Another Look at This New Plane

The new, entry-level Lancair, the Legacy FG, has a lot of the attendees at Sun 'n Fun talking. The new bargain-basement go-fast machine makes a lot of sense, to a lot of people: this is a new Lancair that can be built for well under $80,000.

At the show, one prospective customer "built" one for $72,000; and, even with a great panel and a new engine and prop, you could still get into the 200mph club for under $100,000.

Even though the factory would be expected to be long on expertise in building these birds, when you consider there were just five weeks "from the box to the air," that says a lot about the buildability of this ultra-fast-build straight-leg composite machine. [Don't forget, the gear had to be developed during that time, as well --ed.]

It's not hard to build to a tight budget. The panel in the show plane cost $8000, and the wiring harness, the bus -- all the internals -- are already available from the Lancair parts bins. With a used engine and prop, and few frills; and with your own labor, you'd be flying a Lancair for just a little more than the price of a good dinner. [Slight exxageration alert! --ed.]

Joe Bartels, Lancair's new owner (pictured), says, "There hasn't been an 'entry-level Lancair' for many, many years. This is a great way to get into the Lancair family."

FMI: www.lancair.com