New Cessna?

Question

OK, Let's hear it... Comments on the new Cessna 162 Skycatcher.
http://www.cessnaskycatcher.com/home/index.php

As for the new 0-200 power plant, I have hundreds of hours behind an 0-200 in a C-150, and found it adequate for the task... Remember the gross weight of the new C162 is about 300 lbs less than the C150. I expect the new airplane to perform fairly well as a Light Sport aircraft.

Answer 1

I owned a 150E (manual flaps, 0-200, pull starter) for many years. This plane keeps two of those three things and that is a good thing. I know there are some who don't like the bigger Continentals, but the 0-200 and smaller have always seemed to serve general aviation well. My own experience indicates the operating costs will be lower than with a 912U Rotax. I would think it would make tranisition to other more traditionally power aircraft easier.

The gull wing doors are cool...and useful. I can still mount an old 150 easily after about a zillion flight, but not everyone gains that easily. Stuffing a whole bunch of Young Eagles into my plane over the years showed that was not a natural movement.

I think the panel should have been an option. However, I also think that any forward thinking flight school would want to go glass for preparing folks for today...not yesterday.

I hope it flys like all the non-Cardinal single engine Cessnas do. It will remain to be seen what the gear does in groundhandling with novice pilots.

It is a bit ugly---but then I am a poor judge---I still like the straight tail 150's, 172's and 182's.

Cessna + Contential + Garmin = a winner. And the entire LSA industry has the backing of a major player.

400+ orders in the first two days indicates the market agrees.

Answer 2

Awesome. Finally a new two seat trainer that is affordable (compared to a new Cirrus, Diamond, or 172) and breathes new life into the Cessna line. I'm glad they've kept to the same formula that makes Cessnas great: aluminum construction, semi-cantilever wings, and spring gear. But I'm also glad they've added fun elements too (joystick and manual flaps).

According to the figures it's a good performer. It will get an easy 100kt cruise: which is faster than a 150 or 152 in spite of having the same or less horsepower.

It's cool that they decided to design the G300 glass cockpit for it too, in spite of it being an entry level aircraft.

Answer 3

Ain't it just amazin' about the things people can conjure up about an aircraft without ever seeing a live one.
I think it might go over well with the well monied folks, but us poor fools just trying to get along are still just left out.
The fancy glass cockpits are fine for high performance, cross country aircraft, but for Light Sport? All that does is drive up cost. Basic gages will suffice.
As for the O-200, it is a better choice for a light engine than any other. It is a well proven engine and has been around a long time. The aircraft must be kept light to stay in the class and Lycoming O-235 is the nearest to size, but is also heavier.

Answer 4

Agree with drewpipe. This will bring the price of training lower than ever. It has some really good features. The gull wing doors are nice. Hope they stay with the current power plant though. Although the Rotax is lighter, the O-200D is more of a performer in my opinion. They went a bit over on the avionics though. I would have of preferred it if they gave a choice not to order it with the glass. After all, the student pilot will not be exposed to a glass cockpit enviorment for much of the time. And am I the only one who sees that there are no standby instruments?? What happens when the alternator drive decides it's had enough ?? I mean with a moving map and all, you drain that batteries pretty darn quickly...

Answer 5

I rather like it. I think it might take the place of some of the outdated 150/152 trainers still in service. It has much the same performance. And, the price is quite attractive (for a new plane anyway).
I think Cessna has a winner.

Add'l:
Cherokee-
Cessna is giving an intro price on the first few aircraft of $101,000 with the price then going to $110,000. They're accepting $10,000 deposits right now.

Answer 6

I like the manual flaps, dont like the electric trim. Runaway trim with no way to manually trim the plane could be disastrous (epically to a novice). I did not see a price, any one know it??
Call me old school, but I would prefer steam gauges, although a IFR gps would be NICE!!
Probably a nice underpowered (100 BHP @2700 rpm) trainer, time will tell.

Answer 7

Looks-wise I am not a big fan. Kind of looks like a kit-fox or something. Reminds me of my first trainer (piper Tomahawk) as far as bad comfort in the cabin. But hey they are trying and innovating and that's what this industry needs!

Answer 8

i like it except for the fact it has a continental engine.. personally dont like them.. the cockpit layout is exceptionally clean.. it looks more like something that the weekend warriors would want to buy

Answer 9

Light sport seems to be gaining momentum.