Skycatcher Flight

[@razomatic]

I really appreciate these longer flying videos and the commentary you add along the way. Terrific work. Your videos spark the joy of flight.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Glad you like them!

[@TheCpage66]

What razomatic said...

[@JamesLangford-Cosslett]

I agree. @@TheCpage66

[@ADAPTATION7]

What a nice review of what could've been the 152's successor. I was really surprised when you mentioned the cabin width of 44''. Small on the outside yet big on the inside (with no frills). Cessna dropped the ball on this one.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Yes they did.

[@jpaulkepler4638]

Imagine that as a kit . I see what you mean about the intuitive operation of the stick.

[@dan14-22]

Why sell skycatchers for 100k when they can sell skyhawks for 400k. Maybe they sell a few fewer units buts the margins have to be higher anyway. They didn’t want or need this to succeed.

[@ADAPTATION7]

@@dan14-22 Most likely but at this point, why continue building single engine airplanes when you can just continue selling business jets since the margin must be way higher?

[@dan14-22]

@@ADAPTATION7 the ‘catcher and hawk are the same market. No need to cannibalize it and make less. Biz jets are a different market. Nobody who’s in the market for a citation goes and buys a hawk instead.

[@ldmax]

My flying club had one (actually two) of these. Great flying airplane. So much fun. Excellent visibility. Lots of issues, though. Build quality being number one. The flimsy doors and poorly designed door latch that caused the doors to pop open in flight and wrap themselves around the wing strut. We lost two doors on our first SkyCatcher. Expensive repair and a lot of down time. Then there's the sensitive, twitchy handling in pitch. You could be perfectly stabilized on final and in an instant find yourself in a series of oscillating pitch-ups and downs that would get progressively larger. So easy for students and pilots new to the type to let it get away from them. That's how our first SkyCatcher was destroyed. A low time pilot that had just gotten checked out in the 162 got into the pitch oscillation mode while landing on a grass runway and dug the nose gear into the grass hard. That's where build quality comes in again. That accident in a 152 would have done relatively minor damage. It totaled the 162. Cessna got us a great deal on a company demonstrator, which the insurance company paid for. We lost another door on that airplane. Then we had a lot of down time for the wing strut/forward spar modification that was done when cracks were found in numerous SkyCatchers. The additional weight caused us to lose some useful load. Dual lessons were limited to about 45 minutes as we couldn't carry full fuel. We had to limit most dual flights to half fuel due to the extremely low useful loads in the post modification airplanes. Then we had our second accident (the only two accidents in club history dating back to 1969). Crosswind landing accident involving both pitch control as in the first accident and loss of directional control. The aircraft wasn't totaled, but again resulted in a lot of down time and another insurance claim. Due to both our club's claim history with the SkyCatcher and the SkyCatcher fleet's overall unusually high claim history, our insurance company wouldn't renew our policy on the 162. We put it up for sale and got no takers. It took nearly a year for us to sell it at a massive loss. I miss flying that plane, but it was an absolute disaster for the club. It nearly ruined the club from both a financial and reputation perspective. Again, a long standing club (founded in 1969) with a perfect safety record up to that point.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Everyone knows that the most dangerous thing you can put in any plane is…..a pilot.

[@PRH123]

Thanks for the detailed info, much appreciated.

[@JohnDoe-we9yk]

Glad u posted the second part, tks 👍

[@waveydaveyav8r442]

Mark, you always do such a great job on your reviews, and I look forward to them when they come out. Doesn't matter what airplane, I just know you're going to go through it in as much detail as this aviation geek wants. Then there's your sense of humor, which is just focused enough in Aviation for us to get it. I still crack up at your comment, not sure which airplane, but the comment was, "So you don't want to go to Aspen in August with your anvils." Such a blast! Keep em coming!

[@davidmedlyn3475]

I learned on a C 150 and used to dream of flying a Skycatcher. Thanks for your excellent video. Bumpy and all, I really enjoyed the ride. Dave Sydney Australia

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thanks Dave

[@TheTXRanger]

Truly grateful to you, Mark, for the objective, clear-eyed reviews that you do. There are too many KZbinrs that try to introduce "manufactured drama" into their reviews which only makes me wonder about their underlying motivations for creating the videos in the first place. It's nice to know objective information is still available on the Internet!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Glad you like them!

