Part Of An Integration Plan With Other Single-Engine Products

The final assembly for Cessna's Skycatcher LSA is being moved from Yingling Aviation in Wichita to the company's single-engine plant in Independence, KS.

The move is reportedly part of a strategy on the part of Cessna to consolidate its single-engine operations in Independence in order to make them more efficient, according to Cessna spokesperson Dianne White.

The Wichita Eagle reports that White said the move is in no way reflective on the work being done at Yingling, which will continue to work on other projects for Cessna. However, the paper reports that Yingling laid off six mechanics because of the move. The president of the company said that was fewer job losses than had been expected.

The final assembly of the airplane includes reassembly of the fuselage, tail assemblies, stabilizers, wings, control surfaces, engine, and electrical systems. Materials designed to protect the engines from transportation by ship must be removed, and the airplanes are test-flown before delivery.

FMI: www.cessna.com