Cessna to unveil concept Light Sport Aircraft at EAA AirVenture
June 9th, 2006
Cessna Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., announced it is studying the feasibility of developing and producing a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA).
The company plans to display a full scale proof-of-concept aircraft at this year’s Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) annual convention – known as AirVenture – next month in Oshkosh, Wis.
The newly-emerging Light Sport Aircraft category is the highest growth sector of general aviation. Light Sport Aircraft are defined as having a maximum gross weight of 1320 pounds, maximum level-flight speed of 120 knots, and no more than two seats.
“As the world’s largest producer of single engine piston airplanes, we believe we could bring unique capabilities to this exciting market,” said Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack Pelton. “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,” he said.
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. 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,” he said.
The company plans to unveil its proof-of-concept LSA at a press conference at the EAA show on July 24, and will survey attendees at the show to insure a Cessna-designed LSA would be responsive to market preferences.
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