Why did the Cessna Skycatcher fail?
The Skycatcher suffered from a number of self-inflicted errors, including a torturous manufacturing strategy and a constantly rising price. But the problems for the LSA industry go deeper than one botched product, and Cessna’s experience has lessons for all of us.
How far can a Cessna 162 fly?
470 nautical miles
With the O-200D engine the Skycatcher is capable of cruise at speeds as high as 118 knots (136 mph/219 km/h), with a maximum range of 470 nautical miles (870 km) at a gross weight of 1,320 lb (599 kg). The Cessna 162 is equipped for day and night VFR flying only.
How many seats does a Cessna Skycatcher have?
1
Cessna 162/Number of seats
Can you fly a Cessna 162 with a sport pilot license?
The Cessna Skycatcher, or “162,” is one of the latest piston aircraft from the Cessna Aircraft company. The 162 is able to be used for the FAA’s new Sport-Pilot license.
Is the Cessna Skycatcher safe?
The Skycatcher will top out at 118 knots, or just under 136 mph, and at full power, it burns about six gallons of aviation gasoline per hour. The Skycatcher carries 24 gallons (144 pounds) of gas, and you’d want to land with three or four gallons, which means a three-hour leg is easily doable and plenty safe.
Will Cessna 150 ever LSA?
No, the Cessna 150, 152, and 172 does not meet the definition of light-sport aircraft. All of these airplanes are over the maximum weight allowed for someone with only a sport pilot license to fly. This is a very commonly asked question since these Cessna planes are very popular and widely available.
Is Cessna 150 A LSA?
The answer is a resounding no — none of the previously manufactured Cessna two-place aircraft models (120s, 140s, 150s or 152s) qualify as light-sport aircraft because all exceed the LSA maximum weight limit. …
What was the problem with the Cessna Skycatcher?
In a February 2017 review of the aircraft’s history, AVweb writer Geoff Rapoport blamed the aircraft’s failure on an empty weight that was too high, fragile construction and lack of cockpit space for taller pilots. He stated, “the Skycatcher can’t keep up because it wasn’t really designed as an LSA.
When did the Cessna Model 162 Skycatcher come out?
Flight schools could finally buy fresh airplanes and new pilots could finally afford to own an airplane, we were told. Cessna’s launch of the model 162 Skycatcher in 2006 seemed to be the tipping point for this movement: if the 70-year old manufacturer thought enough of the LSA market to launch its own design, surely a revolution was afoot.
Which is better a Cessna 172 or a Skycatcher?
The RV-12, for example, offers a faster cruise speed and lower fuel burn than a new Cessna 172–all for $250,000 less. And in spite of some early concerns, most LSAs have held up well in flight training applications. We have two Skycatchers at Sporty’s flight school, and they have been reliable trainers.
What kind of radio does a Cessna Skycatcher use?
Production aircraft were delivered with a Garmin G300 EFIS installed, as well as a Garmin SL40 communications radio, a GTX327 transponder, and a 121.5 MHz ELT. Flight data is presented on the G300 in a single, split-screen combination primary flight display and multi-function display.