I was totally shocked to read on the Lancair website that they are no longer producing the Legacy. I have not read this in any press reports.

I think the Legacy is a flat out BEAUTIFUL and fast airplane! So sad to see it go. They hint at something else coming, but I think they just like selling the high dollar/profit Evolution.


http://www.lancair.com/the-end-of-a-legacy/

It will mark the end of an era for Lancair. The legacy was the last airplane Lamve was invoked in. He was an artist. While the evolution is "pretty," it isn't 360/ES/IV/Legacy pretty. It was designed by a group of engineers with little emphasis placed on styling. Hell the Evo doesn't even have the signature Lancair windows. Sad to see them end it.

It's certainly sad, but what's even more mind-boggling to me is why they ended production of ES-ESP models a few years back. These were in the class of their own and could have been a great alternative for all of us 4-seater single fliers.

I'd been told at the factory that the Legacy tooling was showing its age. Some of the jigs were wood. If they were faced with investing in all new tooling anyway, what better time to update the design.

Were they selling any? The Fast Glass era of homebuilts was dead the day Glasair announced the GlasStar.

Fiberglass is just too miserable to work with. Meanwhile, Van's continues to sell kits as fast as they can make them (a little faster, actually). As much as I love the RV's, parts of which are in my garage right now, Van pretty much killed homebuilts.

There are still a few true Experimental guys out that just love building. I don't consider a kit building. It takes much longer but my hat is off to the guys who get a set of plans and a materials list.

Especially those guys who build wood airplanes. Looking at the construction of a single rib is incredible.

I sent this report to AVWEB. Evidentally, Lancair has been quiet about it. No news organization has heard about it.

AVWEB says they are sending me an AVWEB hat for my sleuthing & reporting efforts.

From Lancair:

Media Contact:
Mr. Kevin Eldredge
Director of Business Development
541-923-2244
kevine@lancair.com

Lancair International, Inc., Announcing Business Offering/Sale

Lancair International, Inc., is presently organizing all assets, intellectual designs, and ongoing supportbusiness for all “out of production” Lancair aircraft kit models.
This all-inclusive offering from Lancair International, Inc., will transfer to buyers all assets, including branding, intellectual data, layup schedules, extensive molds, parts inventory, service opportunitiesand practices, customer contacts, critical supply agreements for the 320/360, IV, IV-P, ES and Legacyaircraft components.

It is Lancair’s intention to continue the support of over 2000 current customers
through this transition as well as assist the new owners into the future.
The facility in Redmond, Oregon will continue to develop the Evolution Turbine and Piston models of airplanes with the newly developed “Evolution Aircraft Company”.
All qualified parties interested in purchasing the ongoing business assets and future development opportunities, please contact Kevin Eldredge, Director of Business Development at kevine@lancair.com or 541-923-2244.

Lancair International, Inc., has been doing business for 32 years, manufacturing advanced composite structures at its Redmond, Oregon facility, and has established proprietary relationships with handselected vendors in the USA, Europe, Australia and South Africa. Worldwide, Lancair’s are owned and operated in 34 countries on 5 continents. There have been more than 2,100 Lancair kits sold around the world. Hundreds are flying the various Lancair models of airplanes with tens of
thousands of flight hours logged. Lancair promotes the highest standard of safety in the industry.

Wow... They are really just focusing their attention towards the Evolution. Lancair quit making airplanes for the everyday person when they stopped making the 360. That kit was reasonable. Its a shame to see the company that Lance built look like this....