From the moment Sporty’s revealed details of a barebones refurbished Cessna 172 trainer at Sporty’s Academy in Batavia, Ohio, renting for $99 an hour including fuel, owners of other flight schools around the country took notice. In calls and emails they all had the same questions: Do you plan to sell similar refurbed airplanes and, if so, what’s the price?
As a result of the strong market interest, Sporty’s has formally launched the 172LITE trainer, which it is offering to flight schools and flying clubs for a fraction of the cost of a new Cessna Skyhawk. The first 172LITE trainer is in the paint shop now and will be available next month for $132,900, the company says.
