Glasair III Full Demonstration with Garmin G3X

This is my 2014 Glasair III. Demonstration of aircraft from startup to shut down including unusual attitudes, autopilot operation, cruise performance, and G3X function. This plane has a 1050 lb useful load and will carry two adults, 100 lbs of bags and enough fuel to travel at least 1200 NM with IFR reserves at 205 to 210 knots using 9.5 to 12 GPH depending on altitude.
Video is from a Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 at 1080p and 30 FPS.

[@baronpilot2bb]

Hello everyone. I am sorry I have not responded to many of the comments here. I was very pleasantly surprised with all of the comments both good and bad. I really miss this plane and wish I had never sold it. There is nothing else available that will give you the speed, strength, ride quality, range, and technology that this plane gives you. I will likely buy another one if it is built like this one was.

[@johnpublic976]

Love all of the Qualities that the GlasAir affords for Civilian Pilots, almost or it is, the Perfect Package? I'd like to fly cross country in a performance airplane @ 15k' and burning only 9.8mpg, Wow! Thx again for the Ride in your former Performer!

[@llamphere744]

Would you kindly provide any additional information on the Oxygen system you mentioned?

[@z400racer37]

@Dukepilot Mind if I ask why Glasair III instead of Lancair x?

[@SamSheffer117]

well if you ever wanna sell this one :))

[@trickcyclists]

What a brilliant aeroplane. I must add that your presentation and production were both great too. Clear, very competent and confident.. just what's needed but rarely done quite so well, in my experience. Well done.

[@baronpilot2bb]

Thank you for the comments. It is a great plane and I am very comfortable in it. I am installing the garmin G5 to replace the trutrak ADI and also the garmin autopilot to replace the trutrak sorcerer. After they are installed I will do a better demonstration with some of it in IMC so everyone can see how stable this plane is in the soup.

[@AquaStevae]

The ONLY critique would be the vibration of the camera. I'd find a way to dampen that vibration, as it was quite noticeable when trying to look at the instruments through out the video. Other than that, first class presentation all the way.

[@Lexsoul]

Exactly Thank you so much Have seen it hundreds of times! Thank you so much

[@craigbmm4675]

I grew up in Arlington Wa. where Glassair is located . i used to watch the Glassair III fly over our house on take off to the north as a teen ager .. they had the new design at that time circa late 1980s .. Arlington EEA airshows ect . .. was an exciting time . was so fast .. i love your layout design . the systems look marvelous .. fun bird .. 70's music and all !! haha

[@craigbmm4675]

if you get in the Fort lauderdale area id love to go for a ride :)

[@baronpilot2bb]

Well, someone that watched this video decided that he had to have my plane, so I sold it to him and took his Cirrus on trade. My wife now has a parachute and air conditioning. I now go 50 knots slower on more fuel, but it is a nice flying plane. Good luck to the new owner of the Glasair. It is an incredible machine!

[@brianpreblich5123]

Would love to see the new ride! Great video by the way. I grew up in Michigan but live in AZ now, nice to see all the green!

[@hogster5935]

I would have loved to own that III. Which Cirrus, SR22? PS You should post the same vid in the Cirrus.

[@hogster5935]

Not sure I would be able to sell mine once I get one. I have been looking at RV's Lancairs and Glasair II and III. I keep coming back to the III. I would like 4 seats though to take friends. Again coming back to the III. Good luck with your Cirrus.

[@baronpilot2bb]

It was a very good example of a Glasair. The biggest drawback of the Glasair is getting in and out of it. You either need to have a step available or you have to sit on the wing and then stand up. Putting baggage in the plane is more difficult also. Once you are in the plane it is very comfortable. The 4-seat planes are pretty much 2 seat planes with easier loading and more baggage room. If I were to buy a 4-place experimental and safety was a concern I would buy the Lancair Super ES. If I wanted to go faster and did not mind the extra engine maintenance it would be the ES-P. If I was willing to fly a hotter wing it would be a IV-P. I liked the performance of the Lancair Legacy, but the cabin was too narrow for me and it just did not have enough fuel capacity for what I wanted to do with the plane. Lots of choices out there.

