Texas Aircraft "Colt" LSA
Moderator: drseti
Re: Texas Aircraft "Colt" LSA
From the August AOPA Pilot Colt article there are a few more details. The Colt-S is the base model and will have a base price of $156 k. The higher end Colt-SL which was flown for the test and has a ballistic parachute and 2-axis autopilot will be priced at $167 k as tested. The useful load of the SL as tested is 485 pounds. The useful load of the S isn't listed, but without the parachute and autopilot will probably be 40 or 50 pounds more. Rate of climb at sea level is 800 fpm at gross, and 75% cruise speed is 110 KTAS.
Stan Cooper (K4DRD)
Private Pilot ASEL LSRI
Experimental AMD CH601XLi-B Zodiac LSA N601KE (KSTS)
Private Pilot ASEL LSRI
Experimental AMD CH601XLi-B Zodiac LSA N601KE (KSTS)
Re: Texas Aircraft "Colt" LSA
IMHO . . . for what you are getting, this airplane is too expensive.Scooper wrote:From the August AOPA Pilot Colt article there are a few more details. The Colt-S is the base model and will have a base price of $156 k. The higher end Colt-SL which was flown for the test and has a ballistic parachute and 2-axis autopilot will be priced at $167 k as tested. The useful load of the SL as tested is 485 pounds. The useful load of the S isn't listed, but without the parachute and autopilot will probably be 40 or 50 pounds more. Rate of climb at sea level is 800 fpm at gross, and 75% cruise speed is 110 KTAS.
Bill Ince
LSRI
Retired Heavy Equipment Operator
LSRI
Retired Heavy Equipment Operator
- FastEddieB
- Posts: 2880
- Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:33 pm
- Location: Lenoir City, TN/Mineral Bluff, GA
Re: Texas Aircraft "Colt" LSA
For perspective, the Sky Arrow I bought new in 2007 for $75.5k is now roughly double that, albeit with some minor upgrades.Wm.Ince wrote: IMHO . . . for what you are getting, this airplane is too expensive.
“Too expensive” sadly seems to be par for the course these days.
Re: Texas Aircraft "Colt" LSA
What were your reasons for "buying new?"FastEddieB wrote:For perspective, the Sky Arrow I bought new in 2007 for $75.5k is now roughly double that, albeit with some minor upgrades.
“Too expensive” sadly seems to be par for the course these days.
Bill Ince
LSRI
Retired Heavy Equipment Operator
LSRI
Retired Heavy Equipment Operator
Re: Texas Aircraft "Colt" LSA
Would you, as a Flight Design owner, consider a new CTLS too expensive at $157,900?Wm.Ince wrote:IMHO . . . for what you are getting, this airplane is too expensive.Scooper wrote:From the August AOPA Pilot Colt article there are a few more details. The Colt-S is the base model and will have a base price of $156 k. The higher end Colt-SL which was flown for the test and has a ballistic parachute and 2-axis autopilot will be priced at $167 k as tested. The useful load of the SL as tested is 485 pounds. The useful load of the S isn't listed, but without the parachute and autopilot will probably be 40 or 50 pounds more. Rate of climb at sea level is 800 fpm at gross, and 75% cruise speed is 110 KTAS.
http://flightdesignusa.com/aircraft/ctl ... g-options/
As far as new vs. used, it's buyer's choice. If you're throwing new vs. used into the equation it's an apples to oranges comparison.
FWIW, I bought my Zodiac SLSA used with less than 100 hours total time for $49,500. The original owner was a retired 85 year old ATP who had lost his medical and was in declining health, so he rarely flew it.
Stan Cooper (K4DRD)
Private Pilot ASEL LSRI
Experimental AMD CH601XLi-B Zodiac LSA N601KE (KSTS)
Private Pilot ASEL LSRI
Experimental AMD CH601XLi-B Zodiac LSA N601KE (KSTS)
Re: Texas Aircraft "Colt" LSA
Zodiac LSA prices have never really recovered after the wing flutter debacle 10 years ago.
You can get them for about half the price as other, similarly configured LSAs - makes for a pretty good deal if you are ok with owning an experimental.
As far as I know, there have been no accidents since the redesign but a lot of people won’t touch them simply because of the way the company handled the original problem ...
You can get them for about half the price as other, similarly configured LSAs - makes for a pretty good deal if you are ok with owning an experimental.
As far as I know, there have been no accidents since the redesign but a lot of people won’t touch them simply because of the way the company handled the original problem ...
Flying Sting S4 ( N184WA ) out of Illinois
- FastEddieB
- Posts: 2880
- Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:33 pm
- Location: Lenoir City, TN/Mineral Bluff, GA
Re: Texas Aircraft "Colt" LSA
Because I could?Wm.Ince wrote: What were your reasons for "buying new?"
Seriously, I had just sold a 2003 Cirrus SR22, so I had some discretionary cash. The SR22 was a great plane, but $200/hr - or more - all in was getting to be a bit much in retirement and more than we needed. It had been bought as a factory demo, so I didn’t do too badly on depreciation. Not much in the way of used S-LSA Sky Arrows in 2007 anyway, so new made sense. I’ve had it for 12 years so far, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I still own it when it turns 20. And speaking of depreciation, as new prices keep going up, used prices tend to keep pretty firm - I recently saw a virtual twin of my plane with the owner asking $69.9k, albeit still S-LSA (not E-LSA) and about half the hours.
https://www.aerotrader.com/listing/2007 ... 5007399101
I often buy used stuff, and have had good luck doing so. The difference between used and new diminishes when you tend to keep things a long time. Our 2005 Honda Element was bought new, but after 14 years is still rolling along. A BMW motorcycle bought new 20 years ago and still going strong.
