First Cessna SkyCatcher Goes to the Company's First Lady

As promised, Cessna delivered the first Model 162 SkyCatcher to Rose Pelton on Dec. 18. She is the wife of Cessna President and CEO Jack Pelton, and plans to use the airplane to begin flying lessons. The ceremonial delivery occurred at Wichita's Yingling Aircraft facility, where SkyCatchers are assembled after arriving from the factory in China. The SkyCatcher falls under the FAA's Light Sport Aircraft category, limiting maximum gross weight to 1,320 pounds and top speed to 120 knots. Priced at $110,000, the SkyCatcher has generated more than 1,000 orders, according to Cessna. It's powered by a 100-hp Continental O-200D piston engine with a fixed-pitch propeller. Avionics are the Garmin G300 suite. Cessna recently announced its revised pilot training program, which includes elements specific to the Model 162 SkyCatcher. The airplane is equipped for day and night VFR.