Lancair Lc41-550fg

Single Piston

The Lancair Legacy is a high-performance composite kitbuilt aircraft that emerged in the 1990s as one of the fastest piston singles available to homebuilders. Designed by Lance Neibauer's Lancair company in Redmond, Oregon, the Legacy combines a sleek low-wing design with a turbocharged Continental TSIO-550 engine producing 350 horsepower, enabling cruise speeds exceeding 200 knots, performance that rivals or exceeds many certified production singles while maintaining the experimental amateur-built category's regulatory flexibility. The aircraft's composite construction (carbon fiber and fiberglass) keeps empty weight around 1,900 pounds despite a substantial 3,550-pound maximum takeoff weight, giving it impressive useful load and range capabilities for cross-country travel. The Legacy's operating envelope reflects its sport-touring mission: a never-exceed speed of 250 knots, maximum structural cruising speed of 201 knots, and stall speeds in the 60-67 knot range depending on configuration. With retractable landing gear, a pressurization option on some variants, and typical cruise altitudes in the mid-teens to low flight levels, the Legacy appeals to experienced pilots seeking near-turboprop performance at piston operating costs. The type requires careful speed management and solid piloting skills. Its clean aerodynamics and relatively high wing loading demand respect during approach and landing phases. SkyMeter has tracked 46 flights across 22 airframes and 22 operators, with SILVERSTEIN SAM III the largest observed operator.