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.
Flight Designs CT
|
Wing Span |
30' 6". |
Cruise Speed (75%) |
124 Mph |
Length |
20' 4" |
Stall Speed (Vso ) |
38.5 Mph |
Height |
7' 11" |
Vne |
192 Mph |
Wing Area |
116 Sq. Ft. |
Climb Rate (Ft/Min) |
960 Ft |
Aspect Ratio |
8:1 |
Max Range -- No Reserve |
1080 Miles |
Empty Weight |
620 Lbs. |
Gross Weight |
1320 Lbs |
Takeoff Roll (@ Wg) |
295 Ft |
Fuel Capacity |
34 G |
Glide Ratio (Engine Off) |
16:1 |
Fuel Economy |
4.5 GPH |
Standard Powerplant |
Rotax 912 (1211 C.C. 80hp ) |
Optional Powerplant |
Rotax 912s (100hp) |
Propeller |
Ground Adjustable Composite |
Airfoil Type |
C 180 13.8% Thick |