Scheibe Flugzeugbau Sf 25c Falke

Single Piston

The Scheibe SF 25C Falke is a German-built motor glider that occupies a unique niche between pure sailplanes and conventional light aircraft. Designed by Egon Scheibe in the 1960s, the Falke (German for "falcon") features a retractable piston engine that allows it to self-launch and sustain powered flight, yet retains the high-aspect-ratio wings and efficient aerodynamics of a glider. This dual capability made it popular as an economical trainer for transitioning student pilots from gliders to powered aircraft, and it remains a favorite among soaring clubs across Europe. With a maximum takeoff weight of just 550 kilograms and a stall speed below 40 knots, the Falke operates from short grass strips and rewards gentle handling. Its 24-meter wingspan delivers a glide ratio exceeding 1:23 with the engine retracted, allowing pilots to soar on thermals after climbing under power. The SF 25C variant, produced from the 1970s onward, introduced structural refinements and became the most common version. SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators, with routes observed.