Cessna looks to move 162 Skycatcher into primary aircraft category

Cessna officials said they will be moving the 162 Skycatcher into a primary aircraft category, and out of the Light Sport Aircraft category.

Company officials made the announcement in Oshkosh, Wis., where the annual air show is taking place. They said the move will aid in the certification process with countries worldwide.

“The Skycatcher will be transitioned into the primary category, and will continue to meet the definition of a light-sport aircraft,” said Tracy Leopold, business leader for the Cessna 162, in a news release. “The owner operator can continue to operate the aircraft with a sport pilot license. This makes the Skycatcher a more innovative aircraft for our customers.”

Cessna is working with the Federal Aviation Administration on a Skycatcher primary category designation, which includes Type Certificate and Production Certificate. The joint Cessna/FAA team included requirements from EASA CS-LSA into the program which will allow the Skycatcher to be accepted into Europe through a simpler validation effort, following FAA approval.

This story was originally published July 24, 2012 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Cessna looks to move 162 Skycatcher into primary aircraft category."