[@DavidGallichan]

Hi Mark that was great very nice thanks Mark cheers David

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@LittleManFlying]

What a delightful shakedown of the Skycatcher! Thanks so much for taking us out for some airwork! I love that you're willing to do that when it's practicable! 🥰

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thanks.

[@TheRamblingMan69]

I like both videos as one. Cool stuff thanks!

[@golfbravowhiskey8669]

There it is. Like I said, in your other video, I have about 700 hours in one of those that I personally owned for personal use. I commuted back-and-forth a lot 140 miles one way a couple of times a week depending on whether I grew to love that little plane and even when I purchased it I had the same misconceptions about it being a piece of Chinese junk. The only failure that was in that plane was as you mentioned Cessnas marketing. It started out going to have the rotax with the brs parachute and even if they did, it would still would have weighed than it does with the continental in it. The only drawback I ever had was it has a pretty light crosswind component, and you can really tell it when you’re taxiing on crosswind. And if you got more than about 10 kn on the nose landing and get in ground effect, it can take you almost a week to touchdown.🤣 Great to see the video brother I’ve been waiting on you to do a fly catcher for a while. By the way, the man who purchased mine, hit a deer on the runway last year. Luckily, all it needed was a prop and a front wheel assembly that front wheel assembly with the caste ring nose wheel was hard to find and very expensive.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Good too hear from a high hour owner that they are as good as I thought.

[@golfbravowhiskey8669]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 Absolutely like I said, the only drawback is you definitely need noise canceling headphones in there as it is a very noisy airplane, and I notice you have twisties in the side windows, Those are an absolute must because the air vents in the 162 are basically just up there for looks, there’s hardly any air that blows out of them. And she is very squirley on the ground above about 12 kn of wind. As you said, at the beginning of the video you took off way before you anticipated. I do believe my old POH stated do not use flaps on take off, I can only imagine putting in one notch of flaps. You would be off the ground at about 40 kn instead of 50 especially unloaded with one person I loved mine. It was exactly like yours except it had an aftermarket Garmin auto pilot not the factory one.

[@davidnelson4707]

wow what a great little airplane . i had no idea it was so wide. oh and a great video .

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

I liked it a lot.

[@mikemc330]

Very nice video. I like the two-part series.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@skyking7477]

Like many other folks, I knew nothing of the skycatcher, and because it was so short lived, I assumed it was an airplane to stay away from. Wrong again. Thanks for everything you do, and you do them well. I love the longer flight reviews too. Keep it up. My next purchase will be from Skywagons!

[@LittleManFlying]

So good! Most of my dual given was in 150s/152s and 172s. I never had an opportunity to fly a 162, so I've been living with no impression of Skycatchers and had often wondered what went wrong with them. This video answered all of my questions and showed me new reasons for paying more attention to this elegant little plane!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

And, strangely, because of this video, I'm getting another one.

[@buckbuchanan5849]

Appreciate the review. More features than I imagined.

[@robertd4468]

I like these extended versions

[@KathleenSlazik]

Nice review of the Skycatcher. Having just bought one gives me a great deal more insight into what I have to forward to. Thank you

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

You will really like it. Was your at Whiteman Airport in LA?

[@regancunneen8517]

Got my private flying one of these and really enjoyed it. I haven’t flown a skycactcher in over five years but I still miss that little airplane.

[@Michael-qy1jz]

I'm getting ready to start to get my license in my 50s. There is a skycatcher for sale local for 69k. Being knew, what is the downside to these?

[@triskellian]

Looks like a nice flying airplane. And it's mechanically simple too! Yes indeed, this was a missed opportunity in sales for Cessna.

[@kaushikccu]

Another awesome flight video, thank you so much, Mark! I'll echo @razomatic, your videos do spark the joy of flight. I'm an aspiring GA pilot at the moment, training on a 1969 C150J Commuter. My flight school has one of these. Now I really want to try it out!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

150's are also excellent trainers. I learned in a 1975, N63237.

[@kaushikccu]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 Cool, MUCH younger than mine 😉 The one I'm on is N60203.

