Start here
A few places to begin, from the aircraft’s story to the people who fly it.
Meet the aircraft
The Legacy developed Lancair's earlier 320 into a two-seat composite kit aircraft. The range included retractable landing gear and a fixed-gear FG version, with different performance. The simulator catalogue represents the Legacy RG; the specification tables identify the source configuration.
Aircraft background
Wikipedia contributors · Read more ↗A racing dream meets a difficult debrief
Seguin had grown up imagining himself among the pilots at Reno. Paid test work for Andy Chiavetta brought that ambition within reach, introducing him to modified Legacys and the people who prepared them. The excitement of entering that world forms the backdrop to a much less comfortable episode: an engine power loss in Race 44 while beyond easy gliding reach of the airport.
KITPLANES · September 2015 issue. Aerochia Super Legacy test programme, including the heavily modified Race 44; these are racing aircraft.
KITPLANES · Read more ↗A retractable Legacy with its own avionics suite
Aerobask’s XP12 Legacy RG represents a 310 hp IO-550 aircraft with an Avidyne EXP5000 display and DFC90 autopilot. Its documented instruments also include a VM1000C engine monitor, oxygen controller, angle-of-attack display and MD302 standby unit. This cockpit uses Avidyne equipment, unlike Aerobask's G1000 installations in other aircraft.
Lancair Legacy · X-Plane 12
Aerobask · Read more ↗Into the cockpit
YouTube GA Flying
Analog Cockpit, Unique Avionics! | FSW Lancair Legacy | Flight Review | Avidyne 550 | MSFS 2024
A flight review of the analogue panel and its avionics.
Flysimware Lancair Legacy; MSFS 2024; analogue cockpit
Watch on YouTube ↗Preview images are served by AirframeDB. Videos open on YouTube only when you choose to watch.
Meet Lancair Legacy
The Legacy developed Lancair's earlier 320 into a two-seat composite kit aircraft. The range included retractable landing gear and a fixed-gear FG version, with different performance. The simulator catalogue represents the Legacy RG; the specification tables identify the source configuration.
Lancair Legacy
Aircraft type designators
Use the code for the model you are flying. The linked authority lists the applicable aircraft.
History & design
A successor to Lancair’s early two-seaters
Lancair describes the Legacy as the next development after its 200 and 320/360 families. The redesign included a new wing, revised flaps and a larger cabin and baggage area. The manufacturer’s retrospective connects these changes with both cruising performance and attention to handling at lower speeds.
Lancair · Lancair Legacy History ↗Manufacturer account of the design’s aims
More space inside the familiar low silhouette
The Legacy retained the two-seat layout while increasing shoulder room and headroom. Lancair’s description also emphasises the larger canopy and luggage space, showing how travel comfort formed part of the redesign alongside aerodynamic work.
Lancair · Lancair Legacy History ↗Manufacturer description; individual kit-built interiors vary
Pilot accounts
A racing dream meets a difficult debrief
Seguin had grown up imagining himself among the pilots at Reno. Paid test work for Andy Chiavetta brought that ambition within reach, introducing him to modified Legacys and the people who prepared them. The excitement of entering that world forms the backdrop to a much less comfortable episode: an engine power loss in Race 44 while beyond easy gliding reach of the airport.
He brought the aircraft back with power still available, supported by Chiavetta on the ground and Dick Rutan flying chase. Afterwards, Rutan drew him away from the mechanical discussion to examine his decisions and the risks he had accepted. The criticism stayed with him.
KITPLANES · September 2015 issue. Aerochia Super Legacy test programme, including the heavily modified Race 44; these are racing aircraft.
Read the full account · KITPLANES ↗Building a race winner that still goes travelling
Findlay’s early racing experience included being lapped by the leading aircraft. He responded with years of incremental development, working with a team to turn his Legacy into a winner. The interview makes room for the people behind that effort, including his wife Jackie’s work on the finish and the support of his employer and sponsor, Stihl.
One Moment also remained an aeroplane he used for journeys during the rest of the year, including the long trip to Reno. Findlay wanted the lessons from its development to circulate through the sport, and described sharing progress with other builders and racers. His account connects competition with everyday ownership, while making clear that this unusually modified aircraft had moved far beyond the performance and handling of an ordinary Legacy.
