CTSW

The Flight Design CTSW is a fast, high-performance ultralight aircraft in full carbon construction that came to market in 2003 as the successor to the CT2K. Developed by Flight Design – a German manufacturer with its design center near Stuttgart and production in Ukraine – the CTSW belongs to the successful CT series, of which over 1,900 units have been delivered worldwide. The CTSW was produced until approximately 2009 before being replaced by the CTLS. In 2005, it received FAA approval as a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA).

The CTSW is exclusively powered by the Rotax 912 ULS (100 hp) and achieves cruise speeds of 200 to 220 km/h with fuel consumption of just 15 to 18 liters per hour. The 120-liter tanks enable ranges exceeding 1,200 km, making the CTSW a genuine touring ultralight. The full carbon-fiber construction keeps the empty weight at approximately 300 kg while enabling an aerodynamically clean fuselage shape.

Buyers looking for a used Flight Design CTSW should expect prices between 35,000 and 65,000 euros. Well-equipped examples with low hours and modern avionics can reach up to 75,000 euros. This puts the CTSW significantly above the Comco Ikarus C42 in price, but it delivers substantially higher touring performance in return.

The CTSW's strengths are impressive: high cruise speed exceeding 200 km/h, excellent range, light and responsive controls, and a stable flight attitude. The carbon construction is durable and corrosion-resistant. Prospective buyers should be aware of the weaknesses: with full tanks, there is little weight margin left for two people, and carbon repairs are more complex and expensive than for metal or fabric aircraft. The CTSW floats long on landing, which can tempt inexperienced pilots into hard touchdowns on the nose gear.

The CTSW is aimed at experienced pilots and touring enthusiasts seeking a fast, efficient ultralight for long cross-country flights. Those wanting a modernized cockpit and more useful load should consider the successor model, the CTLS.