took a 30 minute demo flight in one of the potential flight school aircraft today.

the "flight design CT"

Synopsis:

The first thing i noticed when i got into the aircraft, i felt WAY too far reclined with my short legged frame. but this was quickly remedied by climbing out of the aircraft and making an adjustment to the seat. (the seat cannot be adjusted while occupied) the floor panels in front of the left and right seats open up to reveal a small cubby hole large enough for the storage of a couple of water bottles and a sandwich and a small bag of chips.... or more flight related items like a flashlight and spare pens and papers.

The instrument panel, though small, was all glass, with very informative EFIS type displays and an engine monitoring screen, backed up by a standby airspeed indicator and standby altimeter.

THE FLIGHT:

The flight went great.

Starting the aircraft is a matter of turning the key (if the fuel flow valve is off... the key wont budge) as soon as the key is turned... the engine fires right up like an automobile... with no "cranking" like a typical single engine aircraft... its as if the engine goes from 0 to 1000 RPM in an instant. When you open up the throttle, you dont expect much from the aircraft, but you are pleasantly surprised when the little aircraft accelerates smoothly and quickly.

With the throttle in one hand and the stick in the other i couldnt help but think about a miniature fighter plane... or perhaps something a bit more benign like a cub 

Rotation speed of just around 55 knots was achieved pretty quickly. at the moment of liftoff is the time you really start to realize just how panoramic the view from the cockpit really is. The aircraft seemed to climb more vertically - level like a helicopter or an elevator - rather than nose up like you expect from most conventional aircraft.

Though the aircraft is very light, and thus reacts to every tiny disturbance in the air the flight characteristics seemed very forgiving.

the first very minor surprise is how much the ball seems to skid out of center with large reductions in power. but, this could have been the result of the rudder trim position which i didnt play with much.

after some basic maneuvering we came back and landed the aircraft. I took the landing straight away with no coaching or advice other than "approach speed is between 55-60".

I side loaded the landing gear just a bit (almost not even noticeable) but overall the landing was smooth, and the approach at 55-60 knots down final was very stable feeling.

Shutting down is much like starting... the very second the key is switched off... the prop simply stops mid stride... almost like you would see in a prop strike! it was an attention getter the first time 

overall it was a good fight and i was impressed with the aircraft.

Pros:

*Very low fuel consumption
*forgiving flight characteristics
*very roomy for the size of the overall aircraft
*the external LED lights almost never need replacing (and could be seen for miles around)
*plenty of storage in the cabin in the form of cubby's, "hat racks" behind the seats, and chart trays under the panel.
*Large, easy to read and simple to operate flight displays
*110 lbs of baggage capacity
*Parachute recovery system
*Large gull wing doors facilitate easy loading and unloading, and help the process of pilots and passengers climbing in and out
*low maintenance

Cons:

*only two seats. might discourage renters who want multiple passengers?
*For the unfamiliar - it can be a bear to climb in and out of the aircraft
*Small, stubby, toy like appearance seems to detract from the credibility of the aircraft in the eyes of a lay person
*throttle is highly sensitive to any changes and will take time to master
*for those familiar with toe brakes... the hand brake lever might prove difficult to get used to.

here is a Youtube video of the aircraft

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flLDeMZojUY&feature=related

demo flights in other types to come 

I've heard a lot of good things about these little guys, but remember: aside from the student-induced wear and tear, a "plastic" trainer is also probably not going to hold up as well as a "spamcan" if it lives outdoors, as most flight school planes do... there are a lot of older composite birds still flying, but there have been problems with some due to UV damage or extrems of hot and cold. Things like flying surfaces de-laminating... 

But mfrs. of composite aircraft are aware of this- maybe newer ones like this are made to compensate for that somehow.

An important point to consider, at any rate, if you're hoping to avoid hangar costs.

Quote:


You could be right.. I don't give the Light Sport stuff much thought. Too many compromises..  like doing IFR training without flying IMC. That's just plain silly. You HAVE to fly in the clouds (a lot) and on those overcast days (a lot) while getting your instrument ticket. Hood flying isn't anything like actual IMC.. It's only good for learning a scan, and logging a few hours. I did  well over 1/2 of my instrument training in actual instrument conditions  .

These new-fangled Light Sport planes are neat aircraft.. no doubt about it. I just don't think they make good rental aircraft; especially in a one-plane school. I don't think they'll hold up well in student's hands, and have no use as instrument trainers. They might fit well as a second or third plane in your fleet... But (and I'll shut up after this..lol    ) your first airplane should be something more utile and "traditional".. and even be able to function as a plane I'd rent from you for a long trip, if I lived nearby...
 

This evening i made the decision that whatever aircraft i purchased would not have a glass panel.

reason being; almost any other aircraft that students may decide to purchase on their own... or whatever they may go to another location and rent on their own is more likely to have the "basic six" instruments than it is to have glass.

this will make it easier on them