Cessna Improving Piston Singles Line

Cessna is promoting a new block change to its line of single-engine piston aircraft here at NBAA 2000, and at the same time is launching a turbocharged version of the 182 Skylane.

The revamped Cessna line of Skyhawk, Skylane and Stationair singles will include an optional multifunction display-the Honeywell Bendix/King KMD 550, which will work with the KLN 94 color GPS/IFR receiver currently available.

The block change will also include such amenities as arm rests, visors and cup-holders, improved door handles, and lighter weight composite interior side panels with improved looks.

The basic Skylane is priced at $228,000 with 230 hp Lycoming IO-540 AB1A5 engine and Honeywell avionics, including dual nav/coms with single glideslope, digital transponder with encoder, VFR-GPS, single-axis autopilot and combined marker beacon receiver.

The new Skylane is being made available with a slope-control turbocharger and standard four-place oxygen system. New prices will be released here.

Cessna's single-engine piston aircraft don't bring in as much money per airplane as its business jets, but they perform the added function of helping introduce new pilots to aviation-every one of them a potential Citation business jet buyer in future.

It's a nice, not-so-little business too. "We will deliver almost 1,000 single-engine aircraft out of Independence this year," Cessna CEO Gary Hay told Show News on the eve of NBAA 2000.

Also aimed at the newer pilot, Cessna is talking up a CD-ROM computer-based instrument training program launched this past summer, complementing a basic course introduced two years ago.

By Rich Piellisch