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1997 Stoddard-Hamilton Glasair III
- January 9, 2023
Glasair III Series for Sale — The 300-mph Homebuilt
The Glasair III is the ultimate expression of the Glasair performance philosophy — a composite homebuilt capable of exceeding 300 mph true airspeed in its most aggressively built configurations, making it one of the fastest piston single-engine aircraft ever to fly, certified or experimental. Where the Glasair I established the composite kit aircraft concept, the Glasair III pushed it to its logical extreme: a fully retractable, low-wing, tandem-seat design with a Continental IO-550 or Lycoming IO-540 engine whose composite airframe achieves drag coefficients that production aircraft manufacturers found impossible to approach. The Glasair III is not for inexperienced pilots or casual builders — it is an aircraft that rewards skill and demands respect in equal measure.
What Makes the Glasair III Extraordinary
The combination of the Glasair III's low-drag composite airframe and 300-horsepower Continental IO-550 creates a power-to-drag ratio that produces cruise speeds in the 240-270 knot range in well-built examples. The tandem seating keeps the fuselage cross-section minimal, contributing significantly to the aerodynamic efficiency that delivers these remarkable numbers. The aircraft's roll rate and general handling characteristics are firmly in sports aircraft territory — responsive, precise, and demanding of pilot attention in a way that forgives nothing and rewards everything. Flying a Glasair III is among the most intense experiences available in piston aviation.
Find Your Glasair III on Airplane Trade
Browse Glasair III aircraft for sale on Airplane Trade from verified sellers worldwide. High-performance composite homebuilt with complete builder documentation and engine records. Connect with sellers who understand the Glasair III's extraordinary performance and demanding operational character.