Indicative 2025 market price$209k (€193k) to $249k (€231k)
Estimated annual cost at 80 h$16k (€15k)
Five-year cash outlay$308k (€285k)

A Flight Design CTLS 2020 costs approximately $209k (€193k) to $249k (€231k) to buy at 2025 market values, and about $16k (€15k) a year to own flying 80 hours, roughly $203 (€188) per flight hour all-in. It seats 2, cruises at 130 kt (150 mph) and has a published range of 972 nm (1,800 km), needing about 1,476 ft (450 m) of runway. Figures are indicative planning estimates compiled 2026-07, not a quote for any specific airframe.

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Manufacturer-verified data

Extended technical specifications

First-party reference values for this model. They are shown separately from PlaneFit planning estimates and do not enter Finder or cross-model rankings until each field is normalised across the catalogue.

Maximum takeoff weight600 kg
Useful load274 kg
Baggage weight50 kg
EngineRotax 912 ULS or fuel-injected 912 iS, 100 hp

Key figures

Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.

Seats2
Realistic payload with mission fuel503 lb (228 kg)
Published planning range972 nm (1,800 km)
Practical planning radius (4 people)651 nm (1,206 km)
Cruise speed130 kt (150 mph)
Runway need~1,476 ft (450 m)
Landing gearFixed tricycle
PressurisedNo
FuelMogas / UL91
Fixed annual base$10k (€9k)
Direct cost per flight hour$81 (€75)

The ownership trade-off

Excellent range, visibility and efficiency, but regulatory weight limits and loading margins require discipline.

Cost picture at different usage

Indicative cash costs at 2025 market values, before financing, depreciation and tax. The fixed base is the same whether the aircraft flies or not, so the effective hourly cost falls as utilisation rises.

Annual useAnnual cash costEffective cost / hFive-year cash outlay
40 h / year$13k (€12k)$324 (€300)$292k (€270k)
80 h / year$16k (€15k)$203 (€188)$308k (€285k)
120 h / year$19k (€18k)$162 (€150)$324k (€300k)
180 h / year$24k (€23k)$135 (€125)$348k (€323k)

What the estimate covers

Every figure above is built from a $10k (€9k) fixed annual base, covering hangarage, insurance, scheduled maintenance reserves and recurring airworthiness costs, plus $81 (€75) per hour flown for fuel, reserves and consumables. It is a planning model for comparing aircraft and testing utilisation, not a maintenance programme quote, insurance quote or pre-buy assessment.

Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at $19k (€18k) per year at 80 hours. Airframe and engine time, maintenance and damage history, avionics, equipment, geography and tax treatment move a real transaction further than the model year does, so price the aircraft in front of you, not the model. A cheaper example carrying deferred maintenance can be the more expensive aircraft once the first annual inspection is complete.

Flight Design CTLS 2020 cost guide answers the same figures as standalone purchase and ownership questions, and the ownership cost calculator lets you replace these assumptions with your own hours and fixed costs.

Where it fits well

  • 130 kt (150 mph) cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
  • 972 nm (1,800 km) published range creates a practical planning radius of about 700 nm with 2 occupants.
  • 503 lb (228 kg) realistic payload proxy and 2 seats define the usable cabin mission.

Limitations to price honestly

  • Excellent range, visibility and efficiency, but regulatory weight limits and loading margins require discipline.
  • $10k (€9k) fixed annual planning base before flying a single hour.
  • Approximate 1,476 ft (450 m) take-off requirement must be checked against runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading.

Recommended missions

  • Solo or two-person flying where low complexity matters more than cabin capacity.
  • Short and medium regional trips, accepting fuel stops when conditions require.
  • Recreational, training or personal travel where operating efficiency is more important than airline-like speed.

What you need to be qualified to fly a Flight Design CTLS 2020

Nothing beyond a pilot certificate for the category and class. With fixed tricycle gear and no endorsement requirement of its own, this is among the simplest certified aircraft to qualify in, which is a real part of why it is cheap to insure and easy to check out in.

US requirements under 14 CFR 61.31, stated for orientation and not as advice. PlaneFit is not an aviation authority or a training organisation. Other authorities set different rules, and the current regulation and your instructor are what govern.

Common questions about the Flight Design CTLS 2020

How much does a Flight Design CTLS 2020 cost?

An indicative 2025 market price for a Flight Design CTLS 2020 is $209k (€193k) to $249k (€231k). This is a planning estimate normalised across the market, not a quote for a specific airframe. Condition, engine time remaining, avionics and damage history move the real number more than the model year does.

What does a Flight Design CTLS 2020 cost per hour to operate?

Flying 80 hours a year, a Flight Design CTLS 2020 works out at roughly $16k (€15k) annually, which is about $203 (€188) per flight hour all-in once fixed costs are spread across those hours. The direct cost per hour alone, covering fuel, reserves and consumables, is about $81 (€75).

How far can a Flight Design CTLS 2020 fly?

Published range is 972 nm (1,800 km). With 2 people aboard and realistic reserves, plan on a practical radius of about 700 nm rather than the brochure figure.

What runway does a Flight Design CTLS 2020 need?

Plan on approximately 1,476 ft (450 m) for take-off. Check this against the actual runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading, all of which extend the requirement.

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