Interview by Dave Hirschman · AOPA Pilot, September 2019. Findlay’s extensively modified One Moment Legacy won the 2018 Reno Sport Class.
Read the full account · AOPA Pilot ↗A lunch flight with friends and a new aircraft to learn
After weeks of rain, Mahany joined his friend Henry for a flight from John Wayne Airport to Camarillo and lunch with other pilots. The Legacy’s snug cockpit reminded him of a sports car. On the outward journey he mostly watched Henry manage the aircraft, then briefly tried the controls after the navigation mode was disconnected.
The return provided more hands-on experience with the autopilot fully off. Mahany followed vectors, turns and descents while fitting into busy airline traffic, gradually becoming comfortable with the sensitive controls. He handed the aircraft back to Henry on final.
Personal flight account · 25 March 2023, published 3 April. Mahany flew portions of Henry’s Legacy from the right seat; Henry made the landings.
Read the full account · John Mahany CFI ↗In your simulator
Systems, equipment and documentation for each developer’s aircraft.
Compare simulator versions →X-Plane 12Lancair Legacy
Aerobask · Released
Lancair Legacy
Aerobask · Released
MSFS 2024Lancair Legacy / StarHawk
Flysimware · Released
Lancair Legacy / StarHawk
Flysimware · Released
Aircraft specifications
Published figures for the named real-aircraft variant. Simulator equipment and performance can differ.
| Specification | Published value |
|---|---|
| Length | 22 ft 0 in (6.71 m) |
| Wingspan | 25 ft 6 in (7.77 m) |
| Wing area | 82.5 sq ft (7.66 m² ) |
| Empty weight | 1,500 lb (680 kg) |
| Gross weight | 2,200 lb (998 kg) |
| Powerplant | 1 × Continental IO-550-N six cylinder, four-stroke aircraft engine , 310 hp (230 kW) |
| Propellers | 3-bladed constant speed |
| Maximum speed | 295 mph (475 km/h, 256 kn) |
| Cruise speed | 276 mph (444 km/h, 240 kn) at 8000 feet |
| Stall speed | 65 mph (105 km/h, 56 kn) flaps down |
| Range | 1,150 mi (1,850 km, 1,000 nmi) at 8000 feet with reserves |
| Service ceiling | 18,000 ft (5,500 m) |
| Rate of climb | 2,000 ft/min (10 m/s) at gross weight |
Manuals & resources
Find your next read
Choose a topic for a short introduction and a link to the original source. Simulator references identify the developer and edition they cover.
Simulator documentation
A retractable Legacy with its own avionics suiteLancair Legacy · Aerobask · X-Plane 12
Aerobask’s XP12 Legacy RG represents a 310 hp IO-550 aircraft with an Avidyne EXP5000 display and DFC90 autopilot. Its documented instruments also include a VM1000C engine monitor, oxygen controller, angle-of-attack display and MD302 standby unit. This cockpit uses Avidyne equipment, unlike Aerobask's G1000 installations in other aircraft.
Gathered Aerobask Legacy RG product page
Aerobask · Read the source ↗Condition, failures and maintenanceLancair Legacy / StarHawk · Flysimware · MSFS 2024
The product’s TrueSim features cover engine, fuel, failure and maintenance behavior. Its EFB includes condition management, servicing and fuel pages, with adjustable realism options. The manual separately indexes glass and analog cockpit equipment, including maintenance pages and the hydraulic dump control.
Official product description; manual v1.6 cockpit indexes
Flysimware · Read the source ↗Navigation choices and sound from a real LegacyLancair Legacy · Aerobask · X-Plane 12
The package supplies X-Plane’s GNS530. Optional RealityXP GTN750 integration requires that separate Windows product. Aerobask credits recordings from N637PG for its FMOD sound environment, and lists XP12 rain effects, photometric lighting and support for VR interaction.
