Thread: CTLS Questions -- Prospective Buyer

Hi. I'm currently training in a CTLS (N747JD, operated by Premier Flight in Hartford, CT), and am beginning to think about buying my own ship. I've probably got a bunch of questions for folks on this forum, but let me start with one, and maybe I can add some others if people are willing to share their knowledge (the existence of this forum, BTW, is one of the many things I like about FD):
747JD feels a little heavy to me in roll (based on my vast experience!!!). That impression is confirmed by some early press reviews I have found on the CTLS. However, I have run across the statement that FD was going to address this. Do newer models have a more harmonious roll/pitch feel?
Thanks,
jauchin in CT

I looked up the serial number for that airplane. It would have the earlier controls. The new LS's have a much nicer feel on the ailerons. Tom

Thanks, Tom. It's good to know that FD has addressed this.

Ok, here comes the next question -- anyone on this forum familiar with the handling of the T________s (hint -- made in Italy), and willing to compare their high-wing Br__o to the CTLS?

I've never flown a Bravo to discuss it's handling. However it is narrower than a CT, holds 10 gallons less fuel, and baggage capacity is a miserly 44 lbs.

The Bravo was one of my final four that I flew. I liked it. Nice airplane. But, I bought the CTSW. The CT has more fuel, more baggage capacity, wider cockpit, etc. No, you can't use all of that with two of me onboard. But, you can't fill all the seats in a C-182, either with 4 of me and full fuel. What the CT gives you over most other SLSA's is more choices. Usually I put 25 gallons in mine but there are times I want full tanks. The Bravo does have the ability to use L, R or both tanks and that is nice. The other feature i liked was the dual throttles which would have given me the ability to fly with the stick in my right hand and throttle in the left, something I was used to. But after about 2 hours (or less) in the CT that became a non issue.

The P2004 is a wonderful trainer and simpler to fly. It has a tiny cabin compared to CTLS and the feel and performance is totally different. BMW vs Fiat. Check out my post under "fully loaded CTLS" topic. The throttle on the deck, three axis trim, door design, cabin width, and overall sportier feel is readily apparent.

Thanks for these views, guys. No question that FD owners are very loyal.

I don't want to start a general high vs. low wing discussion here -- but how about the T_____ Sierra? I flew a demo in one at Sebring, and I have to say, the control feel was awfully nice. I know it doesn't compare to the CTLS as a traveling machine, but I'm likely to be flying mostly shorter legs, for the sport and pleasure of flight more than to get places. I have an idea that it might be tamer in a cross-wind landing, too. But my training has made me very much aware of the quality and performance of the CTLS, as well as the strong support they enjoy from the manufacturer and the FD community at large. I give a lot of weight to those attributes.

jauchin in Connecticut

I just flew a Siera last week. It was fun but extremely cramped. Hit my head getting out and getting in was no fun either. The wear and tear on the interior just from entering and exiting is extreme. It was fun to fly but I am biased towards my CT.

I have trained a customer here on his Sierra. Nice (& easy) to fly. Confortable and seats ajustable for this very short legged guy but you need to be in good shape to get in an out.
Last summer ,he damaged it....well...he is still waiting for parts ... I have found the ''back up'' form the mfg to be .....(I won't say it )
More planes I try and compare....more I like my CT

The Sierra was also on my final four list that I flew and considered but I picked the CT. See above. Plus, I've always been a high wing person. Another reason I picked the CT was because of the dealer support and the fact that it outsells everything else by a wide margin. I figured the CT would be around for the long run.