When you venture into the world of airplane ownership and evaluate different aircraft models for purchase, it quickly becomes clear that each offers various combinations of strengths and weaknesses. Some have outstanding payload at the expense of increased fuel burn. Some are capable of accessing very short runways at the expense of cruise speed. But very few offer the unique blend of qualities of the Cessna Skycatcher.
Cessna 162 Skycatcher
Key Takeaways:
- The Cessna Skycatcher was introduced as a modern, low-cost Light Sport Aircraft but ultimately failed to meet its market potential due to significant price increases stemming from its assembly in China.
- Today, the Skycatcher offers a relatively new airframe (less than 10 years old) with modern Garmin G300 avionics and sporty flight characteristics at a currently attractive market price, making it an appealing alternative to older trainers.
- Ownership involves trade-offs including a limited useful load, expensive and difficult-to-find airframe parts, a minimalist cabin lacking proper insulation or ventilation, and potentially high costs for necessary upgrades like ADS-B.
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