23 July 2007
<b>News from <a href=”http://www.airventure.com”><img src=”images/airventure.gif” border=”0″>Oshkosh</a></b>
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Cessna has revealed the name of its new Light Sport Aircraft (which we reported <a href=’http://www.flyer.co.uk/news/newsfeed.php?artnum=599′ target=’_blank’>here</a>): it is to be the Cessna 162 SkyCatcher.
It unveiled a full-scale model of the new type at the Airventure Oshkosh fly-in yesterday, revealing that the launch price would be $109,500 (rising to $111,500 after the first 1,000 orders).
The aircraft will be fitted with a 100 hp Continental O200D engine, driving a fixed pitch propeller. Previously, Cessna had tried Rotax and Continental O200A engines. Cruise speed is being quoted at 118 kt, and range at 470 nm.
The aircraft is equipped with new Garmin G300 avionics in a single split-screen display. A second flat panel will be an option. Two doors open upwards and the two seats will move forward for access to the baggage area. Being aimed principally at the training market, the aircraft has dual control ‘sticks’ (nb – not yokes).
First flight is now set for the first half of 2008, while full-scale production is expected to create 700 aircraft a year.
If you’re at Oshkosh, $10,000 will buy you a deposit on the new aircraft, which should be beginning delivery by the end of 2009.
