CTsw Review

It was a hot and blowy day of 40 something degrees in Western Australia on the day I was to go up with my friend Dave in his CTsw.

When I first laid eyes on the CT sitting there in the heat, it struck me as to how smart, neat and clean these machines look! Parked amongst respectable C172's, C152's, a PA28, etc, the CTsw stood out from the pack. With its exceptional clean flowing lines, its smoothly rounded wing tip flairs, big wheel spats, and its smooth lined all composite body covered in shiny paint - it stands out as being, not only a new and revolutionary design, but also a friendly, happy, and very new looking a/c.

Dave's panel is to DIE FOR!! It truly has everything at your finger tips - all of your normal flight instruments, in a full colour EFIS display; as well as checklists, wind direction and speed (as well as x-wind component), air temp, all of the engine gauges, a huge moving map display GPS, and so, so much more.
My first impressions upon getting on-board was – WOW, so much room! I’m no little bloke – at around 6’1" and 100 odd kilo’s I need some space, let me tell you! I fitted fine in the cabin of the CT, with room to spare - I was very impressed! The general layout and finish of the CT interior is equally impressive. The luggage area is not accessible from inside the cabin, however, there are two adequate doors on the exterior for access.

On the ground the temp was 40 degrees, the altitude was above 3000’, however the CT had no trouble starting up…Dave cranked her over and she came alive instantly! A VERY smooth motor and 3 blade prop

Taxiing in that heat was no problem with the side vents open, with lots of fresh air! Even when they were closed for take off and the air vents for in flight use were opened, it was very comfortable and heaps of airflow.

So at 40 degrees and an altitude of over 3000’ at the runway, I was expecting a long take off run and a slow climb (remember Im heavy…LOL) – How wrong I was!! She shot up in the air after NO time at all, and we were getting around 800-900 ft per min climb!! I was a little impressed to say the least. Dave established her in the cruise and pulled 12 degrees of negative flap - the CT responded quickly with a fast acceleration to around 120+knots…this thing is FAST and slippery! 

Now it was my turn at the controls…I must say, it was a little intimidating with all of the EFIS displays, but I imagine that after some practice it would be a lot easier than analogue instruments. The first thing I noticed is her light responses…(I’m used to Piper Warriors, heavy as a brick….umm you know what I mean…). Not much rudder needed in turns, I was doing some ugly turns but the CT didn’t mind, she just adapted to my craziness…such a joy to fly! A very well balanced aircraft indeed!!

Dave demonstrated the stall…The stall on the CT was a non event, in fact, she did not want to stall…she wanted to keep flying! Just a little bit of mush, with full aileron control right through - something desirable in the landing configuration near the ground!

Dave landed her into a 10-13 knot x-wind…I was impressed by his skills and smooth approach and subsequent landing 10/10!! I’m sure the CT had something to do with it too…

I was highly impressed by the CTsw - For this type, I give the CTsw 9/10

Positives: Comfortable, very fast cruise, great economy, electric EVERYTHING, Docile stall and characteristics, looks awesome.

Negatives: A very hard aircraft to fault - generally: Cannot access luggage in-flight; probably more suited to a higher hours pilot rather than the 'new pilot' due to its 'slipperiness' and speed; and very expensive at around the $150,000AU (2008) price range (test aircraft).

Overall, I was blown away by this a/c…very responsive, very fast and slippery, with a ‘big plane’ feel to it. Even on the hottest day we had that summer, with blustering hot winds to match, this was no contest for this little a/c, it was a piece of cake for her…this a/c sure loves to do what it does best – FLY!

Looks great, performs even BETTER!

Aircraft are like a lot of things in this world - they suit different people for different reasons. This Review is just an over view and my personal thoughts, not meant to be a hard and fast rule. I do hope that this review has been helpful or at least interesting to read, and I ask that you also seek another or even your own opinion and experience on this aircraft.