Thread: New CTLS OR CTSW for Student pilot

I am a student pilot in Longview Tx I am training in a Cessna 150 I took a demo ride 3 weeks ago In a 08 ctls and loved it would Ya"ll recomend a newbe to buy a new CTLS or CTSW and why.

If money is no object, CTLS to get the stronger landing gear since you're a student. If money is important, get a used CTSW.

Doug

If money is important, get a used CTSW.

With tundra landing gear.

Either one is a great airplane. The CTsw is a bit more sporty then the LS, but the LS has a little better main gear setup for absorbing those harder landings, and has a little less adverse yaw with its longer tail. These airplanes do handle a bit different then the 150 your flying, the performance is way better but they require a bit more attention to coordination and energy management. They are not hard to fly just a bit different. A few things to think about though, the initial cost is higher compared to a 150 or 172, insurance can be higher depending on the Hull coverage you select (based on value or how much you owe the bank). Operating and maintenance costs are much lower with the CTs and they are way more fun to fly and much more comfortable. I have been teaching students in our CTsw for about 6 months now and they don't seem to have any trouble with it, I have more trouble with the certificated pilots (including myself) I get transitoning from pipers and cessnas with several hundred hours. It takes them a few hours to get the sight picture and get their feet working at the same time as the stick, once you get it though its just a joy to fly.

Good luck

Eric Swisher
Copper City Aviation Services

Eric commented --
"... I have been teaching students in our CTsw for about 6 months now and they don't seem to have any trouble with it, I have more trouble with the certificated pilots (including myself) I get transitoning from pipers and cessnas with several hundred hours. It takes them a few hours to get the sight picture and get their feet working at the same time as the stick, once you get it though its just a joy to fly. ..."

This has been our experience as well. Newbie's do just fine. The 'existing pilots' have the transition problems, including yours truly. On transition we work from the get-go on sight picture and rudder dancing. Otherwise, we all love the CT's.

Originally Posted by Jim Stewart

With tundra landing gear.

If you're operating off grass, yes. For pavement, I think the standard gear is fine. Tires in the 400-6 size used to be hard to find but are now easily sourced via Desser, Lockwood, Aircraft Spruce, etc.

Doug

the lower cost, sporty handling, and usefulness of the ctsw make it hard to resist.

tundra gear is an option i like. i might find an sw with steam guages and install a trutrak efis/ap and a 696 and an ems.