The fact its not IFR bothers me, and personally If I were training I would not wish to train in it. I highly doubt the price differnce will be that much differnt, and if you want to do IFR training you must get into another aircraft. Good for the sport pilot maybe, but thats it.

Sk
 

It offers A/P and dual glass panels as options. It is close to being IFR now. Better than most flight school steam gauge antiques. My guess is that in 3 years when they really begin pumping them out the door there will either be an IFR option or the after market will find a way to do it.

SkyHigh

Can an aircraft certified as Light Sport operate under IFR rules? I thought they were limited to VFR only.

But then again, if the model shows success and their is a push to allow IFR flight in light sport aircraft then I'm sure Cessna and the AOPA will flex their lobbying muscles and get it done.

Cessna
 

Cessna claims that their intent for the SC is as an initial trainer replacement for the 152. They went on to mention that the do not "intend" to certify it for IFR. They do not wish to raid sales from their 172 and 182 line. Pressure from FBO's I feel will make them change their minds.

Skyhigh

But wouldn't that require re-certification under Normal or Utility classification? Maybe I'm off base here, I need to check the regs.

Is it lighting protected? Is it made out of composite materials?

I understand the lightning/composite material gig is also something that keeps some LSA being IFR certified.

I know, the steam gauges are evil....

It's all alumimum, I did a walk around today. It has a wide pilot/passenger zone in contrast to the 150/152. The cargo area is roomy too. I would say the only bad thing is the non-IFR aspect. The mockup does not have a landing light, not sure why; the preliminary specs say it is intended for night vfr despite that a sport pilot is not allowed to fly at night. It has a skylight in the cargo area which helps make it bright back there. Lots of LEDs, nice panel, nice aircraft. I'd still go for a used 152, but I'm on a tight budget.

Does the Symphony aircraft fall into the LSA category?

No it doesn't- too heavy, too fast.

LSA specs from wikipedia here