This 2019 Stemme S12 Motorglider Blends Soaring Efficiency With Garmin Glass in an ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

With just over 250 hours since new, dual G3X displays, and a 53:1 glide ratio, this high-performance S12 is ready to explore.

Matt Ryan

Tuesday, July 01, 2025 at 10:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

2019 Stemme S12 [Courtesy: Jerry Hain]

Key Takeaways:

The article features a 2019 Stemme S12 motorglider, highlighting its unique combination of efficient cross-country flight, modern avionics, and high-altitude soaring capabilities.
This low-time aircraft (252 airframe hours) boasts a 53:1 glide ratio, a dual Garmin G3X suite, integrated autopilot, and a dual-bottle oxygen system for high-altitude operations up to 31,000 feet.
Priced at $445,000, the motorglider is in excellent condition, consistently hangared, and includes a fresh propeller overhaul, offering an elite flying experience.

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Every day, the team at Aircraft For Sale highlights an aircraft that stands out due to its unique qualities, impressive condition, or exceptional value. You can follow Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 2019 Stemme S12.

For pilots seeking the rare combination of efficient cross-country motorgliding with modern avionics and high-altitude capability, this Stemme S12 deserves a close look. With a 25-meter wingspan and a glide ratio of 53:1, this aircraft is equally at home chasing thermals or cruising above the terrain with the engine pulled back.

This low-time example shows just 252 hours since new on the airframe, with 203 hours on the Rotax-powered front engine that had its last annual in November 2024. The propeller is fresh from overhaul and has been consistently hangared throughout its life. The seller is based in Utah, while the aircraft is currently located at Ruby Star Airpark (14AZ) in Arizona, where inspections and demo flights are available by appointment.

Avionics include a fully integrated dual Garmin G3X suite, paired with Garmin autopilot. Communication is handled via a Becker Comm, and a Trig transponder includes ADS-B functionality. Engine monitoring is managed through the G3X system, and an LX9000 soaring computer with vario offers advanced performance data for glider operations.

This S12 is equipped for serious high-altitude work, with a dual-bottle oxygen system and MH EDS O2D2 flow regulators installed. The cockpit is appointed with tan leather seating, original to its 2019 build, and still in excellent condition. Exterior paint is clean and crisp in white, also from 2019, and shows minimal wear. A canopy cover is included with the sale, along with a battery charger/conditioner that supports the aircraft’s three batteries.

The aircraft is fitted with a tail boom wheel assembly for easy ground handling and towing. It’s built to climb with authority and soar with grace, offering a certified service ceiling of 31,000 feet under power.

This 2019 Stemme S12 can be had for $445,000 and provides an elite flying experience for pilots who appreciate technology, efficiency, and the quiet joy of unpowered flight at altitude.

If you’re interested in financing, you can start the process with FLYING Finance. Use our loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments, or connect with an aviation finance expert at flyingfinance.com.