Turbulence in CT versus heavier plane

[Cluemeister]

Thanks again in advance for answering these questions I randomly throw into the forum.  For those of you who have flown more traditional planes, like a Cessna 172/182 or a Cirrus SR, how does the CT feel flying in moderate to heavy turbulence compared to those?

[coppercity]

I've flown all the models you have listed and the CT handles turbulence very well for its weight especially at the negative flap setting for cruise. Out of those you listed the Cirrus rides the best but its almost 3x the weight and almost twice as fast. The CT has a little more yawing motion in turbulance then a Cessna but is more responsive in recovery and overall feels more controllable after disruption.

[Ed Cesnalis]

For me that's a tough question.  No doubt that the worst flight by far I have experienced was in my CTSW, I was in lee side turbulence for a solid hour and I was quite uncomfortable and concerned.  I didn't have the opportunity to then fly a Cessna in the same conditions so its still a bit of a guess.

 

I would group the 172 and CT due to light wing loading with the CT being more responsive in recovery.  I would group the Cirrus and 182 similarly again due to heavier wing loading.

[FlyingMonkey]

I agree with CT. Weight makes a difference, but wing loading is going to be a bigger factor. The CT is very lightly loaded, so turbulence response will be "spirited".

[Tom Baker]

In my mind there are several factors the effect turbulence, wing loading and speed are the two most common. If you compare the wing loading of the CT to that of the 172 the 172 has a higher loading at gross weight. If you do two 190 pound people and full fuel the CT will have a higher loading than the 172. Both have similar speeds, so I would put them on the same playing field.

Another factor that effects how rough the ride will be is rigidity of the airframe, and the CT has a very rigid airframe.

 

Related to turbulence is how the airplane will handle wind gust. The CT has a lighter mass than a 172, so it is moved with the gust a little easier. This is really only a factor when landing.

[Doug G.]

Good discussion. Thanks!

[andyb]

My experience is that the CT is impacted considerably more in turbulence than the Cirrus SR20 or SR22.  However, the Cirrus is designed for IFR flight, which typically is prone to more turbulence (though not always).  I love the CT, but I consider it to be very much of a fair-weather airplane.

 

Andy

[Duane Jefts]

I fly a CTLSi and a Cessna 172 but I don't fly either into "moderate to heavy" turbulence nor do I recommend anyone else do it. 

 

That having been said, I think the CTLS "bounces" around a little more than the cessna in turbulence.