New Cessna LSA Is Cleared For Deliveries
Cessna Aircraft Company is set to jump back into the GA
training market with the news Tuesday that the Model 162 SkyCatcher
LSA is in compliance with ASTM International standards for Light
Sport Aircraft. Deliveries are expected to begin before
year’s end.
“This is significant not only for Cessna, but for the
aviation community as a whole,” said Cessna Chairman,
President and CEO Jack Pelton. “Once these airplanes enter
service, they will act as a catalyst for increased pilot starts.
They will significantly change the economics of ownership and
operation for flight schools, aircraft renters and aircraft owners,
and will benefit the entire GA community.”
The Model 162 SkyCatcher is a two-place, single-engine piston,
high-wing aircraft in the Light Sport Aircraft category. It is
powered by a Continental O-200D 100-hp air-cooled, carbureted
engine and a fixed-pitch propeller. The aircraft will cruise at
speeds up to 118 knots and will have a maximum range of 470
nautical miles. The Cessna 162 SkyCatcher features a Garmin G300
avionics system. Information is presented in a single, split-screen
primary flight display (PFD) and multi-function display (MFD), or
as two full-screen displays with an optional second screen. The
SkyCatcher will be capable of Visual Flight Rules/Day/Night
operations.
In several areas, Cessna conducted additional tests on the
SkyCatcher not required by the ASTM International standards, such
as an extensive Ground Vibration Test (GVT) and instrumented,
in-flight flutter testing. Planned testing, also not required by
ASTM, includes an airframe fatigue test to ensure a durable product
for the training environment.
After conducting a global search for a production partner that
could not only handle high-quality, high-rate production, but could
make the requisite investment in the program, Cessna chose Shenyang
Aircraft Company in Shenyang, China, a company with experience in
military and civil aircraft production and assembly. SAC will
fabricate the fuselage and integrate the U.S.-made engine and
avionics.
Following shipment to the U.S., the 162s will be reassembled for
delivery at one of three regional locations.
Cessna, in association with King Schools, has also developed a
new Web-based training system for sport and private pilot
certificates that will be available through the Cessna Pilot Center
network of flight schools.