[@PaulAnthonyDuttonUk]

Dukepilot Have a question if you don't mind. If the stick is very sensitive does that not present a risk of it being knocked at the wrong time by a passenger or can you disable right side when flying with non pilots?

[@ThePsvan]

Great video. That's officially my dream plane now. Tricycle gear, aerobatic, efficient, smooth - what a great machine.

[@jazzman5598]

Man, agreed!

[@JohnS916]

Now that was a very nicely done video from an instruction standpoint. I love airplanes, but never had enough money to pursue flying. Watching flying videos is my best option and what I do enjoy is the interaction of the pilot and the instruments and what each one plays in the operation of the aircraft. Thanks again for the fun video.

[@danbaltizar6346]

Not the best but not bad.

[@N73RZ]

I'm picking up my dream plane- a short-wing III with a 350 HP custom Barret 540 engine this weekend, I have 1500 hours in my 1RG, but this was a helpful video for the transition, especially since the seller isn't able to fly with me!

[@baronpilot2bb]

Ok, sorry I have not addressed some questions. I would like to answer a few. First, I had no military training and this plane is easy to fly if you understand that this plane can exceed your physical limitations and also is faster than 90% of piston planes, so you need to think ahead. The airplane truly is a 205 knot on 10-14 GPH depending on altitude. It has a range of well over 1200 miles with reserves. You will spend $200k or more for a good plane like this one that has the extended fuel, updated gear, good avionics, and has not been gear upped. This plane will not fly well in the ice - do not try it. The reason it is fast is because it has a low drag air frame and high performance wing. Ice on the wing and tail, even in small amounts, severely affects it's ability to produce lift. It could get very scary very quickly. The airport I flew out of gets about 5 airplanes a day using it. I was well aware of my surroundings and any aircraft in the area. Furthermore, the area I flew in was also pretty much void of traffic. Not much going in in this area. I had good total situational awareness and was not endangering me or anyone else in the air. I wish I would NOT have traded this plane for the Cirrus. The Cirrus I bought was your typical factory built plane with RIDICULOUS parts prices and was NOT easy to work on. It was 50 knots slower, used more fuel, and had LESS useful load. Insurance was also more for the Cirrus. I knew right away I had made a mistake. I wish I would have kept this plane as it was the best one in the country. As such, the guy that bought this plane did not like it and his wife hated it. He liked the room of the Cirrus and the avionics in the Cirrus better. I think he bought a new Cirrus. This plane would never pass any certification for Part 23 and that is why it is fast and efficient. When you demand that a single engine normally aspirated non-pressurized plane be made idiot proof it will not be efficient or fast. The only was to go fast in a certified plane is to have turbochargers and high altitude as the wing needs to be forgiving enough for those with low skill to be safe in. You will only get this performance in a certified plane up high where the draggy wing isn't so draggy. The camera used in the video was a Garmin VIRB. I can't remember the exact model, but it is fairly new and is red in color. I used oxygen on almost every flight because I generate my own, so it is pretty much free. The oxygen system is self-diagnostic, so you do not have to manually check it before flight. So, long story short: Fast, efficient, great ride due to high wing loading, fun, cheap to maintain, bad in ice, bad for people that think the airplane should have safety features like a modern car. I can't think of a better plane for 1 or 2 people to go cross country in.

[@AureliusR]

Why did you trade it for the Cirrus in the first place? What did this plane not do that you wanted?

[@stewartw.9151]

Thanks for a great presentation of what this aircraft can do. When these first became available a long time back I lusted after one but could never afford it. At the time and for a total of 18 years I owned and flew a Grumman AA1A but with a 150hp motor that I installed instead of the 108. My cruise speed was about the same as your approach speed! But I did like the high(er) wing loading, the resultant comfy ride in turbulence where some pilots would not venture, the one finger touch on the controls. and the responsiveness. To me an aircraft that flies like a heavy-handling bus is no aircraft worth having!

