Cessna 162 Skycatcher

The light sport aircraft built for affordable pilot training.

Overview

Cessna United States ICAO: C162 2009–2013 Active $149,000 (2011)

The Cessna 162 Skycatcher was developed in the 2000s as a light sport aircraft. Intended for flight training and recreational flying, it targeted new pilots entering aviation. Production lasted only a few years.

Live Fleet Activity (C162)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Continental O 200 D Flat 4
Engine type
Piston
Power
100 hp · 75 kW
Avionics
Garmin G300
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
3 ft 7 in  ·  1.10 m
Cabin height
3 ft 11 in  ·  1.19 m
Cabin length
7 ft 7 in  ·  2.32 m
Exterior length
22 ft 8 in  ·  6.90 m
Tail height
8 ft 6 in  ·  2.60 m
Fuselage diameter
3 ft 11 in  ·  1.20 m
Wing span
30 ft 5 in  ·  9.26 m
Baggage volume
12 ft³  ·  0.4 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
1,300 lb  ·  600 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
350 lb  ·  150 kg
Fuel capacity
30 gal · 100 L · 100 kg (AvGas)
Max cruise speed
118 kt  ·  136 mph  ·  219 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
42 kt  ·  48 mph  ·  78 km/h
Range
470 nm  ·  540 mi  ·  870 km
Fuel burn
18.80 nm/gal  ·  9.20 km/L
Ceiling
15,500 ft  ·  4,700 m
Rate of climb
898 ft/min  ·  5 m/s
Takeoff distance
1,140 ft  ·  350 m
Landing distance
1,370 ft  ·  420 m
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Cessna 162 Skycatcher ‘N70252’

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Operational Context

Cessna 162 Skycatcher — light sport training aircraft

The Skycatcher first flew in 2008 and entered service in 2009. It featured a high-wing configuration and simple avionics for training use. The aircraft was designed to meet light sport regulations in the United States.

Powered by a Continental O-200 piston engine producing approximately 100 horsepower, the Skycatcher cruises at around 100 knots (185 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is approximately 1,320 pounds (599 kg). Seating is limited to two occupants.

The Skycatcher faced market challenges and was discontinued in 2013. Despite limited production, it reflected efforts to broaden entry-level aviation access. The aircraft remains a niche trainer in some fleets.