How to Buy a Lancair

Lancair airplanes are not your ordinary airplanes. They are airplanes that the buyer builds himself. There are other options, though, if you like the look, feel, and quickness of these little planes. Aftermarket airplanes are for sale through various sources and at various prices. Enjoy buying your Lancair. It will be an adventure.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Decide whether you want to buy the kit or buy a completed plane. Lancair sells kits that take between 500 to 1,500 hours to complete and offers builder assist training that can drastically cut the building time. Or look to Other Lancair owners who have already assembled their kits and want to sell the Lancair airplanes. These can be found through auction houses or through aviation connection businesses. Search eBay and Global Air.
2. Call the sales representative at Lancair for an estimate on your kit airplane. A Lancair representative can be reached at [phone]. Prices range from the low $100,000 range to the $400,000 range minus the accessories and engine (which do not come with the kit).
3. Select and order your options. Options include engine and props, airframe accessories, fast build program, firewall forward accessories, tools and avionics. The options are detailed on Lancair's website and range in price and features.
4. Have the plane inspected. Contact Lancair for a private inspection of a kit built airplane. Other independent airplane technicians can adequately inspect the Lancair kit planes as well. It is important to get the airplane inspected since it was probably built by an amateur. Ask for evidence of certification and inspection, but follow it up with your own inspector.
5. Get Lancair flight training. The airplane is small enough to fit in your two-car garage and is easy enough for almost anyone to assemble, but a plane you can't fly is no fun. Get flight training from a Lancair specialist such as High Performance Training Incorporated. Then, you are ready to enjoy your new purchase.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit the Lancair factory for a private tour. Tours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment.