Aero-TV: ANN Flight Test - Flying Cessna's Skycatcher

Finally... ANN is proud to present the first published flight test data on Cessna's long-awaited LSA... the C-162 Skycatcher. Worth the wait, the Cessna 162 may be one of Cessna's very best efforts yet... thoroughly maximizing what it is to be an LSA... while being true to the outstanding stability and control profiles that have been a part and parcel of Cessna's entry-level aircraft products for many decades.
Right up front, let us tell you, the Skycatcher does NOT disappoint... it is a thoroughly sweet little airplane with great manners, a pleasant aerodynamic profile, as good a performance envelope as LSA regs allow and on top of all that, is just plain fun to fly. In other words, the Skycatcher is one heck of a nice little airplane and a fitting way for Cessna to put its best foot forward in bringing forth a new generation of entry level airplanes. Of particular note is Garmin's EXCELLENT G300 glass panel, the easily operated and powerful addition of the TCM O-200D and the WIDE comfy cabin. But More than that... its just a sweetie in the air... simple, reasonably fast, agile and with nary the hint of a bad habit. Yeah, we had a ball with the critter.
Cessna's minions tell ANN that the SkyCatcher is designed from spinner to tail to set the new standard for an entry-level aircraft. Though manufactured as an LSA, the SkyCatcher meets all the required ASTM standards for certification while providing safety, reliability, and utility.
The airplane is equipped with the proprietary Garmin G300 avionics package, and is powered by a composite propeller mated to a Continental O-200D engine developed specifically for the Light Sport market. It also features a 44-inch wide cabin, ergonomic seats, accessible cargo area, and a unique under-panel center stick control. Cessna claims the industry's most extensive network of dealers and service centers.
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[msirull]

Kolb 600

[oiseautempete]

A disapointing aircraft, the original Rotax 912S, much better in take of distance, climb rate and consumption as the 0.200, disapear...some European ultralight performs much better, and less expansive despite built in Europe and give work to Europeans workers no Chineese...

[plumrdude]

Sucks that this is made in China and I wouldn't buy one because of that. However it's all aluminium which is a definate plus ++

My carbon fiber bicycle rocks but I don't expect it to last 50 years.... Think of a carbon fiber plane 10 years down the road exposed to sunlight.... Not Good !!!

[titanic95594]

I think what Cessna is doing is their trying to get the main public to but one since other planes are more up a little. If you compare the aircraft, the SC is cheaper to fly per nautical mile. but then you have the range. Plus this aircraft is for pleasure only. You look outside and enjoy the view.

[mar2mots]

They have made a stable trainer, but their performance specs (load and climb) are poor. The interior finish is REALLY LAME (that IS a production plane). Cessna is still building planes like it's 1955 (they don't predrill sheets like any modern kit!!!, almost no composites). Allegro, and Flight Designs have better performance (FD outclimbs, Allegro outclimbs and is 100+ lbs lighter). FD costs about the same, Allegro is $30,000 cheaper, and they finally started making them here in USA.

[michaelpilot1000]

A couple friends who work in aircraft building here in USA. They made application with China for employment. They were told that the State (Communist State) will not be hiring non-Chinese people ever.

So, there goes more jobs out of the USA into Communist China.

Thank your govt. And business leaders !

[LTF85199]

Build in China

[ethanissocool]

Can any 1 tell me of other manufaturers?

[t008er]

@emforty2 its put together in my home town. "Air capital of the world" with the crappiest airport. KICT

[emforty2]

with extremely low labor costs in China where this is made

top price should be $45K instead of $120K

if this was Made in USA cessna would still make a profit selling this at $120K

there are many other small LSA manufacturers that make aeroplanes right here in the good ole USA with prices much less than cessna is asking for