Cessna to unveil
proof-of-concept light-sport aircraft
By Joseph E. (Jeb) Burnside
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Neal Willford
takes a peek under the cover of the aircraft he designed for
Cessna. The proof-of-concept light-sport aircraft will be
revealed at 9:30 a.m. today. Photo by Phil Weston
|
Is Cessna going to enter
the light-sport aircraft (LSA) market? Will the design be all-metal? A
high-wing? How much will it cost? When will it be available? How will it
improve on aircraft already on the market? Those questions and more were
on many attendees’ minds as this year’s EAA AirVenture Oshkosh got
underway. They all stem from Cessna’s recent announcement the company
is studying the feasibility of developing and producing an entry into
the growing LSA market and is bringing a full-scale proof-of-concept
aircraft to the fly-in this year.
Created by a new FAA
regulation only two years ago, the LSA category is the fastest-growing
sector of general aviation. Light-sport aircraft are defined as having a
maximum gross weight of 1,320 pounds, a maximum level-flight speed of
120 knots, and no more than two seats.
"As the world’s largest producer
of single-engine piston airplanes, we believe we could bring
unique capabilities to this exciting market," said Cessna Chairman,
President, and CEO Jack Pelton. "Our extensive sales and service
network could provide an important market advantage, which, in concert
with our design and manufacturing experience, could make this an
attractive extension of our product line," he said.
Pelton said the company
will evaluate a wide range of issues associated with entering the LSA
market to determine if there is a favorable business case. Cessna says
it expects that decision will be made in the first quarter of 2007.
"An important part
of our thought process in looking at LSA is the value in terms of new
pilot starts. Experience has shown that Cessna brand loyalty is a
powerful force in our success, and we believe this new category of
aircraft could provide a conduit for new pilots to grow through the
Cessna product line in the years ahead," he said.
The company plans to unveil its
proof-of-concept LSA at an AirVenture press conference today and will
survey attendees at the show to ensure a Cessna-designed LSA would be
responsive to market preferences.
