Panther Aircraft Panther

Single Piston

The Panther is an American amateur-built Light Sport Aircraft designed and marketed by Panther Aircraft as a two-seat, high-wing taildragger kit. Introduced in the early 2000s, the Panther was conceived as an affordable entry point into recreational aviation, targeting builders who wanted a simple, rugged design reminiscent of classic bush planes like the Piper Super Cub but compliant with the newer LSA weight and performance restrictions. The aircraft features conventional tube-and-fabric construction with a welded steel fuselage frame and fabric-covered wings, making it straightforward for first-time builders while delivering respectable short-field performance and docile handling characteristics. Powered typically by Rotax four-stroke engines in the 80-100 horsepower range, the Panther cruises around 90-95 knots and can operate comfortably from grass strips and unimproved surfaces thanks to its tailwheel configuration and robust landing gear. Its 1,320-pound maximum gross weight keeps it within LSA limits, allowing sport pilots to fly it without a medical certificate. The design emphasizes visibility, ease of maintenance, and forgiving flight characteristics, making it popular among recreational pilots and those seeking a capable weekend flyer for backcountry exploration. While not breaking any records, the Panther occupies a niche as a practical, economical kit aircraft that delivers the classic taildragger experience within modern regulatory frameworks. SkyMeter has tracked 13 flights across 5 airframes and 5 operators, with RHODE KEITH E the largest observed operator.