Cessna has confirmed the
first flight of its Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) took place early
Friday... the 13th (brave souls... no?). The airplane departed
McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kan., at 0833, performed a
variety of flight maneuvers at speeds in excess of 110 knots, and
landed 0905 at Wichita’s Mid-Continent Airport a few miles
away.
“It’s been nine months to the day since I gave the
team the go-ahead to build an LSA concept aircraft,” said
Cessna Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jack J.
Pelton.
“As the world’s largest producer of single engine
piston airplanes, it’s a testament to the experience and
engineering ability of the Cessna team that we were able to make
this happen in such a short timeframe. I extend my congratulations
to the team in getting the LSA airborne so quickly so we can
further evaluate this promising concept.”
The newly-emerging LSA category is the highest growth sector of
general aviation. Light Sport Aircraft are defined as having a
maximum gross weight of 1,320 pounds, maximum level-flight speed of
120 knots, and no more than two seats.
Pelton said the company will evaluate a spectrum of issues
associated with entering the sector to determine if there is a
favorable business case. That decision is expected to 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,” Pelton
said.
“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. We also believe 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.”
Cessna’s LSA proof-of-concept features a high wing
spanning 30 feet, side-by-side seating for two in a cabin with a
maximum width of 48 inches (a half-foot more than the ubiquitous
Cessna 152), tricycle gear, and a 100-hp Rotax 912 engine.
Cessna’s sport aircraft incorporates dual control sticks,
upward opening doors, toe brakes, and a castering nose wheel.
Construction is primarily of aluminum, with selective use of
composite parts for the cowl, wing and dorsal fin.