Glasair Aviation Glasair I Series for Sale — The Composite Kit That Started a Revolution
The Glasair I is where the modern composite kit aircraft revolution began. When Stoddard-Hamilton Aircraft introduced the original Glasair in 1980, it demonstrated something that the industry had not believed possible: a homebuilt aircraft that could be faster, more efficient, and more refined than certified production aircraft of similar power. The Glasair's all-composite construction produced a smooth, low-drag airframe that translated the 160-180 horsepower Lycoming engine's output into cruise speeds exceeding 200 mph — performance that certified singles of similar power could not approach. The design inspired a generation of composite kit manufacturers and fundamentally changed expectations for what homebuilt aircraft could achieve.
Glasair I Variants
The Glasair I was produced in fixed-gear, retractable-gear (RG), and taildragger configurations, allowing builders to choose the variant that best matched their performance goals and flying preferences. The RG variant's retractable gear delivers the full aerodynamic benefit of the composite airframe, while the fixed-gear TD (taildragger) variant sacrifices some top speed for lower mechanical complexity and the authentic tailwheel experience. All Glasair I variants share the fundamental composite construction that gives the type its speed advantage over metal-constructed alternatives.
Find Your Glasair I on Airplane Trade
Browse Glasair I, Glasair I RG, and Glasair I TD aircraft for sale on Airplane Trade from verified sellers worldwide. Pioneer composite homebuilts with complete builder documentation — connect with sellers who appreciate the Glasair's historical significance as the design that changed everything.