At the end of each year, Flying editors review the year’s significant aviation developments in search of remarkable accomplishments that represent innovation, determination and vision. Along the way we consider only those aircraft, avionics, pilot services and equipment that have been fully certified and have entered service during the year. For 2010, we chose five:
Skycatcher
The Cessna Skycatcher is at once one of the most unassuming airplanes in Cessna’s production history and one of the most noteworthy. At a time when the introduction of light GA airplanes has come to a near standstill, Cessna has worked tirelessly to certify (in the LSA category) its first two-seater in more than 50 years. The company clearly held itself to a higher standard, including conducting extensive testing of the airplane’s spin characteristics. It earned ASTM certification for the Skycatcher in late ’09 and began deliveries last year. The airplane, which sells for $111,600, is produced in China and assembled in the United States. Cessna has orders for more than 700 Skycatchers; the airplane is the company’s centerpiece for its Cessna Pilot Centers. Perhaps most importantly, the Skycatcher has helped re-energize the training marketplace, delivering a lot of excitement in an affordable-to-buy and affordable-to-operate two-seat trainer.
