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.

FMI: www.flightdesignusa.com