Lancair is considering a fractional-ownership option for its new Columbia 300 piston single. The Oregon-based company has booked 142 orders for the all-composite four-seater, which is scheduled to be certificated in April 1998, but acknowledges that the $205,000 price tag may be too high for some potential owners.
"We are looking at leasing, shared-ownership options and clubs," marketing director Mike Schrader revealed at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association's Expo '97 in Orlando, Florida, in mid-October. One option is a programme similar to Executive Jet's NetJets business-jet fractional-ownership scheme. "NetJets likes the concept," claims Schrader.
Lancair is to start deliveries of the Columbia 300, its first certificated aircraft, in 1998. The company aims to deliver 50 in the first six months of production, rising to 150 in the first full year. A de-rated version is planned for the flight-training market, as well as turbocharged and retractable-gear variants.
Source: Flight International