Cessna Aircraft Company will feature a mix of historic, updated and new aircraft at this week’s Experimental Aircraft Association's annual week-long conference in Oshkosh, Wis.
Exactly one year after launching the light sport aircraft program, Cessna will bring to AirVenture 2008 the first production SkyCatcher. The Model 162 recently was equipped with a production interior and finished in the production paint scheme. The SkyCatcher joins a static display featuring Cessna's entire line of single-engine pistons - the Skyhawk SP, Skylane, Turbo Stationair and the Cessna 350 and 400, which make their Oshkosh debut since Cessna acquired certain assets of the Bend, Ore., operation and rebranded the high-performance, low-wing composite aircraft.
Cessna's exhibit will feature another original: one of the first two Cessna 150 trainers delivered to the University of North Dakota in 1968. The university recently refurbished the aircraft in honor of the 40th anniversary of its John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences.
Also scheduled to participate in this year's static display are a Grand Caravan and Caravan Amphibian along with three Citation business jets - the entry level Citation Mustang, the light Citation CJ2+ and a pre-owned Citation ValuePlace Ultra.
Another new aspect to AirVenture for the company is an 80-foot by 50-foot metal roof emblazoned with a painted welcome message and the Cessna logo. The barn is southeast of the town of Ripon and in the final approach flight pattern of arrivals for EAA.