FAQ

As we are willing to give you the best support we can, be it in person or on our website, we have collected some of the most common questions and provide it to you on this page. If there are any further questions, please feel free to contact us at any time.

The company Flight Design GmbH, based in Leinfelden-Echterdingen ( Stuttgart ),  Germany , was founded in 1988. The founder Matthias Betsch has worked as a professional in aviation since 1980.

In 2017 the former company Flight Design GmbH was taken over by the German LIFT Air GmbH, which is located at the airfield Eisenach / Kindel (EDGE). Together with the premium gyroplane manufacturer GGC GmbH with its Rotorvox C2A a full maintenance shop was built, among other things.

Abbreviations stand for:

CT: Composite Technology
CTSW: Composite Technology Short Wing
CTLS: Composite Technology Light Sport
CTLS HL: Composite Technology Light Sport High Lift

The advantage is in the overall package: performance, spacious cabin, easy entry, ease to fly, comfort, most modern avionics, well developed dealer and support network and much more. You will not find another aircraft that provides you with the same complete and consistent package.

First deliveries of CT aircraft started in 1997.

It takes between 10 to 12 weeks to build one complete aircraft. The current delivery time is between 3 and 5 months from order.

Since production start 1,900 CT type aircraft have been delivered with the models CT, CT2k, CTSW, CTSW2006, CTLS and CTLS HL.

A German Airworthiness Certificate was first issued in 1997. The Special Light Sport Aircraft FAA Airworthiness Certificate was issued to a CT in April 2005. Compliance of the Aircraft has been verified by an independent LAMA audit in March 2008.

DGAC of India registered the CTLS in October 2009 for  India. November 2009 the CTLS received the Chinese Type Design Approval, issued for the first time ever for an LSA aircraft by the CAAC of China in combination with a Production Approval for a production located outside of  China . The EASA Type certificate was recieved in 2012.

Flight Design Airframes are already made and tested according the ASTM requirements for 600kg since 2004! So every CT built after that date, depending on the new final requirements, can be converted. Older CT´s may also converted to higher take off masses, but the exact values will be defined during the upgrade process. The new building code was adopted by the plenary session of the EP on 12.06.18. As expected, there were no further changes. The next step is for the transport ministers of the EU Member States to approve the text. Publication in the Official Journal will (hopefully) take place this summer.

Our conversion program, considering the lowest effort and reasonable costs for our customers, is currently under construction and will be released as soon as the requirements are published.

DGAC of India registered the CTLS in October 2009 for  India. November 2009 the CTLS received the Chinese Type Design Approval, issued for the first time ever for an LSA aircraft by the CAAC of China in combination with a Production Approval for a production located outside of  China . The EASA Type certificate was recieved in 2012.

The conversion requires an Production Organization Approval (POA) according to Part 21G. We are in final stage of approval and also the conversion process is under development. Directly after that we will contact in Q3 2018 the customers for the conversion program.

CT aircrafts have been delivered to and are operated in 43 countries as of today: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Chile, Estonia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, People´s Republic of China, Poland, Republic of South Africa, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, South Korea, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, Thailand, Ukraine, USA.

Composite materials are engineering materials made from two or more components. One component often is a strong fiber such as fiberglass (lowest strength), Kevlar (lowest weight) or Carbon (highest strength). This fiber provides tensile strength to the material, while another component, called matrix, binds the fibers together. Typical matrix materials are polyester resin (lower strength and durability; cheap) or epoxy resin (higher strength). Composite materials allow to design the material exactly in line with the load path and force flow in the component by defining the fiber orientation along the lines of force. The material allows to build highly complex structures without mechanical connections. This way you can use composites for high efficient light weight structures, and to establish nicely-shaped and functional components, some of them impossible in conventional materials.

Composite materials were used first in the Boeing 707 passenger jet in the 1950s, where it comprised about two percent of the structure. By the 1960s, composite materials became more available, in particular carbon, embedded in epoxy resins. Nowadays composite materials are widely used in all aviation and aerospace projects. A major part of the structure of the new Boeing Dreamliner is made of carbon (50% composite by weight or 80% by volume). Also the Airbus A 380 utilizes extensive amounts of carbon fiber. Finally, composites are also found in a vast multitude of consumer articles like ski, rackets, surf boards, helmets and also increasingly in car industry.

Composites have numerous advantages over metal or aluminum, including strength, weight, ease, durability and repair. Repairs to aircraft structures must be carried out according to specific procedures provided by the Aircraft Structural Repair Manual. With these procedures it is ensured to repair components to meet the original specification and mechanical performance requirements. Repair locations are typically invisible, when done correctly. In some parts of the world it is still easier to find an experienced metal technician, but due to the increased use of composite material in a lots of areas this will bring about continuous changes over time.

The wing spars are clamped by two main bolts inside the cockpit, so for ground transportation the wings can be easily detached and/or installed by two persons.