[@dc83421]

St

[@dc83421]

Stewart W. J)

[@baseballlife5884]

Is it me or is anyone else dying to pick this guys brain for hours? There’s dozens of questions I wish he could’ve got to. How he flies and at the same time articulates what he’s doing and why he’s doing it makes this my new favorite video. How did I miss this for so long sheeesh.

[@derstuka96]

My good friend used to have a Glasair I. We flew it from March AFB, Ca to N. Las Vegas airport in 65 min. His Cessna 172 took 2.25 hrs for the same flight. I wish he still had that plane. Learning to fly and owning a Glasair is on my bucket list. Great video and demonstration!

[@neve1064]

Thank you for taking the time to produce this video. I've been looking to purchase or build for three years. Your panel and cockpit layout is probably the best I've seen. If only: you would be our CFI (my wife, me and my best friend are getting our PPL at the same time in Ft. Myers in May in hopefully 2 months because we plan to dedicate 8 weeks to getting it done); the III had a BRS option. This III is addictive. Thanks again.

[@jameswikstrom4174]

Very small but efficient little airplane. Absolutely love all the features on the airplane. Excellent performance and fuel burn. I can easily see why you chose this airplane over many others. You have total control of the airplane from takeoff to landing. I am extremely impressed with the performance of this light single engine. Your documentary was excellently done!

[@texan2560]

All my planes are older than 40 years and this plane seems like an alien space ship. I gotta get me one of these.

[@ghostindamachine]

Man, what a sweet ride. Glasair has been on my fave list for a long time. They just are the whole package.

[@mitchdunn3813]

It seems to be a great plane, and this was one of the very best quick flight videos I've seen to date. Thanks Duke, this was very well done.

[@bteetermd]

Probably the most informative learning video I have watched. I hope you continue doing them.

[@baronpilot2bb]

Hi Brian. Thank you very much. Positive comments are somewhat rare today, so yours is especially appreciated. I might be doing a full demonstration on a 1967 V35 Bonanza with 300HP engine and full glass panel. For a certified plane, it is probably one of the nicest flying and most economical planes when flown lean of peak. I hope to do so in the near future.

[@bteetermd]

Dukepilot ...Looking forward to your next production. I have enjoyed the S35 back in the 70’s and had a Bellanca Super Viking for years later. I have slowed to a Warrior at retirement and age 70 - yet enjoyable.

[@nathanlindley]

I would LOVE a video on cost of ownership! I discovered this plane recently and think it would fit my mission perfectly!

[@TheRealChetManley]

Second video I’ve seen from you, the best most informative videos for the Glasair and RV. Awesome

[@rufusprime99]

Great video. You clearly have a solid grasp on what you are doing and explain things very well. Added this video to favorites. I am sure I can watch this 4 or 5 times, and pick things up each time through.

[@othneildrew]

Wow! I’m sold! No idea you could get this kind of performance and nice features with such a small machine!

[@GlasairS2-RG]

I thought I made a post earlier about your video but just to reiterate... Two months ago I bought a Glasair 2 RG Because of this video. I’m in the process of upgrading all the avionics because the airplane was started 20 years ago. Thank you for your video and I cannot wait until I get my airplane in the air.

[@rocketdog2116]

I just noticed that when you hit the transmit button on the radio that the flap indication disappears and reappears when you stop transmitting. Just in case you weren't aware. Wouldn't want it being a symptom of a much larger electrical issue. Awesome airplane. It's definitely a dream plane for me.

[@baronpilot2bb]

Yes, good catch. If you look closely you will also see the hydraulic indicator peg itself when transmitiing. Both units use a sensor that is too close to the comm antenna.

