Cessna 162 for Sale

The Cessna 162 Skycatcher, introduced in 2007, aimed to be a modern, affordable aircraft for training and personal use, receiving over 1,000 orders before the 2009 delivery. Positioned as an update to the aging 150s and 152s, it promised more cabin space, modern avionics, and a sub-$100,000 price.

Certified as a light-sport aircraft (LSA), it could be flown without a medical certificate. Despite seeming poised for success, it became a failure in general aviation due to two main factors: failure to meet the target price and the decision to assemble it in China. Intended to tap into the Asian market, this strategy backfired, burdening the US market with additional costs, like shipping engines to China for installation. To maintain profit margins, Cessna raised the Skycatcher's price from $100,000 to $149,000. Buyers reacted negatively to both the price increase and the China assembly decision, leading to widespread order cancellations. Cessna ultimately built and sold only 275 Skycatchers before discontinuing the program, highlighting the challenges in market dynamics, pricing, and production decisions in the general aviation industry.

Read more about the Skycatcher on Aviation Consumer