July 14, 2011 - When the full-size mockup of Flight Design's first-ever four seat aircraft was unveiled at Aero in Friedrichshafen, Germany in mid-April this year, the striking aircraft was an instant hit with customers. The C4 logged 30 orders in the four-day event. 

"We are offering a very well-equipped C4, complete with a modern glass avionics suite and standard airframe parachute recovery system at a not-to-exceed price of US $250,000 for the American market," noted John Doman, Director of Business Development, Global Sales & Marketing for Flight Design.  

First deliveries are planned for early 2013. Flight Design has also established a not-to-exceed price of |220.000 for Europe and the rest of the world outside the U.S.," added Doman. 

Many in the aviation community already know the success of Flight Design in the Light-Sport Aircraft market, where it is clearly the market leader with more than twice as many deliveries as their next LSA competitor.  Flight Design now plans to bring their winning combination of design technology, efficient manufacturing, strong marketing and first class customer support to the certified aircraft market with the C4. 

Flight Design plans to announce initial C4 component supplier partners and provide a C4 program update at their press conference and luncheon at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh scheduled for noon on Tuesday, July 26th at EAA Press Headquarters. 

C4 initial design specifications, to be validated during the development process, are impressive:  Employing high-tech materials like carbon fiber, useful load is 1,320 pounds or 50% of maximum take-off weight of 2,640 pounds; max cruise speed is projected at 160 knots (184 mph) at 6,000 feet MSL.  

The C4's fuel tanks will hold 70 gallons, providing a range of 1,200 nm with a conventional avgas powerplant at 65% power and up to 1,700 nm with the planned optional diesel engine using more globally available Jet A fuel. Another plus to the new design comes in cockpit dimensions. C4's very large cabin features a total of three entry doors - including one on the left that hinges aft creating a spacious opening - plus an external baggage door.

The interior volume goes far beyond most general aviation aircraft in size with 52 inches of cabin width in front and 47 inches for rear seat occupants with plenty of headroom and storage. "We have had computerized passenger figures taller than 6 feet 7 inches fit easily in the back seat of our concept cabin," observed Doman.

"We want to offer the market a modern technology, price-efficient aircraft that performs well, is comfortable for longer flights, and which operates with less fuel expense," explained Matthias Betsch, CEO of Flight Design. "Our ongoing customer surveying shows us that price tops the demand list from customers and we believe our prices can result in sales volumes of 200 to 500 aircraft per year."  

Flight Design plans to certify the C4 to several international standards including FAA certification in the United States. "At the same time we intend to improve our capability in global service and support, further expanding our leadership in these areas," said Betsch. The German company has already passed several examinations including a LAMA audit, ISO audit, and a review by T?V. Recently the company gained EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA) that permits Flight Design to progress on their own schedule without the need for time consuming and costly step-by-step involvement from EASA. 

Flight Design is a 24-year-old manufacturer based in Germany. The company remains the worldwide market leader thanks to its well-received CT series of light aircraft. More than 1,700 of these aircraft are flying in 39 countries. One of the first aircraft certified under ASTM International standards in 2005, the CT ("composite technology") remains the top-selling LSA in America through six consecutive years. Flight Design sold the first LSA to India and was the first LSA to earn Chinese Type Design Approval. Three times a Flight Design CT has been flown around the world. 

As EAA's AirVenture Oshkosh show rapidly approaches, the C4 has landed in America and will be presented as a full scale mockup and available for up close viewing. Flight Design will also be busy taking special C4 "Early Bird" orders which provide customers a delivery position in the first 100 serial-produced aircraft plus a $10,000 discount from the already attractive list price.