speaking for a ctsw with less then 400 hours, consider the ctsw is at the top end performance wise for a SLSA.jbesper wrote:...max weight, high altitude, warm weather and big mountains - hmmm...
-- max weight - clearly the 1320mgw is an artificial limitation, mountain performance is good at max gross, the ride is smother and landings are easier as well
--high altitude - pitching to achieve 5,500 rpm at your max cruising altitude assures a good blend of speed climb and economy. the ctsw is a climber and mountain ops are a pleasure
--warm weather - i see good performance when da is 11,000' on the runway, no problem
--big mountains - the ctsw climbs steeply and has a service ceiling above 14,000' i once flew an old pilot from yerrington to minden, nv and i just flew direct. the old guy later told me he had never seen anyone do that, the mountains are too close.
if you are realistic about your expectations a ctsw can provide a nice blend of economy, comfort and usability.
advantages light stick pressures keep the work easier to do without getting tired.