Benefits of the Glasair Design

Glasair aircraft redefine High Performance and create the broadest mission statement that is attainable for a single homebuilt aircraft.

Versatility

Glasair aircraft models are available in all landing gear configurations. The Super II line offers the RG or retractable model; the FT, or fixed tricycle model; and the TD, or conventional or taildragger model. All Glasair III kits have retractable gear (RG). Depending on the model selected, Glasair aircraft can be powered by engines from 150 to 300 hp.

Speed

Few aircraft can compete with the high speed cruise of the Glasair III. With its 300 hp Lycoming engine, the III is a fast, sleek, aerobatic cross-country machine that will take you across the country in mere hours, not days. Nonetheless, its approach and touchdown speeds are easy to work with. The first time most people go out for a ride in a Glasair III the combination of performance and handling qualities absolutely amazes them!

The Super II, powered by 150-200 hp engine options, offers speed, rate of climb, and range that few aircraft can deliver. This speed, combined with the Super II’s superior handling, enormous baggage capacity, and unrivaled strength makes it the most logical choice for anyone desiring a fast, yet cost-effective cross-country aircraft.

Comfort

With a 43" cabin width and leg and headroom to accommodate a pilot and passenger up to 6'4", there is plenty of space for stretching out, leaving you feeling rested at the end of a long cross-country flight. Room for plush seating, superb visibility, and plenty of fresh air make the ride, like the building process, an experience in pleasure. Seating conforms to the human body, offering positioning that stretches human endurance, especially when performing aerobatics.

Style

The sleek, aerodynamic contour of the Glasair is unique and instantly recognizable. The lines of the modern Glasair are classic and pleasing, blending the long Glasair heritage with the latest in aviation technology. The shape of the whole is an artistic triumph. Simply put, the Glasair line is in a class of its own. Yes, other composite designs incorporate sleek contours, but they go too far -- the Glasair continues to offer the combination of design, style and performance that others strive emulate. Let’s face it, owning a Glasair makes a statement just like owning a particular type of sports car. Hundreds of Glasairs are flying all over the world and they all attract considerable attention wherever they go.

Strength

The Glasair's incredible strength has been proven in over 250,000 hours of flying. It can be flown through a wide range of aerobatic maneuvers and has been demonstrated frequently at leading airshows around the world. Glasair Aviation designed strength into the airframe, tested it to ultimate loads of +9 and -6 G's on the ground, and has aggressively verified its limit loads of +6 and -4 G's in factory flight testing. This is a mature design without any hidden surprises. No in flight structural failures -- None. Given Glasair's strength, our customers fly with unsurpassed confidence.

Engineering and Testing

Extensive engineering and testing have gone into the Glasair design. The engineering design was done using the FAA's FAR Part 23 criteria as a guideline. Structural analyses have been done on the wing and fuselage, landing gear, control linkages, control surfaces, engine mount, tail group, etc. With aerobatic flight a design objective, both Glasair models are designed with the structural integrity to meet the aerobatic limit loads of +6 and -4 G's. None of the competition even comes close. Ultimate loads are +9 and -6 G's. For example, the wing has actually been statically loaded to 10.5 G's with no failure. Glasairs are strong!

Outside FAA DER experts were brought in to analyze both Glasair models for flutter. The powerful Boeing Atlas computer system was used for the analysis. To create an accurate finite element model for the computer, an exhaustive ground vibration test was performed along with several loading tests to determine the stiffness in torsion and bending of key structural components. Many safety margins were established that meet or exceed Part 23 requirements.

Proven Composite Construction

The advantages of choosing the Glasair’s composite construction:

• Incredible strength. All Glasairs are fully aerobatic -- +9/-6 G Ultimate Loads!
• Smooth surfaces, which look magnificent, reduce drag and translate into high speed.
• Compound curved surfaces avoid the “boxy” look of traditional aluminum aircraft and create aerodynamic enhancements. Airborne, the compound curves of your Glasair are slippery, almost frictionless.
• Large, pre-fabricated composite structures are joined fast and easily, cutting the building time dramatically when compared with alternate construction materials and methods.
• Mistakes in assembly simply require a quick “patch” rather than purchasing expensive replacement skins/parts.
• Higher resale value. Those who have chosen to sell their Glasairs have found that the market for used composite aircraft, especially if it's a Glasair, is considerably higher than for other designs.
• A Glasair is an excellent investment.

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