162 Skycatcher vs Pilot 100i
The Pilot 100i leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
The Cessna / Textron Aviation 162 Skycatcher (introduced 2010) and the Piper Aircraft Pilot 100i (introduced 2019) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are trainers, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the Pilot 100i carries more passengers. undefined
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162 Skycatcher vs Pilot 100i: the key differences
- The Pilot 100i delivers 11% more range (162 Skycatcher: 470 nm; Pilot 100i: 522 nm).
- The Pilot 100i delivers 14% more cruise speed (162 Skycatcher: 112 kt; Pilot 100i: 128 kt).
- The Pilot 100i delivers 100% more passenger capacity (162 Skycatcher: 2 seats; Pilot 100i: 4 seats).
- The Pilot 100i is the newer design (introduced 2019 versus 2010 for the 162 Skycatcher), a gap of 9 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Pilot 100i is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (2,550 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 Pilot 100i 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 Pilot 100i 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.
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162 Skycatcher vs Pilot 100i: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 162 Skycatcher or the Pilot 100i?
The Pilot 100i has the longer published range — 522 nm versus 470 nm for the 162 Skycatcher.
Does the 162 Skycatcher or Pilot 100i seat more passengers?
The Pilot 100i 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 Pilot 100i?
The Pilot 100i cruises faster, at 128 kt versus 112 kt for the 162 Skycatcher.
Which is newer, the 162 Skycatcher or the Pilot 100i?
The Pilot 100i is the newer design, introduced in 2019 versus 2010 for the 162 Skycatcher.
Is the 162 Skycatcher or the Pilot 100i the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Pilot 100i is the larger aircraft — 2,550 lbs versus 1,320 lbs for the 162 Skycatcher.
Should I buy the 162 Skycatcher or the Pilot 100i?
On published specifications the Pilot 100i 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 Pilot 100i?
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.