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General Info about the CT


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The CT was one of the very first "Light Sport Aircraft" (LSA) certified in the USA, and has been the market leader since that time.

The Flight Design CT has been around since 1997, with over 1,700 flying Worldwide - and we love 'em! The CT is a "light sport" aircraft, made in the Ukraine and Germany (and now Taiwan, too). This new breed of aircraft is distinguished by it's sleek design and modern construction. CT stands for "composite technology", a tough mixture of epoxy with high-tech fibers: Carbon, Kevlar, and Aramid. This is no "plastic" airplane... the strength-to-weight ratio is incredible, which is why they make all the new military & commercial jets from the same materials. Our CT is a nice balance of performance, safety, economy, and fun. Oh, and not to forget... the plane is equipped with a parachute!

There have been several versions of the CT, most notably the CT2K, CTSW, CTLS, CTMC, and the CTLSi. More variations are included if you consider the different configurations produced for various countries around the globe. The CT2K had a longer wingspan... the "SW' was a refined version with a shorter wingspan. While the CTSW is still produced, most sales are now the CTLS model. The LS model was lengthened by 14" or so, included a cabin storage area behind the passengers' heads, along with new windows, and winglets on the wing tips. The landing gear on the LS was improved by using composite materials, adding strength and providing a nice dampening for landings.

The CTMC came our way in 2011... and stands for "metal concept". This aircraft is targeted for flight schools, who desire a more traditional construction and more docile flight characteristics.  Few MCs were sold in the US.

The newest CT model is the CTLSi, predominantly different because it uses the new Rotax 912iS engine. Fuel Injection has arrived! Good-bye to the carb sync! The "SI" uses 20% less fuel, has a larger alternator, smaller Li-Ion battery, and a bunch more features... including electric trim.

Flight Design has announced intentions of producing a four-seat certified aircraft, called the C4. The C4 has been put on hold while FD Germany undergoes a reorganization... but watch this forum for more information.

In 2017, FD USA and FD Germany announced a new aircraft, the KLA-100.  The new plane is the result of a partnership between Flight Design, the Vessel company of South Korea, and the South Korean government.  The KLA-100 is a sleek low-wing aircraft sporting modern design and engineering that should make it a performance and safety leader.  The KLA-100 is undergoing flight testing and certification, and may be available in late 2017.

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  • 5 years later...

Please provide currently recommended brand names and specs for the

CTSW spark plugs, engine oil and coolant, tires, and also

cleaning products for windshield/windows and for fuselage/emp/wings.

Thanks

RH

 

PS

Also, what protective treatment is best for CTs parked outside ?

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Engine stuff: follow rotax's service manuals and bulletins.

 

Cleaning products: stay away from highly alkaline products. Most airplane cleaners are alkaline, and so are many car cleaners. For windshields, don't use cleaners with ammonia; they can damage the plastic windows.

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Don't leave it outside.

 

Use something like Composie Clean neutral PH to wash. They also make a spray wax which is easy to apply. I use Oil Eater for the tough greasy spots.

Plugs are NGK DCPR8E and gap between .023 - .027. (in the middle at .025 works just fine). Oil is Aero Shell Sport Plus 4 for the average person. Coolant is DexCool 50/50. If I remember you have the 6.00x 6 tire. Use Aero Classic Monster thread 6 plys with their Leakguard tubes.

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 1 month later...

Don't leave it outside.

 

Use something like Composie Clean neutral PH to wash. They also make a spray wax which is easy to apply. I use Oil Eater for the tough greasy spots.

Plugs are NGK DCPR8E and gap between .023 - .027. (in the middle at .025 works just fine). Oil is Aero Shell Sport Plus 4 for the average person. Coolant is DexCool 50/50. If I remember you have the 6.00x 6 tire. Use Aero Classic Monster thread 6 plys with their Leakguard tubes.

RL,

 

Also, what about the oil filter ? Auto parts Store ?

Spruce has Tempest, Champion or "Challenger"; which is best ?

 

Thanks

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Stay with the Rotax filter. The cost difference is small, but there are differences internally that can make a difference. Once apron a time that wasn't so, but it is now. Just get them from one of the service centers. No US filter you can buy at an auto parts store is the same.

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Rotax iit is then; is the service center at RYN or  LM, NV ?

 

 

Not to be cheap, but the Challenger for $200 as opposed to the Rotax for $25 per 50 hours,

 

gives me 8 oil changes without filter chg, approx 3 - 4 years more.  ( 8 *  25 = $200; shipping, etc )

 

What's the best deal ?

 

RH

880 hours, 135CT

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The challenger filter is basically a series of woven oil screens. We learned in the aviation industry 3-4 decades ago that screens don't work anywhere near as well as a proper filter. Full stop. Now maybe today's screens are good now, but the big question is this: will challenger pay your repair bill if their filter fails?

 

The challenger might be a perfectly good filter. Or it might not. I don't have the kind of money to take that bet.

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  • 11 months later...

What type of grease should be used for the aileron zerks where the tie rods connect in the wing?   I've looked for the recommended greases without success.   

I've been told Aeroshell would be ok, just wanted your suggestions.

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Those zerk fittings on the rod ends require a special tip. Just spray therm with some Inox at each annual and you're good to go. Some rod ends have those zerk fittings and some don't. Some CT's have those zerk fittings and some don't.

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Inox MX3 has no silicone. No need to have to alligator wrestle those zerk fittings when you're just a quick spray away. I use it for all my fittings on aircraft and don't have to worry about any residual damage.

I buy mine at Ace Aviation (Ace Hardware). Some Ace Aviation's don't have it. I know Amazon has it, but it cost a little more. The big can of 300 gm should last quite a while.

http://www.inoxmx.com/inox/mx-3-lubricant/

https://www.amazon.com/Inox-MX3-Lubricant-300gm/dp/B0043TQ760/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1527117430&sr=8-2&keywords=inox+mx3+lubricant

 

Why MX3 ?

  • Displaces, penetrates, lubricates and protects.
  • INOX-mx3 contains no silicon, acid, kerosene or dieselene.
  • INOX-mx3 will not harm metal points or surfaces, plastics, paints, enamels, fibreglass, formica or neoprene seals
  • INOX-mx3 doesn’t dry out, gum up, become gooey or sticky or wash off with water.
  • INOX-mx3 is non-conductive, non-static, non-toxic, non-corrosive and non-staining.

Over the years INOX MX3 has become known as the “Supreme Lubricant” and the go to product when the highest of quality is needed. The special MX3 anti-corrosion, anti-moisture formula is now sought after all around the globe making it one of the leading lubricants in the world today.

These qualities make it safe for almost every market out there including: Automotive, aviation, commercial, domestic, electrical & electronics, engineering, farming & mining, firearms, fishing, hobbies, manufacturing, marine, motorcycles, sports and transport.

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If you read this I believe someone meant silicone.

 

http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-the-difference-between-silicon-and-silicone.htm

 

In short, the difference between silicon and silicone is that silicon is a natural chemical element, while silicone is one of several man-made products derived from silicon. Silicon is generally found in solid crystalline form like sand or glass, while silicone may be a liquid lubricant, a semi-solid adhesive or a rubber-like plastic polymer.

 

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Roger and I do this all the time. We have a lot of skill overlap, but also some skills that the other doesn't have, and take each other's advice.

If you heard us on the phone, you'd never think there was ever an argument!

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