[@williampysell2819]

Beautiful airplane! Great performance, and a really great video demonstration of the plane and its capabilities! Thank you! I have been a EAA member for about (40) years, and I have dreamed of owning a fast experimental aircraft. Started building an RV-6, then sold it. I owned a Rockwell Commander 14, with an IO-540 engine and a three bladed Prop, with dual full panel of King Gold Crown avionics, DME, HSI, RX-10 Weather Radar, Auto-Pilot system with altitude hold and approach capabilities, and a few other goodies. My plane used to belong to Hilton Head Resort, so it was decked out and well maintained. I loved that airplane, but I always wanted more speed for less fuel burn and overall operating costs. Experimental aircraft is the way to go for the things that I wanted. Also, the new glass panels are really nice! Thanks for your video!

[@jazzman5598]

I agree. Really well produced flying video.

[@av8tore71]

Built 2 Glasair III, beautiful aircraft and fun to build the IO-540 is an awesome engine for this airframe as well

[@hogster5935]

Are you excited they are coming back?

[@pg9511]

It's nice that you say what you're doing when you're thinking of something. I almost feel like I had a lesson. Well, I enjoy it so much I've had several lessons. Thanks very much.

[@danmurphy1994]

Your an INCREDIBLE pilot dude this is the best aviation video I've ever seen!

[@antoniocomputersbarreto7429]

I have flown out of that airport several times, my last biannual was at KANQ. I live very close to the airport and also I finished my pilot training at KGWB. So I'm very familiar with the area. I'm currently flying out of C62( Kendalville). Fly safe and God bless.

[@billbargar2284]

The Glassair is a beautiful and spirited airplane from what I understand, I have never had the opportunity to fly one. I really appreciate your informational dialogues and like the foothills of the Sierras. My family has a place in Incline Village so I enjoy flying into Truckee California.

[@twopheew9995]

Man, that is an awesome little airplane! It behaves and performs like a jet.

[@Justwantahover]

300 hp muscle plane. The fastest car is over 50 mph slower and has like four times the power.

[@3dogman311]

This is a well narrated video; informative & professional. It is refreshing to see a pilot actually use a checklist while shooting video. So many do not.

[@juteint4068]

What a presentation!!super! The plane we know how so good it is!!!

[@brentmcmahon8188]

I talked to a guy whose dad built one and died and could not find logs for it and it was done beautifully and right. The logs was deal killer

[@mwsteffen]

Now that I'm retired flying the Airbus 300, that was a thoroughly enjoyable flight video as it put me back in the sky. Would love to own that bird myself! Well done.

[@themontay]

By far the best demo flight I've watched yet. As an ex-hornet driver I'm very interested in this bird. Hope to afford one someday.

[@baronpilot2bb]

Thank you for the kind comments and thank you for your service! I am a bit jealous, though. My fighter experience is in a TS-11 Iskra trainer. I would like to fly the Honrnet!

[@michellewells4666]

I wish you were my instructor. I really enjoyed the whole flight video. Thank you so much.

[@dougharris5963]

Love this video...thanks for posting! The content of your videos is incredibly informative for new low time pilots like me! Keep em coming!!

[@johanveltheim4331]

That is one high-performance plane you've got there! You didn't quite use the full scale of your 0-600 MPH speedometer though. :)

[@hancynunez8038]

thank you so much for the demonstration definitely gave me the sense of how it would be like to be a pilot.

[@dafzero]

Gorgeous and very insightful. I've got 3 GIII's on my shortlist but after seeing yours I think I'll wait a bit. Sold my DA40 today.

[@baronpilot2bb]

Bring your checkbook to my hangar. You might fly away with it :)

[@barrysimmons5489]

Nice. Thanks for sharing, enjoyed the almost ride along. Oh well. Hope ya find another one. 👍🇺🇸🏁🤔

[@danmurphy1994]

beautiful flying airplane. Thanks for the comprehensive flight video I love watching aircraft reach full performance in good conditions.

