Aero-TV: Glasair Aviation -Thoughts On The Evolution Of Sport Aviation

A Look At The Changes Taking Place In The Sport Aviation Industry
The future of sport aviation is in flux... the old ways of sport flying are rapidly disappearing and a new reality is coming about. With that in mind, ANN's Tom Patton took a few moments to ask one of the veterans of the sport aviation market, Glasair's Scott Taylor, about what he sees as he works in this ever-evolving industry.
The generation that used to build every single piece of an aircraft, from plans, rather than a kit has all but disappeared and today's SportPlane builder/buyer is a far more discerning and picky individual. Take the Glasair Sportsman 2 + 2 as a case in point... the machine is surviving because of an aggressive marketing program by the manufacturer that not only emphasizes the ability of the aircraft , but has packaged a fast-build program (a legal one!) to offer the more immediate gratification that today's customer's demand. And it is innovative thinking like the 'Two Week To Taxi' program that has made the company successful while dozens of others have all but disappeared.
The Sportsman 2+2 gives its pilots reason to brag about 155-161 mph cruise speeds (180-200 hp), and a Vso of only 48 mph... making the S2+2 an easy STOL performer needing as little as 375 feet for takeoff and 260 feet for landing. Climb rates range from 1950 fpm (solo) to 1000 fpm (gross). At 65% power and standard tanks, the S2+2 will get you 886 sm down the road. It has 1000 pounds of useful load, and a small bench seat behind the two front seats (good for an adult or two small kids... or an amazing load of crap, uh, gear). Even if you fill both seats and gas it all the way up, there's still 300 pounds of useful load left. And its THAT kind of capability that is much in demand by today's SportPlane buyer...
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[@davidholubetz177]

Scott you are very articulate - refreshing to hear amidst all the static on youtube. Saw a nice example of the Glastar 2+2 locally and it was gorgeous. Whether you can really build one for $150K I'm not sure - maybe if you don't count your own time / labor. For me I'd prob be happy to pay for someone else's work as I am never very fast at projects like this !

[@PlasticRocket]

This is an awesome plane! Managed to test fly it and its only about 10-15kts slower than my cirrus SR20 (C-GOPX), but has a lot of extra ability, including a tail wheel configuration and the ability to get easily into a 1200ft strip! Just might be my next plane....

[@21AirDrop]

I have evaluated this airplane for several months and I cannot think of one better in this class.

[@shiversphoto]

Ok, I am going to check this out... I will fly out to see it... thanks...

[@c4pilot29902]

Unfortunately, not a true 4-place! Other than that I love it! Certainly fits many other Pilots mission though!:) I heard that some may possibly be facing the rear-seats in reverse, therefore allowing adults exceeding 5'-2" in height to sit in the back? Would love to see one like this. Thanks!

[@davidholubetz177]

Well you always have to take these specs with a grain of salt ... it's a 4 place if you have two young kids LOL. Even a 'regular' 4 place small plane is questionable if you're going to have 4 adults plus luggage or gear and full fuel - where I live you'd never get off the ground on a summer's day (density altitude). I look at these small planes as being 2 persons plus gear. If you really need to haul around a lot of people and stuff you'd be best off looking at something else.

[@c4pilot29902]

Surely some pre-owned models available prior to the sale to China.

[@CelsoGuerraBr]

What difference does it make. Cant see a bad review on this.

[@c4pilot29902]

Now the Chinese own Glasair!:(

[@davidholubetz177]

fortunately there's a strong owner's group in the US