Fri, Jan 18, 2008
Improvements Address Cargo Capacity, Landing Performance
The sales leader in the US light sport category for the past two
years, Flight Design took an understated approach Thursday in
formally unveiling its upgraded CTLS at the US Sport Aviation Expo
in Sebring, FL... largely allowing the plane to speak for
itself.
The first major difference you'll notice between the CTLS and
the existing CTsw, which will remain in production, is size. The
'LS' bird sports a sizable increase in cabin length over the CTsw,
which translates into a big difference in usable cargo space behind
the seats -- which can now hold 110 lbs of gear. Perhaps just as
importantly, it also adds to the CT's ramp presence, resulting in a
more-substantial-looking aircraft
The CTLS also offers a new feature that should cement its
standing among training fleets -- an upgraded, laminated-composite
main landing gear structure. The new struts replace the aluminum
rod maingear struts on the CTsw, and offer much-improved dampening
over the comparatively stiff CTsw gear. That should pay real
dividends when a student -- or experienced pilot -- lands a CTLS a
bit harder than they wanted.
Inside, the cabin offers upgraded leather seats with improved
stitching, and standard lumbar adjustment; an expanded greenhouse,
afforded by two small windows now behind the cabin doors; and
standard Dynon glass panel avionics, with available options
including a CT-specific autopilot available in single, dual, or
three-axis configurations.
Under the skin, the CTLS offers reworked engine installation and
fuel system improvements, as well as new construction materials
offering improved durability and outside weather resilience. Other
detail differences include new winglets, with built-in fuel vents;
and a tail-mounted LED beacon.
Serial production of the CTLS started in mid-November 2007, and
Flight Design began accepting 2008 orders from its worldwide
representatives.
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