[@erniejessop7304]

I’m so late to the game here but what an awesome video sincerely So good and informative I appreciate fellow pilots sharing their experience and allowing the rest of us to live vicariously 😎

[@garyhoward4064]

I had a Glasair III for a few years. Not as well equipped as yours but lovely plane. No switching of fuel tanks on mine. I had the manual flaps which I prefer. Would pull 10 degrees flaps at 140 knots before lowering the gear making approaches much easier (plane can apparently handle 160 kts at 10 degrees). However, found it difficult in instrument conditions as it is over sensitive in pitch and the spring trim (no tab) is suboptimal. It’s the only plane I really miss. Cheap and fast.

[@chriscunningham6362]

You're a lucky guy. The Glasair is such a beautiful ship. I'm a pilot but my health prevents it being worthwhile to invest in a plane or helicopter for my personal use. I can get away with flying as a sport pilot but that's about it. Enjoy that gorgeous plane and don't forget all of us that are flying along with you in spirit!

[@exposingthedarknesswiththe9190]

*The Glasair III is really a fantastic plane, not that I know anything about them, but it seems to do whatever you need of it and as you said, with less fuel expense...great plane and nice looking too!*

[@Chybear]

Nice fast little beauty your Glasair is. A perfect platform for cross country for sure.Thanks for the video on this sweet bird! Much appreciated sir.

[@donoverton7554]

Best video I have seen. Thankyou...really fun flying with you.

[@stuartlowery7481]

Awesome video. I've been waiting for another video since your last walkthrough. Your plane is exactly how i'm going to build mine. Fully sorted and a absolute time machine. Keep up the videos mate, they are both informative and fun to watch. Cheers from Australia.

[@skypilot7103]

Beautiful flight thank you so much former C-150 pilot C-130A Flt. Engineer really advanced from the follow the railroad VOR days LOL.

[@JohnnieV]

That’s a great job explaining everything. Even to a non-flyer I could understand some stuff u were talking about. That garmin is nice. Thanks for the video & explanations

[@christopherbeddoe406]

Beautiful Planes. Nice and slippery. I've been following the Dark Aero 1 build by some brothers in Wisconsin. That thing is going to be a performer too. 2 seat, all carbon fiber composites. Low drag design.

[@kennethlcarlton]

Great video. I've been out of the seat for a while and that was great. Very informative and professional. Thanks!

[@joshmccarthy7943]

This guy is the best instructor amazing training video

[@kevinrtres]

Thanks for the video, well commented. Just a small detraction was the pop-and-squeek on the sound recording. Having heard Steve01 and Premier1 makes it difficult to accept lesser recordings.

[@MusicGodsNFT]

I sure did enjoy this video. This is my first time seeing just how automatic an auto pilot can be. Excellent video and you have a new subscriber. Cheers

[@tadbarker7082]

Superb little film.... Really enjoyed that. Thanks for making it. Your calm attitude and explanations were great; obviously on top of your game. Very inspiring to a newbie (getting used to PA28 steam panel ..and loving it ). All the best from England 👍

[@lmillenaviation3193]

Hello Dukepilot, this is one of my favorite videos on KZbin. The glass air III is my fathers favorite airplane. We are from West Lafayette and we’re excited to see you had a glass air in Indiana! I am in pilot training at Indiana State University and enjoy your videos very much. Would love to meet you sometime.Thank you for sharing!

[@arthurmontana8791]

The airplane is awesome, but Duke stole the show. He's a credit to aviation! BRAVO!

