12 January 2007
Cessna is reporting itself happy with the progress being made with its proof-of-concept <a href=’newsfeed.php?artnum=277′ target=’_blank’>Light Sport Aircraft</a>. The aircraft will be on display and flying at this weekend’s Sport Aviation Expo at Sebring in Florida.
The proof-of-concept has now ‘logged some 50 flight hours conducting a range of tests evaluating a variety of aircraft characteristics while gathering critical data,’ the company says. However, it has still not made a decision on whether to go ahead with the project: Cessna says it will make a ‘go/no go announcement after the evaluation is completed.’
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 (six inches more than the ubiquitous Cessna 152), tricycle gear, and a 100 hp Rotax 912 engine.
The Cessna LSA incorporates dual control sticks, upward opening doors, toe brakes, and a castering nose wheel. Construction is primarily of aluminium, with composite parts in the cowl, wing and dorsal fin.
