Flight Design USA announced that it has created a new equipment package for the CT light-sport aircraft (LSA). This change will prepare the popular model for operation under the new ASTM F.37 specification governing operation of a LSA at night by pilots with the appropriate pilot license and a valid medical. The new draft ASTM night operation specification requires a horizon reference.

ASTM is an organizing body providing procedures and guidance used by industry to achieve consensus in standard writing. Industry participants from around the world attend meetings and contribute to the process online to devise many standards used by FAA and governing bodies in other countries to approve these new aircraft. As with all ASTM specifications covering certification of LSA, the night operation standard must be drafted, altered as advised by committee participants, and then put to a ballot by all registered voters. This standard is now complete and

balloting will follow. But Flight Design USA wishes to maintain its leadership position by taking immediate action to change the equipment list for CT aircraft that may operate after dark.

"Flight Design will now comply with the ASTM requirements by adding the TruTrak ADI (http://www.trutrakflightsystems.com/) to our night flight package on the CT Classic model," reported Tom Peghiny, president of Flight Design USA. Peghiny also noted that the CT Advanced model already meets the instrument reference specification as it is delivered with the Dynon Primary Flight Display.

Flight Design USA informed its distributors that CT Classic models on order now should be fitted with the new TruTrak instrument if customers want to operate their CT at night. The TruTrak ADI will add approximately $2,000 of cost to the Classic CT model.

Flight Design reports more than 700 aircraft delivered since the CTs introduction in 1997. More than 100 CTs have been registered as special light-sport aircraft in the USA. The 98% carbon fiber, two-place CT features a 49-inch wide cabin and 671 pounds of useful load. It is powered by a 100-hp Rotax 912S engine and equipped with a BRS ballistic parachute as standard equipment. With a top speed of 120 knots, CT economy cruises at 112 knots, stalls at 39 knots, and can fly over 1,000 miles nonstop.