Shiny Metal Finish Reminiscent Of 1930s-Era Vintage Aircraft

Spirit Engineering, Inc., a Grand Junction, Colorado-based designer and builder of light sport aircraft, announced the introduction of its SE-1 single-seat all-metal Special Light Sport Aircraft (SLSA) at the EAA AirVenture Airshow and Fly-in at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The SE-1 has a shiny metal finish indicative of its all-aluminum construction, and the overall design was inspired by vintage aircraft popular during the Golden Age of Flight in the 1930s and 40s. The diminutive aircraft stands just 5 feet high sitting on the ramp, and the wings fold for compact storage, even inside a home garage–no hangar needed.

The unique thing about the aircraft is that Spirit Engineering designed its own engine in-house specifically for the aircraft. It is a normally aspirated, two-cylinder, four-stroke, inverted V2, air-cooled, direct-drive engine that develops 42 hp and features a dry sump lubricating system. The engine weighs just 100 lbs and runs on 100LL avgas or 91 AKI auto gas.

And the best part? It burns just two gallons of auto gas per hour! And the other best part is the price: the ready-to-fly aircraft starts at just $69,500. Numerous options are available.

A 3,000+ hour CFI said, “Hands down the funnest airplane I have EVER flown.”

The SE-1 has an empty weight of 420 lb and useful load of 320 lb. Its max cruise speed is 112 mph, 100 mph at 75% power. It will climb at 750 fpm and its service ceiling is 17,500 feet MSL. It requires just 500 ft to take off and lands in 800 ft.

Being designed for one person, the cabin is just 25” wide with a max baggage weight of 20 lb, and the pilot is limited to 275 lb.

Spirit Engineering is displaying the SE-1 in Booth #218 at AirVenture, and is taking orders for the aircraft during the show with deliveries expected to begin later this year. The aircraft is not being sold as a kit.

FMI: spiriteng.com/