But once in a while new is nice.
Re: Texas Aircraft "Colt" LSA
Yep; I completely agree. The way Chris Heintz handled the rash of fatal accidents added to the negative P.R. generated by the accidents themselves. The company almost went under.Warmi wrote:Zodiac LSA prices have never really recovered after the wing flutter debacle 10 years ago.
You can get them for about half the price as other, similarly configured LSAs - makes for a pretty good deal if you are ok with owning an experimental.
As far as I know, there have been no accidents since the redesign but a lot of people won’t touch them simply because of the way the company handled the original problem ...
To be clear, there have been several accidents, some fatal, involving Zodiacs since the 2010 structural upgrades, but the structural integrity of the airframes wasn't identified as contributing to the probable cause of any of them.
Stan Cooper (K4DRD)
Private Pilot ASEL LSRI
Experimental AMD CH601XLi-B Zodiac LSA N601KE (KSTS)
Private Pilot ASEL LSRI
Experimental AMD CH601XLi-B Zodiac LSA N601KE (KSTS)
Re: Texas Aircraft "Colt" LSA
If I was in the market for another aircraft, and I may be in the future, I would love to purchase a new LSA. That might not be the smartest financial decision, but some decisions are more than financial. I love the idea of owning a new aircraft that has never been abused or experienced damage or hard landings, etc.
Retired from flying.
Re: Texas Aircraft "Colt" LSA
Thank you.FastEddieB wrote:. . . . I had just sold a 2003 Cirrus SR22, so I had some discretionary cash. The SR22 was a great plane, but $200/hr - or more - all in was getting to be a bit much in retirement and more than we needed. It had been bought as a factory demo, so I didn’t do too badly on depreciation. Not much in the way of used S-LSA Sky Arrows in 2007 anyway, so new made sense. I’ve had it for 12 years so far, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I still own it when it turns 20. And speaking of depreciation, as new prices keep going up, used prices tend to keep pretty firm - I recently saw a virtual twin of my plane with the owner asking $69.9k, albeit still S-LSA (not E-LSA) and about half the hours.Wm.Ince wrote: What were your reasons for "buying new?"
I often buy used stuff, and have had good luck doing so. The difference between used and new diminishes when you tend to keep things a long time. Our 2005 Honda Element was bought new, but after 14 years is still rolling along. A BMW motorcycle bought new 20 years ago and still going strong.
Concur.FastEddieB wrote:But once in a while new is nice.
Bill Ince
LSRI
Retired Heavy Equipment Operator
LSRI
Retired Heavy Equipment Operator
-
- Posts: 317
- Joined: Wed Jan 17, 2018 4:53 pm
Re: Texas Aircraft "Colt" LSA
The Colt looks nice. I’m hoping TAF announces the High Wing they have been working on at AirVenture. I was told a prototype is already flying. I would have thought there would be a spy photo or two by now. I’m not interested, just curious. I’m very happy with my Sling 2.
Re: Texas Aircraft "Colt" LSA
Any word on the new 915is installation for Sling 2 ( the 1530 lbs version ) ?Sling 2 Pilot wrote:The Colt looks nice. I’m hoping TAF announces the High Wing they have been working on at AirVenture. I was told a prototype is already flying. I would have thought there would be a spy photo or two by now. I’m not interested, just curious. I’m very happy with my Sling 2.
I have no need for a 4 seater but a 1500 lbs gross Sling 2 with the new Rotax would be just about perfect for me ...
Flying Sting S4 ( N184WA ) out of Illinois
- FastEddieB
- Posts: 2880
- Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:33 pm
- Location: Lenoir City, TN/Mineral Bluff, GA
Re: Texas Aircraft "Colt" LSA
You’re welcome.Wm.Ince wrote:Thank you.[
And not to be morbid, but at my age any vehicle purchase, be it plane, car or motorcycle, could end up being my last. Due to health issues, or, you know, that other thing.
It’s a balance. You certainly don’t want to outlive your money. On the other hand, at some point, it’s a matter of, “If not now, when?”
Re: Texas Aircraft "Colt" LSA
Or . . . "you can't take it with you."FastEddieB wrote:You certainly don’t want to outlive your money. On the other hand, at some point, it’s a matter of, “If not now, when?”
Bill Ince
LSRI
Retired Heavy Equipment Operator
LSRI
Retired Heavy Equipment Operator
-
- Posts: 317
- Joined: Wed Jan 17, 2018 4:53 pm
Re: Texas Aircraft "Colt" LSA
I know you can get it with the 914 in both versions, haven’t heard of them offering the 915. I would think they would have to modify the airframe like they did with the Sling TSi. Although the TSi looks like a Sling 4, it’s different.Warmi wrote:Any word on the new 915is installation for Sling 2 ( the 1530 lbs version ) ?Sling 2 Pilot wrote:The Colt looks nice. I’m hoping TAF announces the High Wing they have been working on at AirVenture. I was told a prototype is already flying. I would have thought there would be a spy photo or two by now. I’m not interested, just curious. I’m very happy with my Sling 2.
I have no need for a 4 seater but a 1500 lbs gross Sling 2 with the new Rotax would be just about perfect for me ...