Business & GA

Small business owners might prefer a small aircraft, and Flight Design has brought the first Light Sport Aircraft to the NBAA convention.

The Flight Design MC is displayed by the Experimental Aircraft Association (Booth 1263), which is giving away the high-wing airplane in its annual sweepstakes.

“For the price of one business jet or business-configured airliner, you could buy a sizeable fleet of MCs,” says Flight Design USA president Tom Peghiny. That aircraft was introduced in July for owners preferring aluminum airframes, but the company’s best-selling CT series are made of carbon fiber.

“Whatever you believe, whichever is best, why should I try to tell you something different?” asks Flight Design CEO Matthias Betsch.

The CTSW carried the German company to the top of the young American LSA market, and in January they debuted their CTLS to expand sales to flight schools.

The MC's cruise speed is 10kt slower than the LS, but comes with sturdier landing gear, more cabin space, wider wings and reduced drag from a reshaped fuselage and double winglets. Airflow to the stabilizer is cleaner than the earlier models, and when the aluminum gets damaged it could be easier for some customers to repair.

Like all LSAs, these aircraft are limited to maximum speeds of 120kt and have two seats. Flight Design USA has delivered more than 280 aircraft, making it by far the best-selling LSA in the US. More than 1,000 CT models are flying around the globe.