2024. How was the terminal? I really enjoyed it last time I visited
Mattynice75@reddit (OP)
It was great. Very quiet so no wait for security. Nicely laid out and modern.
post-explainer@reddit
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