162 Skycatcher vs DA20
The DA20 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Cessna / Textron Aviation 162 Skycatcher (introduced 2010) beside the Diamond Aircraft DA20 (introduced 1994) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are trainers, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. On paper they are closely matched, so the decision usually turns on cabin, economics and availability. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
162 Skycatcher vs DA20: the key differences
- The DA20 delivers 2% more range (162 Skycatcher: 470 nm; DA20: 480 nm).
- The DA20 delivers 23% more cruise speed (162 Skycatcher: 112 kt; DA20: 138 kt).
- The 162 Skycatcher and DA20 are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 2 seats.
- The 162 Skycatcher is the newer design (introduced 2010 versus 1994 for the DA20), a gap of 16 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The DA20 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (1,764 lbs versus 1,320 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the 162 Skycatcher seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
Choose the DA20 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 162 Skycatcher when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the DA20 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
More comparisons
162 Skycatcher vs DA20: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 162 Skycatcher or the DA20?
The DA20 has the longer published range — 480 nm versus 470 nm for the 162 Skycatcher.
Which is faster, the 162 Skycatcher or the DA20?
The DA20 cruises faster, at 138 kt versus 112 kt for the 162 Skycatcher.
Which is newer, the 162 Skycatcher or the DA20?
The 162 Skycatcher is the newer design, introduced in 2010 versus 1994 for the DA20.
Is the 162 Skycatcher or the DA20 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the DA20 is the larger aircraft — 1,764 lbs versus 1,320 lbs for the 162 Skycatcher.
Should I buy the 162 Skycatcher or the DA20?
Choose the DA20 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 162 Skycatcher when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the DA20 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the 162 Skycatcher vs DA20?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.