Four-Place Airplane Offers "Exceptional Value," Company Says

The C4 introduced by German sport aviation company Flight Design at Aero 2011 in Friedrichshafen this spring now has a price tag attached. The company says a well-equipped C4 will set owners back about $250,000, or €220,000. The company says the announcement of pricing in both currencies points to its global positioning for the composite-construction four-place airplane, and reflects market-based pricing in these two primary selling areas for the new aircraft.

The aircraft will be available with two engine options, a gasoline powerplant which will burn auto fuel as well as a turbo diesel which will burn Jet A, allowing buyers to chose the engine which  best suits fuel availability and cost in their areas. "We are offering ground-breaking value for a very well-equipped C4, at the time of delivery in 2013," explained John Doman, Director of Business Development, Global Sales & Marketing for Flight Design.

Flight Design plans to announce engine and avionics selections for the C4 as suppliers are confirmed. "During Aero, meetings were held with prospective suppliers of engines, avionics, propellers and other components for the C4, with final selection of our supply partners to be announced by EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in July of 2011," Doman said. More than 30 C4 orders were taken at the Aero event as part of the special "Early Bird" C4 incentive order program.

The preliminary design specs of the C4 are a 1,320 pound useful load, with MTOW set at 2,640. Max cruise speed is projected at 160 knots (184 mph) at 6,000 feet MSL. Range is projected at 1,200 nautical miles with the avgas powerplant at 65% power and 1,700 nautical miles with the diesel engine at 55% power. Fuel tanks hold 70 U.S. gallons.

The cabin as currently designed is larger than many GA aircraft with 52 inches of cabin width in front and 47 inches for rear seat occupants. "We have had people taller than 2 meters (6 feet, 7 inches) in the back seat," observed Doman.

"We want to offer the market a modern technology, price-efficient aircraft that performs well, is comfortable for longer flights, and which operates with less fuel expense," explained Matthias Betsch (pictured, above), CEO of Flight Design. "Our ongoing customer surveying shows us that price tops the demand list from customers and we believe our prices can result in sales volumes of 200 to 500 aircraft per year."

Flight Design plans to certify the C4 to several international standards ensuring compliance with both EASA and FAA regulations. "At the same time we intend to expand our capability in global service and support, further enhancing our leadership in these areas," said 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 on their own schedule with only oversight monitoring from EASA, eliminating costly and time-consuming delays.

New "Early Bird" orders and deposits are now being accepted online with a  credit card, or through Flight Design's worldwide network of dealers.

FMI: www.flightdesignusa.com