Cessna’s first Skycatcher fabricated and assembled on production tooling flew Sept. 17 at the factory in Shenyang in northeast China.
“The Skycatcher program continues to make significant progress, today with the first flight of our very first aircraft produced on production tooling, following closely on the heels of our announcement in July of ASTM compliance for the aircraft,” said Jack Pelton, chairman, president and CEO.
The Model 162 Skycatcher is a two-place, single-engine piston, high-wing aircraft in the Light Sport Aircraft category.
The 162 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 Skycatcher features a Garmin G300 avionics system. The Skycatcher will be capable of Visual Flight Rules/Day/Night operations.
Shenyang Aircraft Company was selected following a global search for a production partner that could handle high-quality production. SAC has a long history with experience in military and civil aircraft production and assembly. SAC is fabricating the fuselage and integrating U.S.-made engine, systems 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 received more than 1,000 orders.
For more information: Cessna.com.
