Flight Design's CT

Flight Design CTs are conventional three-axis controlled aircraft with a molded fuselage, standard tail and tricycle landing gear. Flight Design CTs are equipped with elevator trim, cabin door gas struts, two baggage compartments, two cockpit storage compartments, a electric pre-selector flap system a one-piece molded windshield, steerable nose wheel, hydraulic brakes and finished with a two-part Urethane paint.

ANN visited with dealer Tom Gutmann (see photo, below) who was manning the Flight Designs booth at Sun n Fun. He represented Airtime Aviation in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a distributor for Flight Design.

Gutmann pointed out that Flight Design CTs are a performance leader in Light Sport Aircraft due to its design and high-tech construction. "Flight Designs" is the name of a long standing US company with an excellent customer reputation and Flight Designs has been involved in a number of different designs aimed at a wide market of sport and recreation pilots. The "CT" stands for Composite-Technology. It is a relatively new European import which is very well positioned for the new Light Sport Aircraft category.

The carbon fiber and Kevlar composite airframe allows for a strong, light and aerodynamically clean design. The fuselage design of the CT minimizes drag and maximizes interior room for you and your luggage. The attention to detail and the cleanliness of the airframe allows for previously unheard of cruising speeds and range in this category of aircraft.

The first CT emerged in 1997, and the factory now reports there are more than 350 flying worldwide. The big news is that CT are being certificated in the USA as Special Light Sport Aircraft (SLSA) to allow for factory built, turn-key aircraft for flight training and rental.

The cabin is 49 inches wide and the 2-way adjustable seats and big doors on both sides allow for easy entrance and comfortable flight. CTs have cruising speeds of 112 kts (129mph) at 75% power and a maximum range of 1,000 miles according to published specifications. The high wing supports internal fuel tanks, slotted flaps that are electrically operated and can carry a useful load of 650 pounds with is equal to its empty weight. The CTs may have an optional BRS 1350 parachute.

Power comes from a Rotax 912 four-cylinder, four-stroke liquid-cooled engine coupled to a Neuform composite propeller. The instrument panel carries all of the usual airplane instruments. For those who seek the limits, options include the Rotax Flydat digital engine monitoring system, Bendix-King radio and transponder, "several" GPR systems, Tru-Trak Autopilot, Ameriking ELT, Night flight lighting, three axis trim, Tundra tires and a Dynon EFIS.

FMI: www.Flyflightstar.Com