Glasair Aviation Glasair Super Ii S

Single Piston

The Glasair Super II S represents one of the most successful high-performance kit aircraft designs in general aviation history. Introduced by Glasair Aviation in the 1980s as an evolution of the original Glasair series, the Super II S combined composite construction with retractable landing gear and a powerful piston engine to deliver speeds that rivaled certified production aircraft costing several times more. Built primarily by amateur constructors under FAA experimental rules, the type became known for its sleek lines, responsive handling, and cruise speeds approaching 200 knots, performance that placed it among the fastest piston singles available to private pilots. The composite fuselage and wings, constructed using fiberglass layup techniques, kept weight low while providing exceptional strength, and the retractable gear contributed to the clean aerodynamic profile that defined the Glasair reputation. Thousands of hours of owner-builder labor went into each airframe, creating a devoted community of operators who valued both the construction experience and the resulting aircraft's capabilities. While the type never achieved the production numbers of certified designs, it carved out a lasting niche in the experimental aircraft world as a benchmark for speed and efficiency in the kit-built category. SkyMeter has tracked 27 flights across 12 airframes and 12 operators, with ROBERT MICHAEL (BOB) LUKAS among the most active observed.