Meet Cessna 162 Skycatcher
The Skycatcher combines a two-seat high-wing airframe with under-panel control sticks. Cessna’s handbook explains that these move like floor-mounted sticks while leaving the cabin easier to enter. Cables and mechanical linkages operate the ailerons, elevator and rudder, with spring loading in the rudder system.
Electric pitch trim acts through a tab on the right elevator. A switch on the stick commands an elevator-mounted servo, and the Garmin G300 displays the trim position. The same handbook identifies optional automatic-flight equipment separately from the standard flight and engine displays.
History & design
A new light-sport trainer reaches production
By January 2010, Cessna's two-seat Skycatcher was entering production after a development programme that changed its tail and aileron travel. Alton Marsh flew the aircraft Cessna called its first production example, incorporating changes made after spin-test accidents. A ventral fin, extended rudder and reduced aileron travel were part of that revision. The published account concerns the revised early production design; it does not make the aircraft approved for intentional spins.
Alton K. Marsh / AOPA · Fun at Mach 0.162 ↗Systems & details
Under-panel sticks and tab trim
The manufacturer handbook describes the mechanical surface-control path, the stick’s cabin placement and the electric servo driving the right-elevator trim tab. Rudder pedals also provide toe-brake control.
Pilot accounts
“”
Marsh found the aircraft stable, with sensitive, responsive controls and light stick forces during the landing flare. He reported that it was slow to decelerate and that the castering nosewheel took practice. His account gives useful context for the combination of light control loading, electric trim and modest approach speeds.
Early production Cessna 162; AOPA flight report, January 2010.
Read the full account · Alton K. Marsh / AOPA ↗In your simulator
No released simulator product is listed for this aircraft in the developers reviewed. Announced products are excluded.
Manuals & resources
Read the original documentation from the people who created it. Manuals open on their publisher’s website.
Developer documentation
Cockspur C162 Skycatcher – Cockspurcockspur.eu · Aircraft equipment and developer product details. Cessna Model 162 Pilot’s Operating Handbookwww.aeroelectric.com · Cessna 162 handbook, airplane/system description pp. 2-3 to 2-10.Aircraft documentation
Fun at Mach 0.162Alton K. Marsh / AOPA · Alton K. Marsh, January 2010 flight report on the early production Skycatcher.Built-in force-feedback profiles
Read the documentary basis, editable starting settings and remaining questions for the aircraft you fly. Each explanation refers to the exact profile revision shown.
Catalogue programme-20261011-v3 · 2 profile choices
Cockspur C162 Skycatcher
Cockspur · Free and Pro · Revision 1 · Partial review
MSFS 2020
The Skycatcher combines a two-seat high-wing airframe with under-panel control sticks.
Cessna 162 Skycatcher
Free and Pro · Revision 1 · Partial review
MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024 · X-Plane 12
The Skycatcher combines a two-seat high-wing airframe with under-panel control sticks.
Cockspur C162 Skycatcher
The Skycatcher combines a two-seat high-wing airframe with under-panel control sticks.
Aircraft and simulator scope
- Cockspur C162 Skycatcher · Cockspur · MSFS 2020 · Add-on starting point
msfs2020 official documented scope reviewed2026-10-11
The simulator model and controls
Cockspur C162 Skycatcher is the selected Cockspur configuration.
How this profile feels
Spring resistance builds with the selected airspeed response. A separate aerodynamic term adds speed-dependent control load.
Valid trim provides the configured pressure relief. Autopilot following is off.
Aircraft and configuration
Developer identifies Skycatcher and real-pilot collaboration.
Cessna-authored POH documents mechanical controls, electric trim and manual flap detents.
Under-panel sticks and tab trim
The manufacturer handbook describes the mechanical surface-control path, the stick’s cabin placement and the electric servo driving the right-elevator trim tab. Rudder pedals also provide toe-brake control.
About the values
Strengths are normalized hardware-feel settings. They set the effect balance; hand force depends on the device and its limits. The IAS reference is a tuning value.
What the documentation establishes
Developer identifies Skycatcher and real-pilot collaboration.
Cessna-authored POH documents mechanical controls, electric trim and manual flap detents.
Documentary review and sources
These decisions describe the documentary basis and remaining gaps for this revision. Aircraft documentation and a starting setting describe different kinds of evidence.
Aircraft and variant
ReviewedCockspur C162 Skycatcher is the selected Cockspur configuration.
Flight controls
ReviewedThe Skycatcher combines a two-seat high-wing airframe with under-panel control sticks.
Trim
ReviewedPitch trim: Electric servo and right-elevator tab. Pitch authority 0.3 provides load relief and permitted centre movement; roll authority is 0.
Autopilot and stability
ReviewedAutopilot following is off; the configured spring and load retain the hardware feel.
Equipment
ReviewedDeveloper identifies Skycatcher and real-pilot collaboration.
