The second SkyCatcher, Cessna’s light sport aircraft model, is now nearing completion and will soon join the flight-test program, Cessna announced at Sun n Fun this week. The airplane will be designated as the production prototype, and will be equipped with a full interior in time to fly in to EAA AirVenture later this summer. Meanwhile, the first SkyCatcher, which flew for the first time last month, has undergone extensive testing. The flight test team thoroughly explored the aircraft’s handling qualities and stall characteristics, and an extensive ground vibration test was conducted. A third airframe is in the works that will be used a structural test article for the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) protocol. Cessna also announced this week it will offer an autopilot from TruTrak Flight Systems as an option on the SkyCatcher.
This week in Lakeland, the SkyCatcher mockup is on display. The airplane sells for $111,500.
