Thread: Some CTLS and other info from Sun n Fun

Flight Design Leverages Its LSA Market Share
A graph showing the current U.S. fleet of light sport aircraft showed Flight Design dominating. With more than 300 aircraft flying, the German-based manufacturer bests its closest rival by a wide margin. At Sun 'n Fun, Flight Design demonstrated its intention to expand its market share even further with new and upgraded models and some new marketing strategies. The CTLS model now has new optional equipment available, including Dynon's 10-inch Skyview avionics centerpiece and the large-screen Garmin 696. Garmin's G3X system is also available, with its two-screen PFD/MFD configuration. Flight Design also boasts it has improved fit and finish, support and training, including adding a new transition syllabus for experienced GA pilots who want to move into the light sport arena. The transition course is available to anyone on the company website (www.flightdesign.com).

One new version of the CTLS is the "Lite" model — $20,000 less (at $119,980) and 50 pounds lighter (720 pounds empty weight) than the current CTLS. The price reduction results from increased U.S. content, including avionics, gauges and the ballistic recovery parachute. Also new is the CTLS-HL (high lift) designed for the European glider-tow market, and also for float applications in North America. The -HL comes with a 115-hp Rotax 914 Turbo engine, a 12 percent increase in wingspan and a larger stabilator. The price premium is $14,000, and Flight Design is co-opting with Clamar on a set of composite amphibious floats. Flight Design expects to find a ready market for its High Lift version in European glider clubs, which now face ever-more-stringent noise restrictions.

Other new products in the works include a hybrid powerplant (target price — $34,000); toe brakes; quick-change hand controls (20 minutes to install or remove); and a large belly cargo pod. On the product support side, Flight Design has added seven distributors and 12 dealers.

Hi Roger,
Can you please provide a link to the graph showing the current U.S. fleet of light sport aircraft showing Flight Design dominating if available?
Many thanks,
Ron

Roger,

Some of us are dyed in the wool toe brakers...Do you have any retrofitting details for SW owners?

Doug in IL

Ron - take a look at N number registrations. Out of a hundred or so LSA's FD hold's in the 18% percent range in this country. World wide they are the leader as well with way over a thousand planes. Dan Johnson's page bydanjohnson.com shows the graph mentioned.

Doug - check back with your dealer and have him do some investigating - like the article says "they're in the works". Seems like I heard they might retro fit but not positive. Personally I found it easy to live without them and get use the handle. After getting back into the 172 occasionally I've actually grown to not like toe brakes!! Go figure!!??

Roger H

Originally Posted by Pilota del Cielo

Hi Roger,
Can you please provide a link to the graph showing the current U.S. fleet of light sport aircraft showing Flight Design dominating if available?
Many thanks,
Ron

Ron, this is a pretty impressive display of the differences in registered Flight Design vs ***** aircraft. You can click on/off each brand.

http://www.communitywalk.com/FlightD...tions#0004CeeX

Edit: The forum's silly censorship screwed up the URL. Try this: http://tinyurl.com/2utaw9g

Randy,
Many thanks for the url. Very interesting and helpful.
Ron