Glasair 1 owner experience

[ackerman]

I'm been itching to buy an aircraft. Obstinately I want a tailwheel since I learned on a Citabria and want to continue using those skills, but I also want something that's moderately fast, which limits me to a handful of aircraft. I've been poking around between Glasair and RV-6/7. A Glasair I TD surfaced that I'm quite interested in, but never flew in one yet.

I'm curious on everyones' experience with their Glasairs and if they are in CA if it's possible I could sit in one and a check out the size in person.

 

[nauga]

@Velocity173

Nauga,
and his rolodex

 

[Velocity173]

I'm been itching to buy an aircraft. Obstinately I want a tailwheel since I learned on a Citabria and want to continue using those skills, but I also want something that's moderately fast, which limits me to a handful of aircraft. I've been poking around between Glasair and RV-6/7. A Glasair I TD surfaced that I'm quite interested in, but never flew in one yet.

I'm curious on everyones' experience with their Glasairs and if they are in CA if it's possible I could sit in one and a check out the size in person.

I have a Glasair 1 FT. Fun little aircraft. Specs- IO-320, 165 KTAS, 1800 FPM, 800 NM range, aerobatic, 80 kt approach & 70 touchdown, stalls 55. I’m sure a TD would get you in the mid 170kt speeds.

Handling is excellent. Light on the controls and stalls are straight forward. Defintely not a floater when you pull power back for landing.

Size will be an issue for larger people. I think anyone over 5’ 8” will be cramped in most. I’m 5’6” and I’ve got maybe 3” from my headset to the canopy. I’m sure you could get thinner cushions made though. Shoulder room is tight as well. Basically it’s like sitting in a C150 only reclined.

Personally, I flown in an RV-7 and I’d go with a 6 or 7. More room and better support. While there is a company that took over parts support for GI,II & III I’m not sure how many more years they’ll be around.

 

[Let'sgoflying!]

How are they on long x-c or imc without autopilot?
I've heard they are a little twitchy in pitch for that regime.

 

[Velocity173]

How are they on long x-c or imc without autopilot?
I've heard they are a little twitchy in pitch for that regime.

Even though mine is basic IFR equipped I’ve never flown it IFR. The guy who sold it to me was a regional airline pilot and routinely flew it IFR though. My AP failed (fried) not long after I bought it and since it’s so touchy on the controls, it would be just too fatiguing. The Velocity on the other hand. I’ve flown that for over an hour solid IMC with no AP and I was fine.

 

[iflythebus]

I just got a prebuy done for a FT. I'm in TXK.

We discovered some surface cracks on the main gear. Not sure yet if they run deep or its just the gelcoat. Is this normal or do you think there may be a underlying issue?

 

[Scotty66]

I have a glasair 2 RG at Modesto Airport. I commute to Salinas when the weather cooperates. 2.5 hour drive or 20 min flight. It is a great way to end the day. Happy to show you if you are up this way.

 

[Velocity173]

I just got a prebuy done for a FT. I'm in TXK.

We discovered some surface cracks on the main gear. Not sure yet if they run deep or its just the gelcoat. Is this normal or do you think there may be an underlying issue?

Old post but yeah, mine had cracks in the main gear and it’s just gel coat. You’ll also see cracks where the stab meets the fuse in the back. Full of gel coat at that intersection so it’s cracks.

 

[Scotty66]

You can do a tap test with a quarter to check for delamination issues. Pretty easy to find any concerning issues.

 

[iflythebus]

I just got a prebuy done for a FT. I'm in TXK.

We discovered some surface cracks on the main gear. Not sure yet if they run deep or its just the gelcoat. Is this normal or do you think there may be a underlying issue?

I had NDT testing done on the gear and came out clean.