Cessna Aircraft Co.’s SkyCatcher has been deemed to be in compliance with ASTM International standards for Light Sport Aircraft. Deliveries are expected to begin before year’s end, according to officials at the Wichita-based company.
“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 LSA category, defined as an aircraft with a gross weight under 1,320 pounds and with a top speed of no more than 120 knots. LSAs are built to ASTM International standards.
The 162 is powered by a Continental O-200D 100-hp air-cooled, carbureted engine and a fixed-pitch propeller. It will cruise at speeds up to 118 knots and will have a maximum range of 470 nm. The SkyCatcher features a Garmin G300 avionics system.
The LSA will be built by Shenyang Aircraft Co. 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.
Cessna launched its SkyCatcher program at AirVenture Oshkosh in 2007 and has since amassed more than 1,000 orders.
For more information: Cessna.com.
