Tommy Mc Posted March 25, 2021 Report Share Posted March 25, 2021 Has anybody here flown with the Doors off ? I have read that the CT was originally designed heavily leaning toward an Observation Platform with removable doors for downward facing Cameras. I did see a picture somewhere of a CT on approach with the SB Door removed (I presume P Door was removed as well) and a wind deflector along the front edge of the door lip however I cannot re locate the Photo nor can I find any information that refers to flying with the Doors off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Baker Posted March 25, 2021 Report Share Posted March 25, 2021 I know people who have flown with the doors removed. Several of the 2006-2007 airplanes delivered to the states had removable hinge pins to make it easier. So yes, the airplane can be flown with the doors removed. That being said it also depends on the regulations in your country. Here in the states while at an airshow while flying with the ultralights in the evening the FAA came along and ask to see where it was approved in the AOI (manual), and it isn't listed in there. So if you are SLSA here in the states it is not legal to fly with them removed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Lee Posted March 25, 2021 Report Share Posted March 25, 2021 Yes, but at a much reduced speed. This idea was in the earlier days of the CT. It is not recommended any more. It's like flying with a wind storm inside. Better have everything including your glasses battened down. It isn't advisable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyingMonkey Posted March 25, 2021 Report Share Posted March 25, 2021 I have done it once. 80kt or less, honestly less than 70kt to be at all comfortable, and 60-65kt is the real sweet spot. It's a wind tunnel for sure. Look at the shape of the airframe, the area in front of the door is narrower than behind the door, so the doors act like big wind scoops and 60+kt wind hits you right in the face. And bugs hit hard at that speed. As Roger said, not really advisable, and not worth it. Especially considering the great visibility of the CT series and the hassle of removing/reinstalling the doors. I have considered trying to make some full plexi "patrol" doors to give the feeling of the open cockpit without the wind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AGLyme Posted March 25, 2021 Report Share Posted March 25, 2021 Compared to every other aircraft I’ve been in, other than helos, the FD planes have the best visibility of any plane. Everyone I have flown with says that. It is what I like the best, the amazing strut-less view to the sides... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warmi Posted March 25, 2021 Report Share Posted March 25, 2021 1 hour ago, AGLyme said: Compared to every other aircraft I’ve been in, other than helos, the FD planes have the best visibility of any plane. Everyone I have flown with says that. It is what I like the best, the amazing strut-less view to the sides... It is true it Flight Design planes offer awesome visibility for high wings , probably the best among LSA planes except for Aeroprakt models which I think are superior on that regard. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommy Mc Posted March 25, 2021 Author Report Share Posted March 25, 2021 I'm not rushing out to remove the Doors, it is still Aran Jumper (Wolly Sweater) weather here but was interested in the answers as I just couldn't find any info. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AGLyme Posted March 25, 2021 Report Share Posted March 25, 2021 Yup, those Aeroprakt planes are flying greenhouses Warmi. I sat in one once, it was a slow flyer which is why I passed. One of the best things I did on the CT is place the sun screen film on the top window. The summer sun is bearable now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warmi Posted March 26, 2021 Report Share Posted March 26, 2021 8 hours ago, AGLyme said: Yup, those Aeroprakt planes are flying greenhouses Warmi. I sat in one once, it was a slow flyer which is why I passed. One of the best things I did on the CT is place the sun screen film on the top window. The summer sun is bearable now. The new A32 is actually quite fast - somewhere around CTLS speeds .. As far as the greenhouse effect - you got nothing to complain about Try flying in my Sting - in all seriousness, when I was buying my plane I was actually a bit worried about dealing with what is basically 360 degree open canopy during hot summer months but ultimately is not bad at all once you up in the air. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Runtoeat Posted March 28, 2021 Report Share Posted March 28, 2021 Had to keep the speed below 70kts. Too much wind buffeting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommy Mc Posted March 29, 2021 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2021 Nice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Meade Posted March 29, 2021 Report Share Posted March 29, 2021 Does anyone know if Appendix G, FAA Order 8130.2j applies, and if so, what has been your experience with obtaining the Operating Limitation? "7/21/2017 8130.2J Appendix G Appendix G. Limitations for Operation of an Aircraft With a Door Removed Figure G-1. Sample Limitations for Operation of an Aircraft With a Door Removed" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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