Flight Design Will Unveil Proof-Of-Concept Airplane This Spring

It can't be an LSA, because by definition that class of airplane has only two seats. But while legacy companies like Cessna and Piper look to make inroads into the "entry level" LSA market, LSA manufacturer Flight Design says it will show a proof-of-concept a four-place airframe in the U.S. at AirVenture this summer.

The German manufacturer will exhibit its C4 airframe model first in April at Aero 2011 in Freidrichshafen, Germany. At that time, the interior treatment will be presented as a 3D projection. Prior to that show, the company will be seeking comments from its current customer base, prospective customers, and dealer network. "We want to create the optimal four-seat aircraft for our customers," said Chief Technical Officer Oliver Reinhardt. "Engineers often put emphasis on certain features on a new design, while a flight school or a private owner might want something we did not consider, so we are putting our concept of the C4 design out for the public to participate in the process."

Those comments can be made through an online survey, which will go live on the Internet March 1st. Flight Design's engineering staff has been working on the C4 project for several years, and the final design is nearing completion. "After Airventure at Oshkosh 2011, we plan to freeze development, and at Aero and Sun 'n Fun 2012, customers will be able to examine one of the conforming flight test prototypes. EASA approval is targeted for the end of 2012," explained Flight Design Chief Procurement Officer, Christian Wenger. "We are working closely with our suppliers on the development schedule and the standard equipment for the aircraft."

"With the CT series and the MC, we have created ground-breaking two-seat aircraft that offer superior performance and utility with our customers and dealers contributing significantly to the development," said Reinhardt. "With the C4, we will pursue this even further." In a brief time, the company will adopt future technologies such as the Flight Design Hybrid eDrive power system, which is already in early development.

"We are now working towards full type certificates for the CTLS and MC and we plan to certify the C4 to several international standards including Part 23 in the United States. At the same time we intend to improve our capability in global service and support, further expanding our leadership in these areas," said CEO Matthias Betsch. The German company has already passed several examinations including a LAMA audit, ISO audit, and a review by TÜV. Recently the company gained EASA Design Organization Approval that permits Flight Design to progress without further involvement from EASA.

Besides surveys at Aero and Lakeland 2011, everyone can be part of the design development via the online survey. All participants will be entered into a drawing for a Garmin aera 500 GPS as a grand prize.

FMI: www.flightdesign.com/C4Survey