Glasair III vs Lancair IV-P
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Glasair III
- For sale now
- 5
- Model years available
- 1977–2002
Lancair IV-P
- For sale now
- 16
- Median asking
- $355,000
- Range
- $255,850–$673,750
- Model years available
- 1995–2009
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Glasair III | Lancair IV-P |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2 | 2 |
| Serious | 1 | 0 |
| Fatal | 1 | 1 |
| Fatalities | 1 | 3 |
| % Fatal | 50% | 50% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Glasair III | Lancair IV-P |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $215,500 – $336,100 | $255,850 – $673,750 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 350 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 190 kts (352 km/h) | 290 kts (537 km/h) |
| Range | 1,100 nm (2,037 km) | 1,347 nm (2,495 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 30,000 ft (9,144 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 700 lbs (318 kg) | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $180 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateGlasair III
Fuel$77/hr
Lancair IV-P
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$56,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Glasair III or Lancair IV-P?
Pick the III if…
- Budget matters — from $215,500 vs $255,850, you save ~$40,350.
- Newer design — production from 1994 vs 1979.
Pick the IV-P if…
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 290 kts vs 190 kts.
- Longer range — 1347 nm vs 1100 nm.
- More inventory — 14 listings vs 4.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Glasair III or Lancair IV-P?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The III cruises at 190 kts with 1,100 nm range.
The IV-P cruises at 290 kts with 1,347 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Glasair III: from $146,637.
Lancair IV-P: from $375,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Glasair III and Lancair IV-P?
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 190 vs 290 kts.
Range: 1100 vs 1347 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
IV-P: about $180/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
III: 2 seats / 700 lb useful load.
IV-P: 4 seats / 1,200 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
IV-P: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data