Page 44 - Volume 15 Number 8

the plane is moving at 20 mph or so. Visibility is good and the 162’s small size fits everywhere. Parked at a convenient intersection, we ran the checklist and verified mags and carb heat at 1700 rpm.
Strobes on, we took the runway and heeded Natalie’s caution not to over-rotate. Lifting off around 50 knots, we did not find the Skycatcher overly pitch sensitive, but it does levitate in a fairly level nose attitude, rather than an above-the-horizon Cessna position. Visibility is therefore enhanced, and the 70-knot climb-out produced about 1,100 fpm of climb rate. We were quickly at 2,400 feet MSL and settling in at a 2,400-rpm cruise, showing around 96 knots indicated.
In maneuvering, the Skycatcher exhibited Skyhawk manners, more so than a Cessna 150’s response. The controls are not hair-trigger quick, just sedate and mild-mannered. Rudder is required to keep the slip
indicator centered as you enter and depart turns, not a bad thing for a student to learn. The swing- action aileron control does not invite experimental aerobatics, but serves its roll control purpose well enough.
Visibility is sufficient, with perhaps a little ducking to see around some blind spots. We found our called-out traffic without difficulty and enjoyed the view below through the big side windows. Returning to the 7,000- foot ICT runway for landings, we were allowed the first notch of flap extension at 100 knots, then a second notch below 85 knots. The stick- mounted electric trim’s gearing is slow enough not to require attention and correction. Using 70 knots on base leg, where full flaps are available, and 65 knots down final, we had plenty of time to round out the glide and execute acceptable, if not smooth, touchdowns. A power-off approach felt much like any Cessna, just a dignified float down to the runway.
As with any LSA aircraft, one needs to respect the wind conditions and watch the loading. However, Wichita is a windy locale, so the Skycatcher was designed to hold its own in a breeze, if correctly flown. We taxied back to the tie downs with some brake needed to hold a crosswind track against the weathervaning tendency.
In summation, the Skycatcher does what Cessna intended; it introduces new pilots to aviation at a lower price than a Skyhawk, yet with glass cockpit amenities and no-surprise handling. It is finding favor with lots of older pilots giving up their medical (Kansas Aviation requires renters to sign an attestation of medical fitness) and is being flown cross-country by new owners as a personal transportation tool. However, it’s a shame a few pounds of accoutr•ements couldn’t be installed to spiffy it up a bit. Perhaps the next refresh. T&T
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42 • TWIN & TURBINE
AUGUST 2011