Engineers at Cessna tell ANN that they continue to be impressed with the performance of the proof-of-concept (POC) model of a light sport aircraft as the company continues its evaluation of the aircraft, the business case and the overall LSA market.

Cessna's LSA POC will be on display during the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo this week in Sebring, Fla., and will be taking part in flying demonstrations during the show.

"Our proof-of-concept model has proven to be impressive in terms of performance and handling qualities," said Cessna's project engineer Neal Willford.

To date, the POC aircraft has logged some 50 flight hours conducting a range of tests evaluating a variety of aircraft characteristics while gathering critical data to be used by the company in its decision to proceed with the program. Cessna plans to make a go/no-go announcement after the evaluation is completed.

Cessna revealed its intention to study the feasibility of developing and producing an LSA June 2006. The POC aircraft made its first flight Oct. 13, 2006, only nine months after the project was initiated.

Cessna's LSA POC features a high wing spanning 30 feet, side-by-side seating for two in a cabin with a maximum width of 48 inches (a half-foot more than the ubiquitous Cessna 152), tricycle gear, and a 100-hp Rotax 912 engine.

Cessna's light sport aircraft POC incorporates dual control sticks, upward opening doors, toe brakes, and a castering nose wheel. Construction is primarily of aluminum, with selective use of composite parts in the cowl, wing and dorsal fin.

The newly-emerging LSA category is the highest-growth sector of general aviation. Light Sport Aircraft are defined as having a maximum gross weight of 1,320 pounds, maximum level-flight speed of 120 knots, and no more than two seats.

FMI: www.cessna.com, www.textron.com