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Two Weeks to Taxi

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Customers build their Glasair Sportsman aircraft at the factory, supported by Glasair employees who pre-assemble major components, organize tools and parts, and provide real-time assistance.
  • The construction process is highly structured with over 600 tasks, detailed instructions, and customer sign-offs, all digitally documented for a commemorative photo album.
  • Upon completion, builders receive a repairman certificate, allowing them to maintain their own aircraft after an initial 50 hours of required flight time.
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Builiding a Glasair Sportsman from start to finish.

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The composite walls are attached to a chromoly steel framework and firewall, all put together by Glasair’s employees.
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Major components of the wings are also assembled prior to the customer arriving at the factory.
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** A large board covering most of one wall in the assembly hangar contains documents where the customer must sign off each task that has been completed.**
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Forty-one plastic bins are set up with tools and parts for more than 600 tasks. The build process is documented with a digital camera, and the customer leaves the factory with a photo album documenting the experience.
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One Glasair worker assists the builder, one cleans up after the last task and a third sets up for the next task, allowing the customer to focus strictly on building his or her airplane. No time is wasted looking for parts or tools.
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Detailed instructions are included for each task to eliminate any mistakes. At the completion of the program, the customer receives a repairman certificate that allows him or her to maintain the airplane.
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Once the airplane is completed, 50 hours of flight time must be completed before the airplane can receive its final sign off. The area surrounding Arlington, Washington, is a beautiful place to be forced to fly around. For more, check out our in-depth Glasair Sportsman feature.

FLYING Staff

FLYING Magazine is a one-stop resource for everything aviation, including news, training, aircraft, gear, careers, photos, videos, and more.

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