1997 Lancair ES

Drew Laughlin / +1.214.577.7453 / Drew@sunsetaviation.net

The 1997 Lancair ES, serial number ES-022 and registered as N79007, is a high-performance, composite-built aircraft that offers a blend of speed, efficiency, and modern avionics. With an airframe total time (AFTT) of 2,024 hours, this aircraft has been well-utilized and maintained, reflecting its reliability over the years. The engine, a Continental IO-550 G2B, has 2,024 hours since new and is approaching its TBO of 2,200 hours or 12 years, indicating a strong remaining operational life. Avionics include a traditional six-pack flight instrument setup, complemented by a KX155 Nav/Com unit, a Garmin 596 GPS, and a Stratus transponder with ADS-B In/Out capabilities. The aircraft is also equipped with a TruTrak Pro autopilot, enhancing safety and reducing pilot workload during IFR operations. The interior of the Lancair ES is configured to comfortably seat four passengers, making it suitable for both personal travel and longer cross-country flights. The aircraft underwent its last annual inspection in June 2024 and remains airworthy, with recent upgrades including new main wheels and brakes, ensuring continued reliability and safety. Overall, the 1997 Lancair ES stands out as a well-maintained, versatile aircraft that combines classic design with modern avionics and recent maintenance updates, making it a solid choice for discerning pilots.

The 1997 Lancair ES is powered by a Continental IO-550 G2B engine, a six-cylinder, fuel-injected powerplant known for its robust performance and reliability. This engine has accumulated 2,024 hours since new, and with a TBO (Time Between Overhaul) of 2,200 hours or 12 years, it has a substantial amount of service life remaining before the next major overhaul is due. The IO-550 series is well-regarded in the aviation community for its smooth operation and ability to deliver consistent power across a wide range of operating conditions. The engine's design emphasizes efficiency and performance, making it particularly well-suited for the Lancair ES, which is a high-performance aircraft. The IO-550 G2B provides the necessary horsepower to achieve the aircraft's impressive speed and altitude capabilities while maintaining fuel efficiency. Given the engine's current hours and the reputation of the IO-550 series, it offers a solid foundation for continued reliable operation, ensuring that the Lancair ES remains a dependable choice for both cross-country flights and more demanding missions. The combination of a proven engine design and regular maintenance makes this aircraft a strong performer in its class.

The avionics suite of the 1997 Lancair ES, N79007, is a blend of traditional and modern systems, providing a comprehensive setup for both IFR and VFR operations. Central to the instrumentation is the classic "six-pack" flight display, offering reliable, easy-to-read information on airspeed, altitude, attitude, heading, turn coordination, and vertical speed—key elements for maintaining situational awareness during flight. Supporting navigation and communication needs, the aircraft is equipped with a KX155 Nav/Com unit, a time-tested and dependable choice that provides both VOR navigation and VHF communication capabilities. Complementing this is the Garmin 596 GPS, a portable GPS unit that adds an additional layer of navigational aid, particularly useful for cross-country flights. The aircraft also features a TruTrak Pro autopilot, a well-regarded system in the experimental aircraft community, known for its reliability and ease of use. This autopilot reduces pilot workload, especially during long IFR flights, by maintaining altitude and heading with precision. Rounding out the avionics suite is the Stratus transponder with ADS-B In/Out functionality, ensuring compliance with modern airspace requirements and enhancing safety by providing real-time traffic and weather information directly in the cockpit. The ADS-B system is particularly valuable for maintaining situational awareness, allowing the pilot to monitor nearby aircraft and receive critical updates on weather conditions. Overall, the avionics in this Lancair ES offer a solid combination of legacy instruments and modern enhancements, making it a capable and well-equipped aircraft for a variety of flying conditions.

The interior of the 1997 Lancair ES is designed to provide both comfort and practicality, accommodating up to four occupants in a layout that is well-suited for cross-country travel. The seating configuration allows for ample space for each passenger, with the design focusing on maximizing comfort within the compact cabin typical of high-performance, single-engine aircraft. The seats are likely upholstered in durable materials, offering a balance of comfort and longevity, ideal for both short flights and extended journeys. The cockpit layout is ergonomic, with controls and instruments within easy reach of the pilot, enhancing ease of operation and reducing fatigue during longer flights. The overall interior design is straightforward, prioritizing functionality while still providing a comfortable environment for both pilot and passengers. Storage within the cabin is sufficient for personal items and essentials, making the aircraft versatile enough for a variety of missions, whether it’s a quick day trip or a longer cross-country flight. The design and materials used in the interior likely reflect the aircraft’s focus on performance, with a clean, uncluttered layout that emphasizes efficiency and ease of use. The interior, combined with the aircraft's high-performance capabilities, makes the 1997 Lancair ES a practical and comfortable choice for pilots who require both speed and the ability to carry passengers in a well-appointed cabin.

The exterior of the 1997 Lancair ES is a reflection of its high-performance design, characterized by sleek lines and a smooth, aerodynamic profile. Built from composite materials, the airframe offers both strength and light weight, contributing to the aircraft's impressive speed and efficiency. The low-wing configuration not only enhances the aircraft's handling characteristics but also provides excellent visibility from the cockpit, a notable feature for both safety and enjoyment during flight. The aircraft's finish is likely a polished, aerodynamic surface that reduces drag and enhances overall performance. The Lancair ES’s exterior design includes a retractable landing gear system, which is a key feature that minimizes drag during flight, further contributing to the aircraft's high cruise speeds and fuel efficiency. Recent updates to the aircraft include new main wheels and brakes, which not only ensure the reliability and safety of ground operations but also reflect the ongoing maintenance and care that this aircraft has received. The combination of these features underscores the Lancair ES's capability as a high-performance, efficient, and well-maintained aircraft. The overall exterior appearance of the 1997 Lancair ES, with its modern lines and practical design elements, makes it not only a visually striking aircraft but also a highly functional one, capable of delivering strong performance across a range of flying conditions.

The 1997 Lancair ES includes several additional features that enhance both its performance and operational convenience. One of the standout features is the Stratus transponder with ADS-B In/Out, which not only meets modern regulatory requirements but also significantly improves situational awareness by providing real-time traffic and weather information directly in the cockpit. This system is particularly valuable in busy airspace, contributing to safer and more informed flying. The TruTrak Pro autopilot is another important feature, offering robust functionality that reduces pilot workload, particularly on longer flights. It allows for precise altitude and heading control, making it easier to manage the aircraft in various flight conditions, especially under IFR. In terms of recent updates, the aircraft benefits from new main wheels and brakes, which are crucial for reliable and safe ground operations. This upgrade reflects the ongoing commitment to maintaining the aircraft in top condition, ensuring that it remains airworthy and dependable. The inclusion of the Garmin 596 GPS adds an extra layer of navigation capability, especially useful for cross-country flying where accurate GPS information is essential. Although this unit is portable, it integrates well with the rest of the avionics, providing a comprehensive navigation solution. These additional features, combined with the aircraft's inherent design strengths, make the 1997 Lancair ES a well-rounded and capable aircraft, suitable for a variety of flying needs, from local hops to extended cross-country trips.