[@stephenj.p.ingley4033]

Best Glasair Video ever...Hands Down...Thanks Duke and Good Luck with the Cirrus... JP

[@MorphMixologyReptiles]

cool video man. my family own a matched pair Glasair I and III for most of my childhood. spent many years flying all over the country in them. great airplanes

[@GlasairS2-RG]

Because of this video, I just bought a Glasair 2 RG and just have to put 60-80 hours work into it to get it flying... Then onto the certifications with the FAA

[@littlethislittlethat456]

Very nice video. My how things have changed since I was flying. I flew a Cardinal 177B for quite a few years and then a Mooney 201 for a few and then got out of flying due to too many hobbies and expenses. John from MI

[@Jimidan1000]

It sure is busier to fly than I thought...it would seem that with all of the technology available for engine management (and vetted by millions of miles of automobile use), that aircraft engines could benefit greatly from adopting some of it.

[@larrylogan8648]

Total enjoyment, thanks for taking me along in the back seat.

[@rigilchrist]

Thanks for this - lovely aircraft and a great demonstration of it. I look forward to seeing how the Garmin AP works out for you.

[@av8tore71]

My grandpa and I (before he passed) built our second Glasair III fun plane to build and fun to fly, just take your hands off the stick if you fly into the sun and start sneezing

[@MrWingtip]

Excellent vid. You did a great job showing the procedure of flying this awesome high performance airplane.

[@maryadams6415]

Wow, who needs a jet when you have a Rocket! Excellent Ride.

[@Aonexia]

Wow! Great video of the airplane.

[@johnflynn6555]

Great thanks. I will check into it. After a short time the system starts building pressure.

[@baronpilot2bb]

More than likely you have leaking actuator (nose and mains) seals that need to be replaced. Pressure should drop significantly when gear is being retracted, but it should never stay at zero for any length of time.

[@braytonhackbarth]

The reason for cycling the prop more than once is to ensure the engine oil in the governor is warm. This is probably not as much of an issue in warmer climates.

[@hogster5935]

Awesome airplane. I've been thinking about this aircraft and S II for a long time for xcounties. Selling my current airplane and soon to be looking..... Can't wait to find one like yours or close to it. Thanks for posting.

[@stealhty1]

Nice and fast Plane,I usually go full power 1min/1000 ft which ever come first just to be friendly with your engine

[@chriscunningham6362]

Great video and great demonstration. Thanks for taking the time to share with us.

[@z400racer37]

What is your opinion of Glasair vs Lancair? I know that’s a broad question, but I’m new to investigating these kinds of planes, and it would be cool to get your general thoughts on the two manufacturers, and specific model comparisons. Great video! Thanks!

[@PhilGeissler]

Thanks for taking me along for the ride!

[@davidmathieson1434]

Great commentary. Very informative and inspirational. I feel like I really know this machine now. Thanks!

[@steamboy101]

Wow, what a machine! Thanks for such a detailed overview and flight.

[@baronpilot2bb]

Thank you. I miss this plane. I wish I would have never sold it. Nothing compares to its performance, efficiency, and handling.

[@steamboy101]

If fly a 1956 Cessna 172 straight-tail, so this plane is definitely a dream machine. I’m sure your Cirrus is still a worthy plane.

[@baronpilot2bb]

I hated the Cirrus. An Rv10 is faster on less fuel, has better avionics, and is 1/5th the cost to insure and operate. I didn't have the Cirrus 3 months before selling it. My wife wanted the cirrus for the Parachute. I would rather have your 172 and the G3 for less money than a comparable cirrus.

[@steamboy101]

Dukepilot , fair enough. Curiously enough, I’ve pretty much settled on the RV-10 as my dream plane project should finances and time permit. Vans seems to be the benchmark.

[@michaelroberson1013]

Wow that was awesome I've never watched one of these videos all the way through but this one is really good really informative I'm not even a pilot but I really enjoyed it I've always wanted to be a pilot

[@markg4459]

Can certainly see why you sold the III. Great video & demonstration. Wonder if you owned it long enough to determine parts support for the Glasair? I owned two Lancairs (models no longer in production) and was not impressed with the support...parts invariably out of stock...long backlogs...and very expensive. Lovely planes, truely works of art and awesome performance, when they're working. Think the Co. focused more on their new line of aircraft and much less interest in the legacy fleet. Now flying a Bonanza -- far more reliable but that's just my experience.

