Procaer F15 Picchio

Single Piston

The Procaer F15 Picchio is an Italian two-seat aerobatic trainer and tourer that emerged in the late 1980s as one of Europe's more capable light aircraft designs. Built by Procaer of Terni, Italy, the Picchio (Italian for "woodpecker") was designed specifically for both primary flight training and competition aerobatics, featuring a robust all-metal construction, tandem seating under a bubble canopy, and fully aerobatic capability including inverted flight systems. Powered by a Lycoming IO-320 or IO-360 engine producing 150 to 180 horsepower, the type delivers spirited performance with a cruise speed around 140 knots and a never-exceed speed of 189 knots—impressive figures for a light trainer. What distinguishes the Picchio from typical trainers is its +6/-3G load factor certification and purpose-built aerobatic pedigree, making it equally at home teaching basic maneuvers or executing competition sequences. The aircraft's relatively low stall speeds (54 knots landing configuration, 59 knots clean) combined with responsive controls made it popular among European flying schools seeking an alternative to American designs. Production ran through the 1990s with several variants including the F.15B, F.15C, and the turbocharged F.15E Rapid, though total numbers remained modest with fewer than 100 examples built. Today the Picchio remains a rare sight outside Europe, prized by owners who value its blend of Italian craftsmanship, aerobatic capability, and efficient cross-country performance. SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators, with the largest observed operator.