[@flynbike]

Love the new 2 part format, and very much love the gauge display ribbon. Our local rental lineup included a Skycatcher for a while and I enjoyed the dozen or so hours I put in it. Just as honest as a 150 0r 152. I thought roll control would be a head-scratcher but it proved to be pretty intuitive. I think with the quality of headsets and ANR we have these days single skins are not much of a factor. It got pulled to the company's other location, so we're left with an Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat with really similar overall performance.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

I did not find vents or the stick to be at all all strange or lacking.

[@musoseven8218]

Thanks for sharing. It really is a charming little aeroplane, the visibility seems good without feeling flimsy or exposed. The fuel gauge is ideal in several microlight types the gauges are iffy, so this Cessna version is spot on👍✌️😊 Some great camera shots too btw💜👍✌️😊 A pair of enjoyable videos, made my evening 👍✌️😊

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thank you.

[@LittleManFlying]

Love how the downwind call made "Skycatcher" sound like the call sign Maverick wished he could have had 😎

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

I feel the need for. .. . . . . . 98 Kts.

[@loddude5706]

Mon dieu! A Citroen 2CV gear-knob, arcing around like a floor mounted stick! Did the designer's youth include their folks driving a small French car perhaps? That lasting impression, did! : )

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Hardly anyone over in the USA would know a Citroen 2CV or a Renault 4 with the gear lever sticking out of the dash and the gearbox in front of the engine. Looks just like that.

[@rauldiaz5315]

this looks like a really great airplane. Thanks always for the great videos.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thanks for watching!

[@bradrobinhancock8491]

I guess some enterprising folks saw the benefit of the LSA market and carefully studied where Cessna failed with the 162 - and that would be the makers of the Vashon Ranger. They seem very similar, but without the "stolk" - right down the Continental O-200. Maybe seeing their error in the LSA market is what prompted the purchase of Pipistrel by Textron? Who knows, if MOSAIC ever becomes more than a list of "maybes", they can go back and reassess the true Useful Load on the current LSA offering?

[@WhoWouldWantThisName]

I was just thinking with that style of fuel gauges wouldn't it read high on one side and low on the other whenever you roll right or left a bit? Seems like you would only get a good reading when level. BTW Great video of a really cool plane. You always do a great job of presenting these planes.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

The hole that lets the fuel into that tube is very small and reacts very slowly to sudden movement so a bank will not change the gauges, nor will turbulence.

[@WhoWouldWantThisName]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 That makes sense. Thanks.

[@ackack612]

Fun fun fun! Thx Mark.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Yes.

[@flysport_tedder]

You enjoyed flying it more than I did.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Good.

[@FlyingNDriving]

You got to get an interview with that MALIBU! 7:18

[@danielreuter2565]

Great video. I too have wondered if there was something wrong with them. There's one based at my field that's always flying but other than that I never see them anywhere.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Just not a lot of them about.

[@rhenry86]

just bought one of these to train in. love it. but my autopilot is displaying an error :/

[@jpaulkepler4638]

A couple touch n go's to add to the feel.

[@leifvejby8023]

Placerville - I've been there!

[@JeffYun]

all that for 70K seems like a steal!

[@DWBurns]

I like the longer flights.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

I will if I can.

[@DWBurns]

I did not realize how close your livestock pets lived to the office. I enjoyed flying into Placerville, back in the late 80’s I was the dude in the ugly orange Arrow that was louder than a JT8-D powered plane that flew over your place several times. My Arrow today is stage IV compliant. I am so embarrassed, my truck at idle is louder than my Arrow at takeoff. You are correct about the 162, building it in China and laying off folks in Wichita was a bad move. If they had built it anyplace but China, it likely would still be in production.

[@philipmangaoang1352]

Could we have more flights like this, not just in the pattern? thanks for your flight reviews with full sound and flight info. I always watch your channel.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

I fly the ones that the owners let me fly for longer. Some are not willing to let me take off in their pane and maneuver for 20 mins. I'll do what I can.

[@billtisdale6122]

At first I thought you were flying close to Vne, then you showed the 100knts on the Garmin. Your airspeed overlay markings showed Vne at 120knts, but still in the green on the Garmin.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

The overlay is a representation only. It relies on GPS that comes out of the GoPro and is then interpreted by third party software. They are not very accurate, but give an idea of what is going on in the cockpit. - Don the Camera Guy.

[@Jeff-m5x3j]

Perhaps Cessna could borrow from the 162 and their newly acquired Pipistrel and make a composite 162A.