[@joshmccarthy7943]

Sounds very experienced

[@georgelochert8966]

You are an Awesome Pilot!

[@baronpilot2bb]

Wow, thank you! With that said, I am very average. I do feel that I have a very good “stick” feel for anything that flies, but there are much better technical pilots than me. I love these highly wing loaded planes and helicopters. They feel like an extension of my body. I am blessed to have been able to experience them all.

[@dazecm]

Great audio and video setup. Also impressed with the flight data video overlays.

[@danbaltizar6346]

Your little Garmin does IFR approaches, nice.

[@EmilyTienne]

Fifty two minutes of pure joy.

[@crispian1415]

Very simply and professionally done. Thanks a lot .

[@christopherbabb1409]

Everyone reading this out there: please keep your hand on the throttle on climb out. Vibration and other things can cause the throttle to creep, in any aircraft.

[@coma13794]

89 thumbs down. Surely just 1 guy with 89 accounts and way too much time. As someone who has published a video cockpit videos, thank you for contributing such great content to the community. Nicely done.

[@exposingthedarknesswiththe9190]

*That was one of the best introduction of what needs to be adjusted and watched to accomplish one's heading, altitude and speed.* *All that I've seen in this plane reminds us of what it takes to keep your plane happy, but watching others, we don't see as much detailed adjustments so, are all planes require the same adjustments or are they more intuitive with less input?* *I think I'm too used to watching Steveo1Kinevo or maybe he's done his adjustments ahead of time...* *I really need a book that viewers can read and learn these requirements...lolo* *This was an eye opener to say the least and in a very nice plane!* *Much appreciated...thank you!*

[@girishbhaiparmar4144]

Exposing the Darkness with the Light of Truth æ gt

[@jayphilipwilliams]

The GP-4 is a good match for this plane. 210 knot max cruise at 75% power at low altitudes and will go 1,200 nautical miles at that max cruise setting, much farther at lower power settings if you can sit there that long, and all on 200HP from an IO-360! I'm planning on building one, and figure it'll cost around $100K with a panel similar to yours. We'll see. Probably oughta finish my Super Baby Great Lakes first, though. Thanks for the nice demo. Subscribed.

[@baronpilot2bb]

The GP-4 is a neat airplane for sure and is definitely a good value, but it really is not a match for the GIII for many reasons. First, the standard landing gear system is not a good design requiring to slow within 10 knots of stall speed to retract the gear. The hydraulic system is much better, but adds weight and cost which reduces useful load and the initial value advantage. Next, the cabin is narrower and tapers towards the feet like the Lancair Legacy. I find the GIII to be about as narrow as I want to fly in with another adult. Of course, you get more speed with a narrower cabin typically. They also list the max range with reserve and top speed as if they are obtainable together which is not true. At 209 knots the GP-4 needs to be at 6000-7000 ft to make 75% and rich of peak. You are looking at 11 GPH at that setting which gives you 4 hours of flying time and safe reserve VFR. That is a maximum of 840 miles and that is not taking into account extra fuel used in the climb. The GIII will burn the same fuel lean of peak at 12k making the same speed and with 82 gallons available it has a safe VFR range of over 1200NM which includes climb fuel. At 15k ft it will still make 200+ knots on 9 GPH which is over 8 hours and 1600NM. The GP-4 will be down in the 160-170 knot range up high because it will only be making 100 HP at 15k with the GIII will be making 50% more HP. Remember, even thought the GP-4 is only 33% less HP at sea level - it is 50% less at altitude and speed will suffer. Having the bigger engine in the GIII is not a huge advantage down low, but is very advantageous to give you the ability to get up high and take advantage of the smooth air above much of the weather. I rarely fly x-countries under 10k because of bumps in the summer and general cloud tops in the winter usually leveling off around 11-13k on my trips from MI to FL. THe wing loading of 27 per ft on the GIII vs 19 per ft in the GP-4 is also a big differences as far as ride is concerned. Fly both in bumps and you feel a huge difference. The GP-4 has a great G rating just like the GIII because they both share a one-piece spar design, but there is no comparison to the overall air frame strength. The yellow arc in the GIII does not even begin until 292 MPH which is nearly 40 MPH more than never exceed speed in the GP-4. Never Exceed in the GIII is 340 MPH and Jeff Lavelle is turning laps of over 410 MPH in his stock (air frame) GIII at Reno. Finally - value. Like I said earlier, the GP-4 has great initial value, but only if you consider your labor worth $0 and you limit your budget. A good IO-360 with accessories (prop gov, dual alternators, starter, electronic ignition, etc) will cost you at least $40,000. A good prop is another $10,000. The panel in my plane was $60,000. That puts you at $110,000 and you have not bought anything for the air frame yet. Then there is the fact that building one will take about 3000-4000 hours. It is a $250,000 plane if you have it professionally built to high standards. At that price you have a lot of other choices. GP-4 is a neat plane, but just not in the same category.

