Sat, Nov 08, 2008
Cessna Says Flight Test Program Moving Forward From
Accident
Cessna reported this week at AOPA Expo 2008 it is on
course to begin deliveries of the Model 162 SkyCatcher during the
second half of 2009. This schedule matches the timeline announced
when the light sport aircraft launched in July 2007.
All engineering work and testing of the 162 is being completed
in Wichita, KS at Cessna Aircraft Field Airport adjacent to
McConnell Air Force Base. The program has accumulated more than 220
hours for ASTM flight testing.
Since losing the prototype in a September flight test accident,
as ANN reported, Cessna has moved the first
production model to the primary flight test aircraft while another
airframe is conducting ASTM static testing.
Flight testing is focused on gathering data and making minor
refinements to ensure the aircraft complies with ASTM requirements
and fulfills its intended role in the training and sport flying
market. The primarily aluminum aircraft will meet ASTM standard
F2245 for the light sport category.
An extensive Ground Vibration Test, though not an ASTM
requirement, was conducted to meet Cessna's exacting standards for
airframe integrity. Additional testing beyond the ASTM requirements
will include a full airframe fatigue test on a production aircraft
starting in mid-2009.
Production assembly jigs and tooling and detail tooling to
support fabrication are complete and in place at Shenyang Aircraft
Corporation. Cessna will ship the SkyCatcher's engine and avionics,
along with raw materials, from the United States to Shenyang,
China, for assembly by SAC. Cessna has on-site personnel in place
to provide ongoing oversight for quality assurance.
The next major program milestone is scheduled for second quarter
2009, when SAC completes the first aircraft assembly followed by
its first flight.
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