Wichita, KS - Aug 1, 2012 - Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is pleased to announce the sale of three Cessna Skycatchers, model 162, at EAA AirVenture 2012 in Oshkosh, Wis., last week. Company executives with Pilot Academy of Sandefjord, Norway noted that the effort to facilitate EASA certification by moving the Skycatcher into the primary category with the FAA played a large role in the decision.
"We already have Cessna aircraft at our flight school in Norway, and we are happy to add three brand new Skycatchers to our fleet," said Pilot Academy CEO Frode Granlund. "We feel this is the natural next step in attracting greater interest in our flight school and provides a fantastic aircraft for introducing new students to aviation."
Cessna's announcement at AirVenture that they would seek primary category status for the Skycatcher in Europe cemented Granlund's decision that the aircraft was the right one for Pilot Academy. He also spent time touring the aircraft and discussing its capabilities with Zoe Cunningham, one of the Skycatcher pilots from Cessna's Discover Flying Challenge.
"After spending some time discussing the 162 with Zoe, I thought 'Why buy one? I need three.' This is a fantastic aircraft with technology you don't see in many trainers. It is a perfect fit for student pilots, and it is roomy. I'm six feet tall, and I fit in there with plenty of room. Two adults fit great in the cockpit."
Granlund also cited the great visibility and the Garmin 300 avionics as persuasive selling points for the aircraft. "It's the perfect starter aircraft that will lead students into the rest of our Cessna aircraft."
Tracy Leopold, business leader for the Cessna 162, said she was happy with the effect the category change has already had on Skycatcher demand. "We've placed an emphasis on bringing innovation to the market, and you can see with this new certification path and today's order from Europe, we are confident that the Skycatcher will be a highly desirable asset for flight training in Europe."
About Cessna
Cessna is the world's leading general aviation company. Since its inception in 1927, Cessna has designed, produced and delivered more than 193,500 airplanes around the globe. This includes more than 6,300 Citation business jets, making it the largest fleet of business jets in the world. Today, Cessna has two principal lines of business: aircraft sales and aftermarket services. Aircraft sales include Citation business jets, Caravan single-engine utility turboprops, single-engine piston aircraft and lift solutions by CitationAir. Aftermarket services include parts, maintenance, inspection and repair services. In 2011, Cessna delivered 689 aircraft, including 183 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of $2.990 billion. More information about Cessna Aircraft Company is available at www.cessna.com.
About Textron
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.
Contact
Contact: Andy Woodward
Cell: +1 316 641 3579
Email: awoodward@cessna.textron.com
Contact: Sara Monger
Phone: +1 316 517 6488
Email: semonger@cessna.textron.com