Lancair 320/360

Single Piston

The Lancair 320 and 360 are high-performance amateur-built aircraft that emerged in the 1980s as part of the homebuilt revolution, designed by Lance Neibauer to deliver near-certified-aircraft performance at kit-plane economics. Built from composite materials with sleek, low-drag airframes, these single-engine two-seaters are among the fastest piston singles in their class, routinely cruising at 180-200 knots on just 160-180 horsepower from Lycoming IO-320 or IO-360 engines. The design prioritizes speed and efficiency over docility: approach speeds around 75 knots and stall characteristics demand respect, making the type popular with experienced pilots seeking cross-country performance that rivals or exceeds many factory-built singles costing far more. The Lancair 320 and 360 became the foundation for an entire family of high-performance kits, including the turbocharged IV and the eventually certified Columbia/Cessna Corvalis line. Builders typically invest 1,500-2,000 hours constructing these aircraft, and the resulting machines reward that effort with climb rates exceeding 1,500 feet per minute and useful loads around 550 pounds despite the modest gross weight. The type remains active in the experimental community, prized for its blend of speed, range, and relatively compact dimensions that fit standard T-hangars. SkyMeter has tracked 95 flights across 43 airframes and 38 operators, with RUMBURG WILLIAM J the largest observed operator.