Textron came to Sun 'n Fun with their updated piston lineup, sporting some light revisions that save a chunk of money for those who planned to retrofit their next purchase anyways.
It's nice to see, since this upgrade actually improves the livability of each plane. On the C-172 Skyhawk, owners can now enjoy a set of USB type A (the big square one) and Type C (the smaller, reversible one) ports at each seat location. A pair of side pockets on the walls add some much-appreciated space to stow small little baubles, checklists, and aids in flight. That theme - added stowage throughout the lineup - continues on all the way up to the Turbo 206. The Skyhawk also, finally after a few decades of production, got a built-in POH pocket in the lumbar area of the front seats. It's a small touch but that frees up some underseat storage while protecting the handbook from rough-and-tumble handling while everyone is packing the plane for a long cross country.
The T182 and 182 got a similar treatment, too, with a 6-pin powered headset plug too, POH pocket, USB chargers, side pockets, and an added cell phone pocket in front of each seat cushion. Topping it off there, Textron added an adjustable and rotating arm rest up front, making the deck just a tad cozier on those long flights.
The T206, like the rest, got the 6-pin plug too, as well as the same collection of pockets, POH cubbies, rotating adjustable armrests. Across the board, the Cessnas all got a new "all black instrument panel", which should help add a little dressiness and help cover up some of the grime that panels accumulate over a life of long use. On the downside, it might be a bit toastier for those flight training in the sun belt - Luckily for them, air conditioning has been added as an option all the way down to the 172, too!
"These enhancements to the iconic Cessna piston family offer improved comfort, functionality and style,” said Chris Crow, vice president, Piston Sales. “Whether you're a student pilot or an experienced aviator, the extensive product lineup offers something to meet your needs, elevate your flying adventures and inspire the journey of flight."
FMI: www.cessna.com
