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Flight Design GmbH MC

Website: http://www.flightdesign.com

Email: info@flightdesign.com

Phone: +49 36920 7530-11

Hoerselberg-Hainich, -- 99820 - Germany

U.S. Distributor is Flight Design USA

Website: http://www.flightdesignusa.com/

Email: fstar@rcn.com

Phone: (860) 963-7272

South Woodstock, CT 06267 - USA

Flight Design — MC (2011)

By Dan Johnson || August 19, 2016 4 Comments

Flight Design has lead the Light-Sport Aircraft market since Day One, selling variations of its all-carbon fiber CT series including the present-day CTLS. The MC is the German company's new all-metal airplane. MC stands for Metal Concept. With conventional construction, repairs are easier and many mechanics are familiar with working in aluminum. This brings flight schools to look at MC, but a lower price attracts everyone.

Flight Design has lead the Light-Sport Aircraft market since Day One, selling variations of its all-carbon fiber CT series including the present-day CTLS. The MC is the German company’s new all-metal airplane. MC stands for Metal Concept. With conventional construction, repairs are easier and many mechanics are familiar with working in aluminum. This brings flight schools to look at MC, but a lower price attracts everyone.

Sebring Day Two: Flight Design Update

By James Lawrence || February 2, 2010 Leave a Comment

I was lucky enough to get Matthias Betsch, Flight Design's CEO, all to myself for a few minutes and here's what he had to say: *** General update: "A hard year but better than we expected. In the last two to three months, we've had quite a pickup. Here in the States dealers sold their stock so they have to buy more airplanes...they have to buy more so I think that is good!" *** The year ahead: "I don't think we'll get back to 2007-2008 this year, but I do think it will be a 30% recovery. The rest we will do in 2011." *** On the new Flight Design MC: "It's a different character. The LS is more sporty, speedy, responsive. The airplane feels much heavier than it is. That's what we wanted: an airplane for flight schools which is very forgiving, easy to land, to fly. It's also ideal for older pilots who are used to very stable airplanes." *** MC vs. LS sales: "I still think the CT will be 2/3 of the business, and the MC 1/3. It's primarily a trainer. But if you learn on the MC, why not buy one? It's not as agile as a CTLS, and easier to fly, and very roomy inside". (52" wide cabin) *** Re adding metal fabrication to composite expertise: "We imported the composite technology to the Ukraine for the CT when we set up the factory. But the Ukraine was traditionally very good at building metal airplanes. We also sent Denny Franklin to help set up tooling and develop ideas for building. For instance, the metal sheet thickness for big Antonov airplanes is much greater than for LSA!" *** Realistic all-up weight: "It's an honest 825 lbs. with all the equipment on it, so the rest is pure payload. Also it's not a fancy airplane you're afraid to put your hands on. It's very solid. It's a workhorse also." *** Production rate: "Now that the design is done, and we've begun marketing, we hope to be producing 4 to 6 per month by the end of the year. We didn't want to create demand we couldn't meet." *** When will the first ones arrive in the U.S.? "Flight Design USA should have one in the next two weeks." *** Response after demo flights: "We were surprised by how much people like it. We didn't try to sell them on the MC, we just asked them 'What did you find, what did you like or not like: we wanted them to be completely honest. And we heard good things." *** In Europe: "We are working on the type certificate by late summer for the CTLS. We don't have an LSA-type category yet. Also, we sold the same number of airplanes in 2009 in Europe as in 2008! There is no reason we could see, so we just accept it!" *** What's new with the CTLS? "A new interior, with two-tone painting. And the Dynon SkyView or Garmin G3X panel for those transitioning beyond LSA training to GA airplanes with Garmin panels."

I was lucky enough to get Matthias Betsch, Flight Design’s CEO, all to myself for a few minutes and here’s what he had to say: *** General update: “A hard year but better than we expected. In the last two to three months, we’ve had quite a pickup. Here in the States dealers sold their stock so they have to buy more airplanes…they have to buy more so I think that is good!” *** The year ahead: “I don’t think we’ll get back to 2007-2008 this year, but I do think it will be a 30% recovery. The rest we will do in 2011.” *** On the new Flight Design MC: “It’s a different character. The LS is more sporty, speedy, responsive. The airplane feels much heavier than it is. That’s what we wanted: an airplane for flight schools which is very forgiving, easy to land, to fly. It’s also ideal for older pilots who are used to very stable airplanes.” *** MC vs.

Flight Testing Light-Sport Aircraft; How It’s Done

By Dan Johnson || January 14, 2010 Leave a Comment

Testing, testing... This series shows views of Flight Design flight testing their new all-metal MC. From bottom right clockwise -- joystick measuring device; sensor on rudder; wingtip probe; test pilot and video host, Tim-Peter Voss; MC in flight (probe circled).

Much has been written about Cessna's Skycatcher incidents, those spin investigations that caused the loss of one airplane and a parachute deployment from another. Of course, the giant producer knows well the design of light aircraft so it was only a matter of time before all problems were solved. In doing these spin tests, Cessna said they went beyond the ASTM standards, which also call for spin evaluation. (That's fine. ASTM specifications are intended to be minimum standards; going beyond them is the decision of each company.) *** A new video from Flight Design does a professional job of showing viewers around the aircraft and its test equipment. Check out the YouTube version. Produced by Flight Design test pilot Tim-Peter Voss and his brother Ben, the videographer, we learn that the process no longer depends on a test pilot manually recording results because electronic devices measure more accurately and in real time. After downloading the data from a flash drive to a laptop, engineers evaluate the results. While the facts and explanation are interesting, the video also takes us through a few maneuvers. *** Some folks believe ASTM standards are simplistic specifications to certify an aircraft. But that shortchanges those industry consensus requirements. As the draft author of the standard for airframe parachutes I can assure you that ASTM requirements go beyond FAA's Special Conditions for installing a 'chute on Type Certified aircraft. Get more info on ASTM standards.

