First Chinese made Skycatcher flies

The first production Cessna Skycatcher manufactured by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation made its first flight on September 17.

“The Skycatcher program continues to make significant progress, today with the first flight of our very first aircraft produced on production tooling, following closely on the heels of our announcement in July of ASTM compliance for the aircraft,” said Jack Pelton, Cessna chairman, president and CEO. “We are excited about this program and eager for the Model 162 Skycatcher to take its place in the industry as the light sport aircraft of choice.”

Skycatchers are being produced in China by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, which is a subsidiary of Aviation Industry Corporation of China I (AVIC I), in an effort to cut production costs. Under the agreement with Cessna, the aircraft will be produced in Shenyang and then shipped to one of three delivery centres for reassembly before delivery to customers.

Over 1000 Skycatchers have been ordered since its launch at the 2007 AirVenture in Oshkosh.