162 Skycatcher vs Archer LX
The Archer LX leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Cessna / Textron Aviation 162 Skycatcher (introduced 2010) beside the Piper Aircraft Archer LX (introduced 2017) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are trainers, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the Archer LX carries more passengers. undefined
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
162 Skycatcher vs Archer LX: the key differences
- The Archer LX delivers 11% more range (162 Skycatcher: 470 nm; Archer LX: 522 nm).
- The Archer LX delivers 14% more cruise speed (162 Skycatcher: 112 kt; Archer LX: 128 kt).
- The Archer LX delivers 100% more passenger capacity (162 Skycatcher: 2 seats; Archer LX: 4 seats).
- The Archer LX is the newer design (introduced 2017 versus 2010 for the 162 Skycatcher), a gap of 7 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Archer LX is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (2,558 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 Archer LX 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?
On published specifications the Archer LX leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 162 Skycatcher can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
More comparisons
162 Skycatcher vs Archer LX: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 162 Skycatcher or the Archer LX?
The Archer LX has the longer published range — 522 nm versus 470 nm for the 162 Skycatcher.
Does the 162 Skycatcher or Archer LX seat more passengers?
The Archer LX carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 4 seats, compared with 2 on the 162 Skycatcher.
Which is faster, the 162 Skycatcher or the Archer LX?
The Archer LX cruises faster, at 128 kt versus 112 kt for the 162 Skycatcher.
Which is newer, the 162 Skycatcher or the Archer LX?
The Archer LX is the newer design, introduced in 2017 versus 2010 for the 162 Skycatcher.
Is the 162 Skycatcher or the Archer LX the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Archer LX is the larger aircraft — 2,558 lbs versus 1,320 lbs for the 162 Skycatcher.
Should I buy the 162 Skycatcher or the Archer LX?
On published specifications the Archer LX leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 162 Skycatcher can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the 162 Skycatcher vs Archer LX?
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.