Thread: New CTLS competition - Serius LSA

Greetings,
AVweb this morning reported on T.L. Ultralight's new TL-3000 Serius high wing LSA. Have pretty well decided on a CTLS for a partnership in late spring 2010 in Erie, Pa. However, after spending some time on their web site: and checking out the specs, this bird looks very appealing. They have designed it to offer all the things the CTLS doesn't offer (toe brakes, open baggage area etc.). Admittedly, the CTLS has it all over this new entry from an experience, ownership and customer support perspective, but this competitor may have some potential. As Flight Design owners, would be very interested in your unbiased thoughts on this new entry into the marketplace and issues to consider on potential ownership.
Many thanks!
Ron

I for one sure wouldn't like loading over the top of the seats from the door, but that is just me. Also for me the lack of toe brakes has not been a problem. I even find myself reaching for the hand brake (mixture) in my Cherokee now. Tom

Hi Ron,
The Sirius line looks nice and I know the Sting is a respected aircraft. As a SLA owner, I now have perspective that I didn't have while kicking tires, looking at specs. When I was looking around, about 80% of my decision-making process revolved around specs, look and feel. Luckily, I eventually chose the CT. That decision turned out to be fortuitous as, if I had to do it all over again, I would look much less at the specs and much more at the company, sales and service. It turns out that having good access to knowledge, service and parts is probably 80% of the battle. What good is a great looking bird, if you don't have parts available, or a knowledgeable mechanic to help with repairs, adjustments, and service bulletins? And having someone with *specific* knowledge about your make/model is important.

This forum is a great example. Look around the web and see what kind of forum is available for the other 100-or-so LSAs. Most don't exist, and the few that have forums get a few posts a week.

The company/service/support/knowledge thing is so important that I'm sure the thought of switching to a SkyCatcher has even drifted through the mind of a few CT owners (please - no flames), much less owners of every other brand. There is considerable comfort knowing that there will be an immense support organization under Cessna.

It may well depend on how you are going to use the aircraft, and how much of a "tinkerer" you are. If you expect to have every little thing checked/fixed by someone else, then make sure you purchase from a company with an established organization. If you are just one step above an build-it-yourself type, then the organization may not make that much difference.

I'm glad I purchased a CT, and equally glad that the company turned out to have the vision and momentum needed to provide a good service and support structure. And the large number of owners have done a great job helping to fill in the holes, and provide answers and support for the million of questions and situations that inevitably come up...

Tim

Tom/Tim,
Thanks very much for your insights. Couldn't agree with you more, that's why the CTLS is still the front runner in our purchase decision. It's just too risky to be a 'test pilot' on an aircraft that has been just introduced to the market no matter how good it looks.
Ron

The propellor described for Serius sounds pretty interesting. I wonder what would happen if someone put one of those on a CT? WF

When looking for a new aircraft the Sirius looked good to me too. I guess I prefer a yoke to a stick, so that was an issue in its favour.

But I went and sat in one, could not adjust the seat, it is fixed and you adjust the pedals for length. I could not get enough room to apply full left wheel, no matter how I tried. Very cramped and frankly it's build quality did not impress me.

I have no idea how it flies. After sitting in it I did not feel any temptation to find out!