The Story of CieloBlu; Tecnam’s U.S. Adventure
By Kayla DiLullo
CieloBlu is the exclusive factory authorized Tecnam Dealership for California and Arizona. This includes sales, service, and support. Although CieloBlu is a startup, its parent, Threshold Aviation Group, has been extremely active in the aviation industry for 35 years.
CieloBlu also specializes in buying, repairing, refurbishing, and selling business jets. Often, we work in support of corporations, financial institutions, and insurance companies to resolve distressed asset issues. With respect to Tecnam, we are a one-stop-shop, having a service center that can maintain airframes, avionics, and engines.
My Background
I have something in common with most aviation enthusiasts: my love of aviation and my inevitable entrance into the community. I was born into an aviation family. My grandfather was a Marine Fighter Pilot and retired from United Airlines as a 747 Captain. All of my uncles are pilots and my father is an active jet pilot and flight instructor. He started his career as an Air Force Pilot.
I spent a large majority of my youth immersed in the family aviation business, admiring everything in the hangars from luxurious business jets to single engine trainers. To be honest, with Threshold Aviation Group as my playground during summer break, I never actually dreamed of working in the industry, or becoming a pilot myself. My dream was to be successful enough to be the person riding in the luxurious jets. My desire was to become a business owner, like my father. He has always been an excellent example of the saying, “dreams don't work unless you do.”
Threshold Aviation Group & CieloBlu Headquarters located at Chino Airport (KCNO) in California. (Photo courtesy Threshold Aviation)
Mark DiLullo teaching Kayla DiLullo how to fly (2020). (Photo courtesy Threshold Aviation)
With that realization, at the conclusion of my bachelor’s program, I decided it would be wise to attend more schooling to prepare me for the corporate world. I mean… as prepared as any 23- year-old with no real business experience could be. A law degree has to be useful, right? So I checked that box and entered into a contract with Tecnam the next day.
Although I grew up surrounded by aviation, I had no real knowledge or experience in the industry other than that of a passenger's perspective.
Naturally, with my father, mother, sister, and brother-in-law all working in aviation, it was in my blood. We all agree that aviation is an exciting and dynamic environment to make a living. I continue to be surprised and amazed at the range of opportunities that aviation offers.
Tecnam Is A Family Business
Tecnam is a family business located in Italy. When I became aware of Tecnam, I immediately felt a sense of connection to their brand and their family. My family originated in Italy as well and we are very proud of our Italian heritage. A family-owned aviation business combined with our shared heritage immediately resonated with me. Tecnam built airplanes as early as 1948 and is a generational business.
The name, “CieloBlu,” translates to “Blue Sky” in Italian, a fitting name.
EAA AirVenture, Oshkosh
Let's talk about Oshkosh! CieloBlu ordered 15 Tecnam Aircraft and purchased three for inventory and display just before EAA AirVenture 2022, in Oshkosh. The aircraft were delivered to Tecnam’s assembly center in Sebring, Fla., and accepted by CieloBlu. They were then flown to Oshkosh by our pilots. The aircraft were on display for the entire show and viewed by many excited aviation enthusiasts at the Tecnam booth.
EAA AirVenture was like nothing one could imagine. It's a must experience for any aviation enthusiast. Literally comprised of thousands of airplanes and an attendance exceeding 650,000 people, many of whom continued the experience round-the-clock by camping in tents underneath the wing of their aircraft. Imagine the amount of passion. From any vantage point, attendees are surrounded by thousands of aircraft, some in flight, some on display, some doing aerobatics, and all providing entertainment.
For me, EAA AirVenture multiplied a passion for aviation and made me more enthusiastic when thinking about the future of CieloBlu. I quickly realized that the experience and knowledge I was obtaining was invaluable. More importantly, everybody else was sharing a similar experience, an increased passion for aviation.
Having the opportunity to talk to hundreds of pilots and aviation enthusiasts really ignited something in me. Each person I encountered excitedly shared their aviation journey with me, often explaining careers created, fond memories, and lasting impressions. Common themes were first experiences, such as their solo, checkrides, aircraft purchases, or flying to Oshkosh, which can be a challenging experience to even seasoned aviators. In the end, Oshkosh is the quintessential aviation experience unrivaled by any other industry event.
Flying A Tecnam
Inside a P2006T. This twin engine has two Rotax 912 S3 100 HP engines, burning 9 gal/hr. Perfect for multi engine training. Email info@cieloblu.aero or call 725/258-3759 for more information. (Photo courtesy Threshold Aviation)
Flying a Tecnam is an experience that undoubtedly leaves a positive outcome for both pilots and passengers.
Tecnam aircraft offer the best flying characteristics, performance, and safety experience of any aircraft in their class. Tecnam’s design philosophy is safety, efficiency, and comfort and they achieve these milestones with ease.
Attention to detail is emphasized throughout production and delivery. Tecam designed their aircraft much like an Italian “sports car” in the sense that they are alluring, with remarkably efficient wing designs that make them highly maneuverable. Fit and finish is off the chart and never seen before in this class of aircraft. At a glance, the thought is “it's sexy, it's seductive.” What it isn’t, is a 1955 mid-continent retread. Tecnam is a modern and welcomed general aviation manufacturer.
Garmin is standard equipment in all Tecnam aircraft; large displays with ergonomic and easily navigable features, instilling confidence in all phases of flight.
Tecnam is delivering quality products at an affordable price in support of consumer needs. The company is forward-thinking and innovative. Many models have engine options, including the highly efficient and reliable, robust Rotax Engine. Rotax offers the flexibility of utilizing “MOGAS” and/or “AVGAS.” The Rotax engine gives Tecnam the edge on being able to deliver an aircraft that can be flown using more than one type of fuel.
Tecnam’s P2010 aircraft has three engine options available. The Continental 170 HP engine runs on jet fuel and/or diesel fuel, giving this aircraft the longest range and lowest fuel consumption of the entire fleet offering. There is also the option for the Lycoming IO-360 180 HP and Lycoming IO-390 215 HP AVGAS engines.
CieloBlu’s P2008 Light Sport, in inventory right now! FOR SALE AND DEMONSTRATION. Easy to fly, sleek, low maintenance, low cost. Email info@cieloblu.aero or call 725/258-3759 for more information. (Photo courtesy Threshold Aviation)
Tecnam takes pride in creating environmentally conscious products, not just the idea of being greener, but actually minimizing the environmental impact of aviation activities. Due to their engineered efficiency, the average amount of CO2 emissions released into the environment is reduced by 62 percent when flying a Tecnam. That equates to more than 10 tons less CO2 into the atmosphere per student during training.
Success
CieloBlu had success when I inked my first aircraft sale on Day 2 of Oshkosh, a P92 Echo MKII. The future looks bright, the sky is blue!
CIELOBLU’S FIRST SALE: P92 ECHO MKII, SOLD AT EAA AIRVENTURE ‘22. CieloBlu had possession of this Tecnam P92 for 2 days before it was sold. (As seen on instagram @cieloblu.aero)
How To Contact Cieloblu
If you are interested in purchasing a Tecnam aircraft or any of the other services offered by CieloBlu, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
Kayla DiLullo can be reached at:
Email: Kayla@cieloblu.aero
Toll Free: (888)8SKYBLU
Office: (725) 258-3759
Following us on Instagram and TikTok is the best way to keep up to date with our latest deliveries, showcases, sales, and more!
@cieloblu.aero