Speeds and limits
InheritedThe indicated-speed references set the profile response scale; they are separate from aircraft operating limits.
Simulator integration
ReviewedThe profile targets msfs2020. Add-on-specific controls use only the supported references configured by this profile.
Force-feedback settings
InheritedThe settings define the profile’s effect balance. Device output limits affect physical hand force.
Starting settings and their rationale
These configured values are starting estimates. The explanations describe what each setting controls; physical validation appears separately below.
| Setting | Starting value | What it controls and why |
|---|---|---|
| Spring strength | Starting value0.74 | What it controls and whyThe manufacturer handbook describes the mechanical surface-control path, the stick’s cabin placement and the electric servo driving the right-elevator trim tab. The baseline spring is 0.74. Its low-speed blend reaches baseline strength at 47.5 KIAS. |
| Master force gain | Starting value0.85 | What it controls and whyScales overall profile strength while preserving effect balance, subject to device and output limits. |
| Profile force gain | Starting value0.8 | What it controls and whyThe aerodynamic-load gain is 0.8 with an indicated-speed reference of 95 KIAS. This supplies speed-dependent loading alongside the spring. |
| Force tuning speed/reference | Starting value95 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS reference for aerodynamic loading. It is an estimate, not published cruise TAS or a flight limit. |
| Spring response reference speed | Starting value47.5 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS where the low-speed blend reaches baseline strength; high-speed stiffening also uses it. |
| Aileron force scale | Starting value0.72 | What it controls and whyRoll and pitch aerodynamic scales are 0.72 and 1, respectively. They set the aerodynamic axis balance. No custom spring-travel curve is enabled. |
| Elevator force scale | Starting value1.0 | What it controls and whyScales pitch aerodynamic loading; pitch spring travel and trim responses are separate settings. |
| Trim feel | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyRetained for compatibility and group membership. Trim relief, rather than this flag, controls centre movement. |
| Trim relief | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyAllows trim relief with supported control law and valid telemetry. Axis authorities set its amount. |
| Autopilot follow | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyAutopilot following is off; the configured spring and load retain the hardware feel. |
| Autopilot neutral hold | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyPermits centering hold during a supported AP state, separate from following a moving target. |
| Output force limit | Starting value0.55 | What it controls and whyCaps directed-force output. Native spring effects and device limits remain separate. |
All 47 starting settings and their rationale
The settings define the profile’s effect balance. Device output limits affect physical hand force.
| Setting | Starting value | What it controls and why |
|---|---|---|
| Spring strength | Starting value0.74 | What it controls and whyThe manufacturer handbook describes the mechanical surface-control path, the stick’s cabin placement and the electric servo driving the right-elevator trim tab. The baseline spring is 0.74. Its low-speed blend reaches baseline strength at 47.5 KIAS. |
| Profile force gain | Starting value0.8 | What it controls and whyThe aerodynamic-load gain is 0.8 with an indicated-speed reference of 95 KIAS. This supplies speed-dependent loading alongside the spring. |
| Master force gain | Starting value0.85 | What it controls and whyScales overall profile strength while preserving effect balance, subject to device and output limits. |
| Output force limit | Starting value0.55 | What it controls and whyCaps directed-force output. Native spring effects and device limits remain separate. |
| Elevator force scale | Starting value1.0 | What it controls and whyScales pitch aerodynamic loading; pitch spring travel and trim responses are separate settings. |
| Aileron force scale | Starting value0.72 | What it controls and whyRoll and pitch aerodynamic scales are 0.72 and 1, respectively. They set the aerodynamic axis balance. No custom spring-travel curve is enabled. |
95 KIAS is a selected control-feel reference for Cockspur C162 Skycatcher, not published cruise TAS, V-speeds or an operating limit. q-blend/deadband/drop thresholds are derived engineering estimates.
| Setting | Starting value | What it controls and why |
|---|---|---|
| Force tuning speed/reference | Starting value95 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS reference for aerodynamic loading. It is an estimate, not published cruise TAS or a flight limit. |
| QSpring Start Knots | Starting value13.3 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS where the low-speed spring blend starts rising. This is a feel threshold, not a flight limit. |
| Spring response reference speed | Starting value47.5 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS where the low-speed blend reaches baseline strength; high-speed stiffening also uses it. |
| Full Speed Ref Knots | Starting value47.5 kt | What it controls and whyA stored parameter in this profile. Its effect depends on the associated feature and control law; it is not a measured aircraft force. |
| Fade Kts | Starting value28.5 | What it controls and whyA stored parameter in this profile. Its effect depends on the associated feature and control law; it is not a measured aircraft force. |
Accessory motion/ground/engine textures inherit existing current estimates; enablement follows reviewed equipment and qualified standard positions, not new actuator or pressure signals.
