Yes, we have decided to extend the length of the fuselage of the Glasair II TD, FT, and RG models by 14″ overall The biggest benefits will be an increase in the pitch and yaw stability but also—it’s going to look as sexy as the III! Two inches have been added firewall forward providing more room for engine accessories and twelve inches are added to the tail section. We anticipate shipping Glasair II-S kits in late April or May. (The “S” signifies the stretched version.)
New Foam Core
Slotted Flaps
We are also working on a slotted flap installation which will help lower the landing speed by 5-7 knots. Since survivability in forced landings is greatly influenced by the impact speed, this option carries a big safety benefit in addition to its short field improvements. We intend to make this a retrofit option to all Glasair models to date_ since the same wing size is used on all I, II, and III models.
Mufflers We are preparing to test a set of mufflers on our Glasair III which could be easily adapted to all past Glasairs.
This option will be a significant benefit to help quiet the cockpit. Our new Glasair III and II models are much quieter than earlier models and should be a very quiet cockpit if these mufflers do their job well. Our European Glasair brethren will appreciate this option the most. European countries are much stricter in regards to noise restrictions.
Electric Flaps, Electric Trim
We will soon be offering kits for both of these options. Glasair builders have adapted several systems for use on their Glasairs to date—most commonly salvaged from other aircraft. We needed to select an off-the-shelf power pack and mechanism which is properly rated to handle the Glasair flap loads. Mechanical advantage (leverage) was improved on the Glasair III and II models with the flaps, but travel was reduced from 50″ to 34″ to accomplish this. Electric flaps will offer the advantage of ease of actuation and full travel to 45°. The installation will weigh 2-3 lb more than the mechanical system.
Century Autopilots We have worked closely with Century to offer their proven line of automatic flight control systems to Glasair owners. Local Glasair builders Dave Morgan (III) and Lance Turk (I FT) have worked diligently with Century technicians to conduct thorough flight testing with systems in their aircraft. We still remain very pleased with the performance and value of the S-Tec autopilots and will offer both. Now you have a choice!
Engines
Lycoming has agreed to give Stoddard-Hamilton Aircraft. Inc. O.E.M. (original equipment manufacturer) status and offer us very attractive new engine pricing. We are very pleased to see Lycoming recognizing the contribution the homebuilt industry has made. Just consider the boost homebuilders have given Lycoming through parts sales for rebuilt engines during the past six year general aviation slump!
Lycoming will also be supporting our efforts at turbocharging the III through technical help and test equipment. (Refer to new engine pricing and availability elsewhere in this section.)
In summary
Our goals for our Glasair products are to refine and polish the designs and provide a solid airframe platform which can suit the needs and desires of many pilots. We are doing our best to provide the industry’s best customer support. In spite of the mammoth advertising campaign our nearest competitor wages to sell aircraft, we firmly believe customer satisfaction and customer recommendations will make it or break it for a manufacturer in this industry—and that’s where we are concentrating our efforts.
