Cessna To Show LSA Mock-up At AirVenture

With few recent mutterings regarding progress on its “Cirrus killer” design, Cessna is now (also?) studying the feasibility of developing and producing a light sport aircraft (LSA). The company said Tuesday in a news release it will display a full-scale proof-of-concept aircraft at EAA AirVenture next month at Oshkosh. “As the world’s largest producer of single-engine piston airplanes, we believe we could bring unique capabilities to this exciting market,” said Cessna CEO Jack Pelton. “Our extensive sales and service network could provide an important market advantage, which, in concert with our design and manufacturing experience, could make this an attractive extension of our product line,” he said. No word yet on an attractive (or otherwise) pricing — the decision to build, or not to build, will be made early in 2007. The company plans to unveil its LSA at a press conference at the EAA show on July 24, and will survey visitors at the show to ensure a Cessna-designed LSA would be responsive to market preferences.