| Setting | Starting value | What it controls and why |
|---|---|---|
| Gain | Starting value0.12 | What it controls and whySets texture from observed flap movement; a command without movement does not establish the cue. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets texture from observed gear movement, separate from aerodynamic and touchdown effects. |
| Undercarriage | Starting value0 | What it controls and whyA stored parameter in this profile. Its effect depends on the associated feature and control law; it is not a measured aircraft force. |
| Gain | Starting value0.12 | What it controls and whySets estimated engine vibration using configured telemetry and response, not measured cockpit vibration. |
Exact configured values with software explanations. Force magnitudes remain editable estimates; disabled features retain inactive values.
| Setting | Starting value | What it controls and why |
|---|---|---|
| Spring deadband | Starting value0.045 | What it controls and whySets travel around the centre before the baseline spring resists. Smaller values engage it sooner. |
| QBlend Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyAllows baseline spring strength to rise with indicated airspeed where the control law permits it. |
| QSpring Minimum Factor | Starting value0.5 | What it controls and whySets low-speed spring strength as a fraction of baseline when blending is enabled. One keeps full strength. |
| Airspeed spring stiffening gain | Starting value0.15 | What it controls and whyThe high-speed spring-stiffening gain is 0.15. It strengthens the permitted spring response above 47.5 KIAS, with the squared-speed ratio capped at 5. |
| Airspeed spring stiffening limit | Starting value5 | What it controls and whyLimits the squared airspeed ratio used for high-speed spring stiffening; it is not a device-force cap. |
| Trim feel | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyRetained for compatibility and group membership. Trim relief, rather than this flag, controls centre movement. |
| Trim relief | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyAllows trim relief with supported control law and valid telemetry. Axis authorities set its amount. |
| Elevator Authority | Starting value0.3 | What it controls and whyPitch trim: Electric servo and right-elevator tab. Pitch authority 0.3 provides load relief and permitted centre movement; roll authority is 0. |
| Aileron Authority | Starting value0 | What it controls and whyScales supported roll-trim relief and permitted centre movement. Zero removes roll response. |
| Force Trim Enabled | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyEnables local force trim, separate from aircraft-owned trim and add-on integration qualification. |
| GLoad Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyAllows load-factor changes to modify permitted spring laws. Passive fly-by-wire feel can suppress it. |
| Rate Damping Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables rate damping with the configured coefficients and control law. |
| Autopilot follow | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyAutopilot following is off; the configured spring and load retain the hardware feel. |
| Autopilot follow authority | Starting value0.1 | What it controls and whySets admitted AP-follow gain, not a percentage of travel. Runtime ownership and input limits still apply. |
| Autopilot neutral hold | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyPermits centering hold during a supported AP state, separate from following a moving target. |
| Autopilot neutral hold strength | Starting value0.6 | What it controls and whySets admitted AP neutral-hold strength; inactive while neutral hold is disabled. |
| Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables aerodynamic cues; each still needs nonzero strength and its simulator conditions. |
| Gain | Starting value0.35 | What it controls and whySets stall-buffet strength. Zero removes the cue without changing simulator stalls or warnings. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets high-Mach buffet strength; onset and full-strength thresholds are separate. |
| Gain | Starting value0.14 | What it controls and whySets flap buffet at the configured position and speed gates. Flap movement texture is separate. |
| Maximum flap index | Starting value3 | What it controls and whySets the final flap index for detent normalization. UP plus three detents uses maximum index3. |
| Minimum flap index | Starting value2 | What it controls and whySets the first flap detent that admits buffet; this is a handle index, not degrees. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets gear aerodynamic buffet; movement and ground-contact cues are separate. |
| Shaker Enabled | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyPermits shaker at supported warning conditions; the switch does not establish aircraft equipment. |
| Stick shaker amplitude | Starting value0.5 | What it controls and whySets triggered shaker strength; inactive while the shaker feature is disabled. |
| Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables ground effects; each still needs its own strength and contact or motion telemetry. |
| Gain | Starting value0.4 | What it controls and whySets rolling texture strength, modified by speed, surface and undercarriage configuration. |
| Gain | Starting value0.25 | What it controls and whySets gear-bump texture during ground motion, separate from touchdown impact. |
| Gain | Starting value0.65 | What it controls and whySets landing-impact strength; landing telemetry and response shape determine the pulse. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets reverse-thrust vibration with valid reverser and engine conditions. Zero removes the cue. |
| Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables engine cues with nonzero settings and valid running-engine telemetry. |
| Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables accessory cues with configured strengths and observed accessory movement. |
Limits and open questions
- Manufacturer POH preserved from archival mirror after official training link failed; installed gearing unverified.
- Physical FFB, installed add-on matching and cross-platform runtime acceptance are deferred. No certification or simulator-vendor endorsement is implied.
- Unqualified physical AP following, neutral hold, force trim, native force additions, hardware failures and input compensation are disabled.
Physical validation
No physical force validation is recorded in this public catalogue for this revision. Documentary review and software checks do not establish how a particular device feels.
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