July 28, 2009 - Oshkosh, Wisconsin - Cessna Aircraft Monday announced ASTM compliance completion for its new Model 162 SkyCatcher light-sport aircraft (LSA). Deliveries are expected to begin before year’s end, the company added.

“This is significant not only for Cessna, but for the aviation community as a whole,” said Cessna Chairman, President, and CEO Jack Pelton. “Once these airplanes enter service, they will act as a catalyst for increased pilot starts.”

Pelton predicted that Cessna’s LSA will “significantly change the economics of ownership and operation for flight schools, aircraft renters, and aircraft owners, and will benefit the entire GA community.”

 With power from the new Continental O-200D 100-hp engine and a fixed-pitch prop, the aircraft cruises at speeds up to 118 knots and offers a maximum range of 470 nautical miles. The Cessna 162 SkyCatcher features a Garmin G300 glass-panel avionics system.

Cessna launched its SkyCatcher program at AirVenture Oshkosh in 2007 and has since amassed more than 1,000 orders.