Performance Aircraft Formula GT explained

The Performance Aircraft Formula GT is an American homebuilt aircraft that was designed by Performance Aircraft of Olathe, Kansas, introduced in the 1990s. Developed from the Performance Aircraft Legend, work was delayed while the company concentrated on the Turbine Legend. In 2002 the president of Performance Aircraft, Jeff Ackland, sold the company, which became Legend Aircraft Inc in Louisiana, and, with Mark Borrow, started Midwest Aerosport Inc, using the Performance Aircraft facilities in Kansas to develop the Formula GT.[1]

The aircraft was to be supplied as a kit for amateur construction.[2]

Design and development

The Formula GT features a cantilever low-wing, a two-seats-in-side-by-side configuration enclosed cockpit under a bubble canopy, fixed tricycle landing gear with wheel pants and a single engine in tractor configuration.[2]

The aircraft is made from composite materials. Its 28.51NaN1 span wing, mounts slotted electric flaps and has a wing area of 100square feet. The cabin width is 47inches. The design includes dual side sticks and a large baggage compartment with its own external door. The acceptable power range is 250to and the standard engine specified is a 3000NaN0 liquid-cooled V-8 automotive conversion powerplant.[2]

The aircraft has a typical empty weight of 1400lb and a gross weight of 2300lb, giving a useful load of 900lb. With full fuel of the payload for the pilot, passenger and baggage is 240lb.[2]

The standard day, sea level, no wind, take off with a 3000NaN0 engine is 8000NaN0 and the landing roll is 6000NaN0.[2]

The manufacturer estimated the construction time from the supplied kit as 1500 hours.[2]

Operational history

The prototype, registered N260GT and powered by a Lycoming IO-540 of, was introduced at EAA Airventure Oshkosh in July 2002. The registration was cancelled in 2021 after the aircraft had been exported to South Africa[3] where it was registered ZU-FGT.[4] There is no evidence of any further aircraft being completed.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Cox . Jack . Formula GT: Air touring in grand style . Sport Aviation . May 2003 . 26-34 . EAA.
  2. Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, Fifth Edition, page 355. BAI Communications, 15 July 1998.
  3. Web site: FAA Registry N-Number Inquiry . United States Department of Transportation . 22 October 2024.
  4. Web site: ZU-FGT . AirHistory.net . 24 October 2024.