Cessna has told customers holding delivery positions for its Model 162 Skycatcher that they face delays of six to 10 months for delivery, although local dealer Aeromil Pacific has announced that the first Australian Skycatcher will be delivered during the second half of this year.
According to Avweb.com, the company is slowing delivery due to design changes resulting from the flight test program. Two aircraft crashed during the flight test program as a result of spin trials, which has resulted in a need to increase the surface area of the rudder and the aileron and elevator travel on each aircraft. Currently, this is being done on completed aircraft at the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation’s factory in China, which is creating the delays.
Cessna delivered the first Skycatcher in December to Rose Pelton, the wife of the company’s CEO and chairman Jack Pelton.
Despite the delay, Aeromil Pacific says that the first 162 for an Australian customer will be delivered during the second half of the year. The dealer also reports that it has a limited number of delivery slots still available for Skycatchers.