Much has been written about Cessna’s Skycatcher incidents, those spin investigations that caused the loss of one airplane and a parachute deployment from another. Of course, the giant producer knows well the design of light aircraft so it was only a matter of time before all problems were solved. In doing these spin tests, Cessna said they went beyond the ASTM standards, which also call for spin evaluation. (That’s fine. ASTM specifications are intended to be minimum standards; going beyond them is the decision of each company.) *** A new video from Flight Design does a professional job of showing viewers around the aircraft and its test equipment. Check out the YouTube version. Produced by Flight Design test pilot Tim-Peter Voss and his brother Ben, the videographer, we learn that the process no longer depends on a test pilot manually recording results because electronic devices measure more accurately and in real time.

Hanging with the Jet Crowd; LSA at NBAA

By Dan Johnson || October 7, 2008 Leave a Comment

The Flight Design MC is on display in EAA's space at NBAA. Posed in front of the MC to speak to the press about the Young Eagles program are Cessna CEO Jack Pelton (left), actor Harrison Ford, and EAA president Tom Poberezny.

Earlier it appeared that the Flight Design MC would be the first Light-Sport Aircraft ever displayed at the giant National Business Aircraft Association show. NBAA is the organization representing business jets plus a large range of exhibitors serving executive transportation. The trade show happening now in Orlando is a stupendous event with many more exhibitors than Oshkosh. Numerous displays are fantastic creations that cost more for a three-day show than LSA producers spend to market themselves for an entire year. *** So it is fascinating indeed that any LSA would be present at this event. And, in fact, two are seen by the bizjet crowd: the MC and Icon's handsome amphibious LSA project, the A5. Icon mounted their own display and reported good response, especially when one of their team hits the auto wing fold button. Even jaded aviators tend to have a jaw-drop reaction to this feature. *** Flight Design's 2009 MC is part of EAA's large display at NBAA because the new LSA model is the organization's Sweepstakes airplane for 2009. Among NBAA attendees are many who serve that market but cannot afford their own sophisticated, expensive jet aircraft. Therefore many appeared to show an interest in LSA airplanes they could actually purchase.

Earlier it appeared that the Flight Design MC would be the first Light-Sport Aircraft ever displayed at the giant National Business Aircraft Association show. NBAA is the organization representing business jets plus a large range of exhibitors serving executive transportation. The trade show happening now in Orlando is a stupendous event with many more exhibitors than Oshkosh. Numerous displays are fantastic creations that cost more for a three-day show than LSA producers spend to market themselves for an entire year. *** So it is fascinating indeed that any LSA would be present at this event. And, in fact, two are seen by the bizjet crowd: the MC and Icon‘s handsome amphibious LSA project, the A5. Icon mounted their own display and reported good response, especially when one of their team hits the auto wing fold button. Even jaded aviators tend to have a jaw-drop reaction to this feature.

Flight Design Unveils Second New LSA in 2008

By Dan Johnson || August 18, 2008 Leave a Comment

A metal (aluminum over steel) LSA from Flight Design, the all-new MC resembles the top-of-the-line CTLS but offers even more cabin room and easy entry. Flight Schools have said they like an easily-repaired metal aircraft for flight instruction.

OSHKOSH UPDATE -- At a ceremony on EAA AirVenture's show-center location, AeroShell Square, Flight Design unveiled another new LSA, their second of 2008, the first being the CTLS which debuted at Sebring in January. Amid opening day excitement, numerous media representatives captured photos and video. A large crowd surrounded the MC when Flight Design CEO Matthias Betsch and U.S. importer Tom Peghiny took the stage. After a few words of introduction and on cue from Betsch, Flight Design representatives removed a parachute canopy used to hide the MC from view. *** The MC -- for Metal Concept -- is similar in appearance to the CTLS but is constructed mainly of aluminum skin over a welded steel structure that provides great durability and occupant protection. Flight Design expects the MC will have strong appeal to flight schools. Cockpit entry is even easier thanks to a lower threshold and a door that reaches well forward. At 51.6 inches, the cockpit is among the widest of all LSA. *** MC is available with 80- or 100-hp Rotax 912 and analog instruments or a digital flat-screen display (glass) cockpit. Base price is $98,000; nicely equipped for $113,000. Flight Design teams in Germany and Ukraine worked on the new design for three years.

OSHKOSH UPDATE — At a ceremony on EAA AirVenture’s show-center location, AeroShell Square, Flight Design unveiled another new LSA, their second of 2008, the first being the CTLS which debuted at Sebring in January. Amid opening day excitement, numerous media representatives captured photos and video. A large crowd surrounded the MC when Flight Design CEO Matthias Betsch and U.S. importer Tom Peghiny took the stage. After a few words of introduction and on cue from Betsch, Flight Design representatives removed a parachute canopy used to hide the MC from view. *** The MC — for Metal Concept — is similar in appearance to the CTLS but is constructed mainly of aluminum skin over a welded steel structure that provides great durability and occupant protection. Flight Design expects the MC will have strong appeal to flight schools. Cockpit entry is even easier thanks to a lower threshold and a door that reaches well forward.