[@Damianthelovetour2024]

What a f gorgeous plane

[@norbertsimeon4845]

Nice flying with u,learned something about flying, great instructor

[@C172Pilotdude]

Sweet. I would love to fly something that fast. Upload more videos of the Glasair !

[@robertd4468]

I flew in the Glassair 3 once as a passenger. They are really fast. They climb fast, the approach speed is fast, everything just happens a lot quicker than I was ready for. The control inputs in my opinion are too light as demonstrated in the video. Without an autopilot this plane takes a lot of concentration to fly. I wouldn’t take this thing into IMC without the AP on.

[@baronpilot2bb]

The G3 is a very easy plane to fly IMC. It is no harder on instruments than a C182 other than the speed. An autopilot in any plane is recommended when flying single pilot IFR.

[@thomassutherland5188]

Beautiful cockpit.

[@wanjutt]

Excellent narrative. Presenter should be a CFI. Good show and nice aircraft.👍👍👍

[@baronpilot2bb]

Thank you. I am a CFI. Glad you found the video useful.

[@jimmyazar5975]

What an incredible video!!!

[@HelmichHillen]

Thanks for your effort to make a awsome video. Going to watch it a few times! So much good info in just a few minutes! Thanks!!!

[@leeryan1969]

The Glasair 111 is a quick little machine!

[@billr8667]

Thanks for posting. Sorry to hear you sold it and apparently it sold again already. I hope future pilots have the skills to fly this hot rod take the time to truly understand all the systems and buttonology. Someone with money and low competency will get themselves in trouble fast.

[@baronpilot2bb]

Hi Bill, Yes, you need to know what you are doing with this plane. You fly it like a jet nailing airspeeds for all phases of flight. If you don't let it get slow and do not get into a spiral by being careless then it is a very easy plane to fly. I wish I would have never sold this plane.

[@prreith]

Interesting, @ 23:41 he calls out in indicated airspeed of 255 knots, which would be 293 MPH, whereas the video overlay shows 353 MPH. Assuming the later is correct, that's quite the difference.. Out of curiosity I googled the VNE - it's 335/291 mph/kt.

[@baronpilot2bb]

There is definitely some lag between when I call out a speed and the actual speed acquired. I was gaining between 5-10 knots per second and the tape was moving fast. I also had a pretty good tailwind and the 353 MPH speed you see posted is ground speed, not the indicated airspeed I was calling out. VNE is indeed 291 knots and I have had the plane to VNE. It was a great airplane.

[@prreith]

@@baronpilot2bb I could have worded that comment much better, apologies - was attempting to point out how much of a difference is possible between indicated and actual. And at the rate you were going there, I believe you've hit VNE at some point! LOL. Yes, awesome airplane, all I want is a G3, especially now that it's in carbon, but that'll probably never happen. Thanks for the reply., good luck with the flying.