WHEN you venture into the world of airplane ownership and evaluate different aircraft models for purchase, it quickly becomes clear that each offers various combinations of strengths and weaknesses. Some have outstanding payload at the expense of increased fuel burn. Some are capable of accessing very short runways at the expense of cruise speed. But very few offer the unique blend of qualities of the Cessna Skycatcher.
For the price of limited useful load and expensive, difficult-to-find replacement parts, the Skycatcher provides an airframe and engine that are less than 10 years old with reasonably sporty performance and modern avionics. Here, we explore these trade-offs and evaluate the ownership experience.
MODEL HISTORY
The Skycatcher story is an interesting footnote in general aviation history. Introduced in 2007 as a modern, low-cost airplane for training and personal use that adhered to the then-new light-sport aircraft category, it attracted more than 1,000 orders before the first delivery took place in 2009.
With an ever-aging fleet of 150s and 152s, private individuals and flight schools alike were attracted to the concept of an updated two-seat Cessna with more cabin space, modernized avionics, proven product support and a target price of less than $100,000.
At that time, the market appeared to be ripe for such an aircraft, and the 162 appeared to be poised to fill the void perfectly. And because it was certified as an LSA, it could be flown by sport pilots without a medical certificate. But for a number of reasons, it is considered to have been a failure in the general aviation marketplace.
This story is from the August 2020 edition of Flying.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2020 edition of Flying.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Temple of Speed
Reno entices even this altitude-oriented pilot.
Flat Sixes
Fanatical artisans
Blue over Green, Tent in Between
I’m old , I’m cranky. Why do I keep air-camping?
Gulfstream Reveals G400, G800
The product lineup gains large-cabin and ultralong-range mounts.
Every Airplane Requires a Checkout
Embrace the challenge of mastering a new machine.
Fuhggedaboutit
Fifty-plus years of f lying forgetfulness
THE MAULE FAMILY APPROACHABLE AIRCRAFT
Choose your mount —the Maules do it all.
Sisters
“ Women certainly have the courage and tenacity required for long flights.” —Mildred Doran
INSIDE OUT OR OUTSIDE IN?
What kind of pilot should you be?
WE FLY: CESSNA CITATION CJ4 GEN2
THE FLAGSHIP CJ JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT BETTER.