Joe Brown’s Sportsman 2 + 2 and Two Weeks to Taxi

David Gustafson

Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 10:34 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The Sportsman 2+2, an evolution of the GlaStar, is central to an innovative "Two Weeks to Taxi" program designed to drastically reduce aircraft build time.
This accelerated building process relies on a specific interpretation of the FAA's 51% rule, allowing extensive builder assistance and pre-prepared parts while maintaining builder credit.
The program provides a highly organized experience with pre-laid-out parts, color-coded tools, and detailed checklists to streamline construction.
Participants, like Joe Brown, can complete an aircraft ready for taxi in as few as 13 days, working with assistance and a structured schedule.

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One of Tom Hamilton’s last designs before moving into commercial aviation was the GlaStar. After selling the company to the employees they made some significant changes to the design and relabeled it the Sportsman 2 + 2.

When the company was sold to Tom Wathen and placed in the hands of Mikael Via, the decision was made to launch a program no one had ever envisioned before: Three Weeks to Taxi. Experience provided efficiencies and the name changed to Two Weeks to Taxi.