SolidWorks · Course CAD project

Cessna 162-G

A SolidWorks model of the Cessna Skycatcher 162 I use for flight training, with movable parts and details taken from the real aircraft.

Course Final Report

Side view of the completed yellow and white Cessna 162 model, with N7030B markings, cabin details, and landing gear — The completed model, with the N7030B markings and paint scheme of the aircraft I fly.

From aircraft to CAD

I chose N7030B for my course final project because it is the light sport aircraft I use for flight training. I photographed the airplane and took measurements on the physical aircraft to guide the model.

The goal was to capture both its appearance and its motion, from the paint scheme and cockpit details to the propeller, doors, and individual flight control surfaces.

Three reference photographs of the real yellow and white N7030B aircraft on the ramp — Reference photographs included in the course report.

Building the model

I sketched the fuselage from a reference image, then used boundary surfaces and the Thicken feature to create its shape. I modeled the wing, flaps, rudder, and elevator using Loft, Sweep, Extrude, and Fillet features.

I added the paint scheme and smaller details such as the pitot tube, exhaust, and trim. The control surfaces were created as separate parts so they could move within the assembly.

SolidWorks isometric view of the Cessna assembly with the component tree showing the airframe, propeller, control surfaces, wheels, cabin, and doors — The SolidWorks assembly, with separate components for the cabin, doors, landing gear, and flight controls.

Assembly in motion

Four animations show the component layout and the motion of the assembled parts.

Exploded assembly

The aircraft separates into its components to show how the assembly fits together.

Propeller rotation

The propeller rotates independently of the airframe.

Door motion

The cabin doors open and close on their hinges.

Flight controls

Individually modeled control surfaces move within the aircraft assembly.

Propeller simulation

I applied a constant pressure load to the propeller and examined the resulting von Mises stress. In the simulation reported for the course, the stress remained below the material's yield limit.

Propeller von Mises stress plot from the course report showing the applied pressure load and material yield strength marker — The constant pressure load case shown in the course final report.