Gather a few thousand Cessna 150 pilots and ask them how they’d improve the airplane, and the resulting feedback would be both consistent and predictable. More cabin space would likely top the list. Better visibility from the cockpit would also be mentioned. Additional fuel capacity would likely come up, and some might mention a desire for a more modern design. Back in the early- to mid-1970s, Cessna dominated the primary training market and accordingly, the company had a target on its back. Cessna’s competitors wanted a piece of the pie, and the process started with thorough, competitive analysis. After compiling a list of the most desired improvements, both Piper and Beechcraft went to work developing their own modernized entries into the primary trainer market and came out with new models. Here, we explore Beechcraft’s take, the Model 77 Skipper.
In terms of outward appearance, the Piper PA-38 Tomahawk and Beechcraft Skipper look nearly identical. The visual differences are few and minor, and differentiating them requires some attention to detail. The Tomahawk has square side windows and a full wraparound rear window, for example, while the Skipper has trapezoidal side windows and two separate triangular rear windows.