The CT airframe does not have a specific life limit imposed. The composite structure provides good inspection possibilities and allows an operator to view the ongoing condition. This is supported by the proven fact that well-designed composite structures do not show fatigue behaviour, unlike metal structures. The first CTs have exceeded 5,000 flight hours. Their condition and ageing is closely monitored by Flight Design in the so-called “Fleet Leader” methodology. Field experience suggests no lifetime restriction at this moment of time.

The CT is an aircraft capable of flying non-stop from Chicago to NYC, Charlotte to Dallas, London to Frankfurt or Munich to Rome… flights of 1,800 km (1,000 miles) are possible. As a special version two CTLS did fly more than 3.900 km (2.106 NM) none stop, see also below.

In 2010 two Swiss pilots did a flight around the world using two specifically prepared CTLS aircraft. The aircrafts were equipped with long range fuel tank systems. The longest leg during this tour went from Oakland , California to Maui , Hawaii . It took 17 hours 30 minutes non-stop to fly the distance of 3,900 km with an average speed of 223 km/h or 120 kts.

Yes. With a standard white airframe finish and mainly with all color graphic patterns offered by Flight Design you can park your CT outside during high temperatures. In order to prevent color fading and to reduce the influence of water, wind, dust, etc. and for security reason you should protect your aircraft with a cover or better shelter the aircraft in a hangar.

The ergonomically arranged cockpit simplifies access and reading of the control panel to the pilot. Large gull wing doors open upward, comfortable and adjustable seats, easy storage access and excellent visibility from the extremely wide and spacious cockpit make the CTLS cabin unique. We believe you will find no better combination of these advantages on competitors aircraft and 1,700 owners have proved us right.

A modern aircraft should have all the safety improvements available for protecting the pilot and passenger. Every CT has a proven rigid carbon fiber cockpit forming a safety cell plus four-point harnesses. The standard equipment airframe parachute system is an important addition to the list of safety features on the CT. The system is always available should you need it. In addition, since 2010 seat belts with airbags are available as option. For more information visit our Vision Zero-Page.

Of course you do! Simply find your local dealer on our Contact-Page to arrange a test flight.

Flight Design is offering owner’s training courses at several Flight Design Service Centers, where you can participate and learn how to best service your new aircraft. This course will allow you to do simple maintenance yourself, supported by our detailed maintenance manual and parts manual supplied with each aircraft. Every dealer will provide you with in-depth transition training to your new CT upon aircraft delivery. If you want to become a pilot, please contact one of the Flight Design Pilot Centers.

You will get a total price from your local dealer, depending on the equipment and special features of your Flight Design Aircraft. To get a first impression you can just use our Configurator provided on the webpage. Please remember, the configurator can not replace a detailed introduction to the options and possibilities by one of our dealers.

Since the beginning of the glider towing tests in Europe , the CT Series Aircrafts have shown surprising aptitude. The climb speed is just right for comfortable climbs with gliders under tow. The CT Series has demonstrated this even on grass with a fixed pitch propeller.

Our company is working exclusively via our dealers’ network worldwide. Please locate the dealer nearest to you by the visting our contact-page.

Operating cost very much depends on local charges such as insurance premium, cost of storage space, fuel price. A small cost comparison is provided to you on each of our product-pages and is giving guidance for operations in other countries.

Flight Design aircrafts are designed for installation of Rotax 912 family engines. The modern engine design offers outstanding performance, best reliability, low fuel consumption and thereby reduced emissions which result in low operating cost. The engine has the advantage of operation with inexpensive MOGAS or Car Fuel. Of course, AVGAS may be used as well.
The ROTAX 912 series engine was sold in more than 30,000 units worldwide, the TBO is 2,000 hours.

Flight Design has an experience of more than 28 years in aviation history, over 15 years thereof in Light Sport Aircraft. More than 1,900 Flight Design aircraft are in Service. Flight Design is the world wide leading manufacturer with a world wide distribution and service network. All aircrafts are produced exclusively in the Flight Design owned and managed production facility in the Ukraine, a country with an aeronautic history dating back to the start of manned flight.

When selecting the correct equipment (Night Flight Package), the CT is qualified for night VFR flight on the basis ASTM F2245, the certification basis for LSA aircraft. But you have to verify if the local regulations allow operation of Light Sport Aircraft at night, regardless of the installed equipment.

The CT aircraft has a unique combination of high aerodynamic efficiency paired with low weight and high power-to-weight ratio and very good and fast control response. Due to this the CT has quicker handling and accelerates faster. Handling of a CT aircraft is easy but due to all these factors it is noticeably different than a much heavier conventional GA aircraft. The Flight Design transition training has been developed to provide you a smooth and safe entry into flying high performance LSA aircraft. Remember: a good pilot always takes his time for a transition training!

