Cessna Launches Light Sport Aircraft Program

Wichita, Kan.– Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced it will proceed with its Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) program and will unveil a full scale mock-up and program details at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Air Venture in Oshkosh, Wis., later this month.

“After conducting extensive market research, it is clear to us there is a great need for this aircraft as we strive to drive down the cost of flying and learning to fly,” said Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack J. Pelton. “We believe this aircraft will make a major contribution to stimulating new pilot starts and will encourage already-licensed pilots to continue to fly because it will be more affordable.

“We have developed a business case that makes sense; we have incorporated several innovative features into the design; and we believe we can deliver the finest aircraft in the category, combined with our extensive customer service, flight training and distribution networks, at an attractive price,” Pelton said.

Details of the program will be announced during the EAA show at a press conference that will be held at the Air Venture Museum, Eagle Hangar, on Sunday, July 22, at 8:30 a.m.

The company is also planning to conduct a ribbon cutting ceremony at its aircraft exhibit at the show (Exhibit No. 143-156) on Monday, July 23, at 8:30 a.m., and will also hold a forum on the Cessna LSA program the same day, from 1:00 to 2:15 p.m., at the Honda Forum, Pavilion 7. EAA President Tom Poberezny, along with Pelton, will participate in all three events.