Cessna 162 Skycatcher IPC

Part Number: 162PC
Description: Cessna 162 IPC
Effective Platform: Cessna Model 162
Revision: Rev A0
Date of Recent Issue: March 23, 2020

 Title Page
 List of Effective Pages
 List of Revisions
 Introduction
 ICA Supplement List
 Service Bulletin List
 Supplier Address List
 Alphabetical Index
 Part Number Index
 CHAPTER 9-TOWING AND TAXIING
 CHAPTER 11-PLACARDS AND MARKINGS
 CHAPTER 21-AIR CONDITIONING
 CHAPTER 22-AUTO FLIGHT
 CHAPTER 23-COMMUNICATIONS
 CHAPTER 24-ELECTRICAL POWER
 CHAPTER 25-EQUIPMENT/ FURNISHINGS
 CHAPTER 27-FLIGHT CONTROLS
 CHAPTER 28-FUEL
 CHAPTER 31-INDICATING/ RECORDING SYSTEMS
 CHAPTER 32-LANDING GEAR
 CHAPTER 33-LIGHTS
 CHAPTER 34-NAVIGATION
 CHAPTER 52-DOORS
 CHAPTER 53-FUSELAGE
 CHAPTER 55-STABILIZERS
 CHAPTER 56-WINDOWS
 CHAPTER 57-WINGS
 CHAPTER 61-PROPELLERS
 CHAPTER 71-POWER PLANT
 CHAPTER 74-IGNITION
 CHAPTER 76-ENGINE CONTROLS
 CHAPTER 77-ENGINE INDICATING
 CHAPTER 78-EXHAUST
 CHAPTER 79-OIL

The History of the Cessna 162 Airplane

The Cessna 162 Skycatcher was an ambitious project by Cessna Aircraft Company, aimed at capturing the growing market for light sport aircraft (LSA) in the early 21st century. Announced in 2006, the Cessna 162 was designed to be a simple, affordable, and easy-to-fly aircraft, making it accessible to a broader range of pilots.

Cessna's goal with the 162 Skycatcher was to create an aircraft that would appeal to flight schools and recreational pilots alike. The Skycatcher was a two-seat, high-wing monoplane made primarily from aluminum. It featured a fixed tricycle landing gear and was powered by a Continental O-200D engine, which delivered 100 horsepower. The aircraft had a cruising speed of around 112 knots (129 mph) and a range of approximately 470 nautical miles.

One of the key selling points of the Cessna 162 was its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Cessna aimed to keep the base price of the aircraft under $100,000, making it an attractive option for flight schools looking to train new pilots. Additionally, the aircraft's avionics included a modern glass cockpit, featuring Garmin G300 primary flight displays, which was a significant innovation in the light sport aircraft category.

However, the Skycatcher faced several challenges throughout its development and production. Initially, the aircraft was to be manufactured in the United States, but Cessna later decided to outsource production to Shenyang Aircraft Corporation in China to reduce costs. This decision was met with some controversy, as it raised concerns about the quality and reliability of the aircraft.

Despite these challenges, the first Cessna 162 Skycatcher was delivered to a customer in December 2009. Unfortunately, the aircraft struggled to gain traction in the market. Issues with weight and performance led to several design revisions, which increased production costs. Additionally, the price of the aircraft gradually rose, which, combined with economic challenges during that period, led to declining demand.

In 2013, Cessna made the difficult decision to cease production of the Skycatcher. By the time production ended, only about 275 units had been delivered, far fewer than the thousands that had been projected. While the Cessna 162 did not achieve the widespread success Cessna had hoped for, it remains a notable chapter in the company's history, representing both the challenges and opportunities of the evolving aviation market.

General characteristics

• Crew: one
• Capacity: one passenger
• Length: 22.8 ft (6.9 m)
• Wingspan: 30.0 ft (9.1 m)
• Height: 8.53 ft (2.60 m)
• Wing area: 120 sq ft (11 m2)
• Empty weight: 830 lb (376 kg)
• Gross weight: 1,320 lb (599 kg)
• Powerplant: 1 × Continental O-200D air-cooled flat-four, 100 hp (75 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 118 kn (136 mph, 219 km/h)
• Cruise speed: 112 kn (129 mph, 207 km/h)
• Range: 470 nmi (540 mi, 870 km)
• Service ceiling: 15,500 ft (4,700 m)
• Rate of climb: 890 ft/min (4.5 m/s)