Transport from Ukraine to Germany is organized in special trucks designed, owned and operated by Flight Design. From here it depends on the final destination. Oversea shipment is done in containers by ship. Deliveries within Europe are typically done by commercial truck. All transports have a full coverage by a German transport insurance.

Modification of existing CTLS aircraft is offered in the USA only, conducted by Flight Design’s U.S. distribution partner, Airtime Aviation. Retrofitting floats on a regular CTLS requires the removal of the Airframe Parachute Recovery System, as otherwise the empty weight of the modified aircraft would be too high.

All other types of Flight Design aircraft (CT, CT2K, CTSW, CT Supralight, MC) cannot be delivered with Floats at this time. Earlier float installations on CTSW aircraft are no longer available, due to lack of availability of the floats used at that time. Flight Design has no plans to approve float modifications for these other aircraft types.

This policy document explains and details the Flight Design warranty and return policies. The Warranty starts from the date of the aircraft delivery to first retail customer. It is a precondition to obtain warranty service that the Warranty registration card, that was delivered with the plane in the front of the aircraft logbook and the Flight Design Owner Delivery Checklist must be been filled out and sent to Flight Design for activation. The airplane has been serviced in an authorized Flight Design Service Center. All warranty coverage is managed by and via the Flight Design Sales outlet responsible for the customer delivery. Warranty repairs done without prior approval will not be covered.

The Warranty is on the aircraft and is transferable.

The 5-year structural warranty and 2 years factory warranty will start at delivery or no later than the first anniversary of the aircraft production date. After the 5rd year there will be no warranty even if the first retail customer has less than 3 years coverage.

It is possible to purchase a warranty extension. This includes the Rotax additional one year of coverage respectively up to 200 hrs. and the increase of the Flight Design factory warranty from 2 to 3 years.

What the factory warranty covers — All parts produced and supplied by Flight Design GmbH (Germany). When parts are determined as defective, they will be replaced by the selling Distributor or Service Center selected by that distributor under this Flight Design warranty protection for 2 years. The spinner to tail covers up to 5 years for the composite airframe structural items. Cosmetics and normal wear are not covered.
Items covered by original manufacturer (OEM) warranties only:
Rotax standard engine warranty coverage of 18 months or 200 hours.
Rotax Service Bulletins will be handled according to Rotax coverage, and are excluded from the Flight Design Warranty.
Flight Design installed equipment including, but not limited to: avionics, radios, autopilot, intercom, AEPS parachute system, LED lighting, ELT
Propeller
What the factory warranty does NOT cover — Any and all replacement parts bought from any vendor other than Flight Design GmbH. In addition, non-covered items include: Brakes, tire tubes, and batteries which are subject to owner-operator variable use.
Normal service items excluded are brake pads, brake rotors, batteries, tires, oil, oil and air filters, lights and other consumables.
Cosmetic defects.
Warranty for graphic appliqués and other cosmetic items.
This warranty does not apply to normal wear and tear or in instances of neglect or abuse.
Who does the warranty work— The airplane must be serviced at an authorized Flight Design service center. Warranty-related work must be done at an authorized Flight Design service center unless special arrangements are otherwise made in advance in writing by the distributor-dealer who sold the plane or Flight Design.

NOTE: Warranty serviced performed by organizations other than Flight Design distributors, dealers or service centers may be approved for qualified shops and technicians but payment for services or provision of replacement parts will only be authorized if requested in advance and after Flight Design issues a written authorization specifying limits of reimbursement.

Applicable warranty period— The Flight Design warranty period starts when a Flight Design airplane is delivered to the first owner and expires 2 years (24 months) from delivery date. Structural items are covered for an additional 36 months. All warranty must be preceded by submission of the Warranty Registration Card and Delivery Checklist by the distributor or dealer.

To begin a warranty claim — Warranty claims must follow these steps:

1— Assure a Warranty Registration Card and Owner Delivery Checklist has been fully completed and submitted to Flight Design.

2— A customer seeking warranty service must first contact the originating Flight Design distributor, dealer, or service center.

3— Distributor or dealer will determine if the request qualifies for a warranty claim.

4— Distributor or dealer will submit a Flight Design Warranty application form to Flight Design for a warranty replacement authorization before beginning any work or informing the customer of such approval.

Process after authorization from Flight Design —

1— A credit card must be supplied from either the customer or the distributor prior to parts being shipped or parts will not be shipped. Once a verified credit card is received, the replacement part is shipped to the customer.

2— The correctly filled out warranty form and defective part (if requested) must be returned back to Flight Design within 30 days for a credit or an invoice will be applied to customer’s credit card.

3— Parts will be shipped from Flight Design via TNT, DHL or UPS standard economy only. If the customer, distributor, dealer, or service center requests faster delivery, the requesting party will be billed the difference between the economy shipping charge and the more costly shipping method requested.

4— The Dealer or Distributor is responsible for getting the return authorization, filling out the warranty form and sending the defective part back to Flight Design.