[@halhirsch3606]

I own a 162 and it a great plane.

[@jefferybuchan4235]

Seen a few for sale just under 70K around the 65.5k and think they look to be a good first plane. I think cessna should have kept building them and marketed them better maybe? Anyway enjoyed the review.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thank you.

[@davidcole333]

I think that would be awesome to take the door off and just enjoy some low, slow, lazy Sunday morning flying. Two people and full fuel, a good $100 hamburger plane. This would also be ideal for an owner/student...buy it, learn, build some hours. Probably would be far cheaper than renting a 150/152/172 for training.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

That would be cool

[@wayneschenk5512]

One day it may come back 152s aren’t getting any younger.

[@Saml01]

The best part is it doesn't overheat the gopros like a Columbia 400.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Yes, very shady in there. cooler.

[@Saml01]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 The only thing cool about that plane is..(•_•) ( •_•)>⌐■-■ (⌐■_■)...the pilot.

[@mobinakhtar]

Great Video Mark. I have always wanted one but keep dismissing skycatchers due to forums indicating lack of parts availability and future support from Cessna. You kinda leveled out that myth. How did you like the seats? they look like they have no support. Another question, the new MOSAIC will allow LSA weight limit to be increased - would that not make all existing LSA's kinda obsolete or lacking in comfort?

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

The seats are small but were comfortable. Still learning about MOSAIC

[@xenimaging]

Awesome little plane. Are you going to be listing it on your site for sale?

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

I already did and it already sold.

[@xenimaging]

Dangit

[@brettmarquez562]

Did this aircraft sell? If not, do you have a link to the listing?

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Sorry ... the aircraft did sell.

[@flyfloat]

A nicer, wider and more comfortable Diamond DA20 Katana. It even has the same fuel burn and usable fuel as the da20. And all that for a third of the price! Crazy that Cessna/Textron gave up on it.

[@timfields7214]

Mark, I liked the other format better but I do like that you are showing more of the flight characteristics this way. Were you time limited by some outside force, like KZbin? Anyway, I'll keep watching either way. Your channel is very informative and appreciated.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

The limited flying is simply down to who owns a plane. Some sellers do not want me doing accelerated stalls in their plane. If I own it I can do what I like. Most sellers are OK with once around the pattern.

[@riod43]

Whats is your cruise power in this video?

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

2400 RPM.

[@FINSuojeluskunta]

This thing is basically stopped by the time you get it down lol

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Almost

[@chester8420]

8:07 haha! 10:00 Yeah he's faster and probably not looking out the window either.

[@av8bvma513]

Haha! So, the Eighty Thousand Dollar Question Mark! Is it for sale? Or are you going to keep it for your own fun!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Erm........... It just sold.

[@steprob8692]

I'd like a many hours of training in that. If the gauge overlay was correct you were making easy speed.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

It was pretty accurate

[@JohnLong-x7t]

Is this considered a special light sport?

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Yes it is.

[@FlightSimDude]

👍

[@farrelllambeth1707]

A really nice airplane! 👍

[@MattMorris481]

Under $70,000 with nice avionics and an autopilot not bad.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

I'm getting another one in because of this video.

[@erniekelly2479]

I had such high hopes for the 162. So disappointing Cessna totally mis-guessed the economics of production.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thank you for watching!

[@ronboe6325]

$4k for a latch, something is wrong somewhere. With the covid recovery, perhaps Cessna and the industry can find a way to produce it again.

[@publicmail2]

Make it idiot proof and put part 2 Flt. A suggestion maybe a new intro song?? Take a poll...Love the channel.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thank you.

[@andrewsmactips]

Are you kidding? The intro song is priceless.

[@slowsteve3497]

Still for sale?

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

No, but I might be getting another one.

[@slowsteve3497]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 let me know. I'm also considering an American champion 7eca Aurora.

[@breckenridgerob9679]

Love this aircraft but with such a small useful load, seems like you'd want to find a female instructor that weighs only 120 lbs. I am a 200+ guy and my buddy who has his PPL is 6'-3" and about 275 so he and I could never go up in this together. This would be ideal as a single pilot aircraft, IMO.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

They are great trainers.

[@filkster]

Someone talk me out of buying this and selling my 150.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Save the 150. The 162 is sold.