I don't think that you are the target demographic for this aircraft. People who drive SUV's in North America worth the same price will be easily targeted. For people who have little/no flying experience, I am sure it will offer some of the most forgiving flight characteristics and give people an inflated sense of confidence when they fly it (Looookit meeee I am a pilot"). Maybe we can stuff a ballastic recovery system (BRS) in it too.
Like it or not, the idea is to bring flight closer to the more common, lazier, less driven, or less dedicated consumer out there.
This could be Cessnas way of replenishing the training fleet with a more affordable unit. You could get at least two of these for the price of one 172SP. Students do not need to go fast or carry a large load when they are learning to fly. Sales will tell if the 162 "Skycatcher" is a true success. As a 150 owner I am glad that they are going to be producing an aircraft that uses the same engine that I do.
Keeping the tradition alive: Two step behind the Europeans
Seems to equal the rearward vis of that European success known as the Katana but with a more spacious cabin layout to boot. Prolly doesn't have the same performance but who cares. We're talking a small, two place, light single. I think it matches types in it's class...lke the OMF Symphony for example.
Yeah, the seats may be bigger, but the maximun useful load is 490lb. Max baggage weight is 50lb, reduced to 25lb with the 'chute. I like the sticks, though.
Considering that North Americans are getting larger and larger all the time, pretty soon 490 pounds won't be enough to get two people in the plane... two 250 pounds would have to diet for a week to fly!
Alex YCV wrote:Considering that North Americans are getting larger and larger all the time, pretty soon 490 pounds won't be enough to get two people in the plane... two 250 pounds would have to diet for a week to fly!
At least it is a real metal airplane from a real manufacturer. I can not believe folks are paying big bucks for ultralights. Who in their right mind would want to fly their lawn furnature
and, I suppose you think the 152 is a good looking airplane? i think it's pretty tough to make a small economical airplane that also looks good. if you want a small airplane to look good, get a javelin.
This is Cessna's answer to the Light Sport category of aircraft whose ultimate aim is to help revitalize GA as a recreational activity in the US. Traditionally most of the aircraft in this category were homebuilts and kit aircraft. Or they tended to the older Cubs and Taylorcrafts which were light, simple and relatively cheap to fly. Considering how expensive it is to get a license these days, and how old the private pilot demographic is getting (see pictures of the latest COPA event in your neighbourhood), let's hope this aircraft is a success, and that it starts to attract younger people to the sport.