Developer description; optional dependency and recorded aircraft identified
Aerobask · Read the source ↗Three presentations, two engine configurationsLancair Legacy / StarHawk · Flysimware · MSFS 2024
Flysimware and 3DR’s package includes the standard glass-panel Legacy, an analog-panel aircraft and StarHawk. Each is offered with naturally aspirated and turbocharged configurations. The developer describes collaboration with StarHawk’s owner and sound recordings from a real Legacy.
Official native-2024 product description
Flysimware · Read the source ↗Pilot account
A racing dream meets a difficult debriefKITPLANES · September 2015 issue. Aerochia Super Legacy test programme, including the heavily modified Race 44; these are racing aircraft.
Seguin had grown up imagining himself among the pilots at Reno. Paid test work for Andy Chiavetta brought that ambition within reach, introducing him to modified Legacys and the people who prepared them. The excitement of entering that world forms the backdrop to a much less comfortable episode: an engine power loss in Race 44 while beyond easy gliding reach of the airport. He brought the aircraft back with power still available, supported by Chiavetta on the ground and Dick Rutan flying chase.
Elliot Seguin
KITPLANES · Read the source ↗Building a race winner that still goes travellingInterview by Dave Hirschman · AOPA Pilot, September 2019. Findlay’s extensively modified One Moment Legacy won the 2018 Reno Sport Class.
Findlay’s early racing experience included being lapped by the leading aircraft. He responded with years of incremental development, working with a team to turn his Legacy into a winner. The interview makes room for the people behind that effort, including his wife Jackie’s work on the finish and the support of his employer and sponsor, Stihl. One Moment also remained an aeroplane he used for journeys during the rest of the year, including the long trip to Reno.
Andrew Findlay
AOPA Pilot · Read the source ↗Read the original documentation from the people who created it. Manuals open on their publisher’s website.
Manual
Lancair Legacy / StarHawk manual v1.6Flysimware · Downloaded manual v1.6Aircraft background
Lancair LegacyWikipedia contributors · Research background · retrieved 2026-09-12 Lancair Legacy HistoryLancair · Manufacturer retrospectiveProduct
Lancair Legacy RGAerobask · Official developer / designated store catalogue · checked 2026-09-12Product page
Lancair Legacy / StarHawkFlysimware · Official product page; checked 13 September 2026Type designator
ICAO Doc 8643 — aircraft type designatorsInternational Civil Aviation Organization · Public search data retrieved 2026-09-14; authority update 2026-09-03Built-in force-feedback profiles
Read the documentary basis, editable starting settings and remaining questions for the aircraft you fly. Each explanation refers to the exact profile revision shown.
Catalogue programme-20261022-v1 · 3 profile choices
Aerobask Lancair Legacy RG
Aerobask · Free and Pro · Revision 3 · Inherited starting point
X-Plane 12
Aerobask Lancair Legacy RG: The selected response supplies reversible stick loading.
Flysimware Lancair Legacy
Flysimware · Free and Pro · Revision 3 · Inherited starting point
MSFS 2024
Flysimware Lancair Legacy: The selected response supplies reversible stick loading.
Lancair Legacy
Free and Pro · Revision 1 · Partial review
X-Plane 12 · MSFS 2024
Lancair Legacy: The selected response supplies reversible stick loading.
Aerobask Lancair Legacy RG
Aerobask Lancair Legacy RG: The selected response supplies reversible stick loading.
Aircraft and simulator scope
- Aerobask Lancair Legacy RG · Aerobask · X-Plane 12 · Add-on starting point
The simulator model and controls
The Legacy developed Lancair's earlier 320 into a two-seat composite kit aircraft. The range included retractable landing gear and a fixed-gear FG version, with different performance. The simulator catalogue represents the Legacy RG; the specification tables identify the source configuration.
This profile selects Aerobask Lancair Legacy RG for X-Plane 12.
How this profile feels
The selected response supplies reversible stick loading. Spring resistance builds with the selected airspeed response. A separate aerodynamic term adds speed-dependent control load.
Pitch and roll trim are independently documented cockpit functions. Pitch-trim relief is off. Autopilot following is off.
Controls and trim
The Legacy RG uses retractable gear and stick-mounted pitch/roll trim. The reviewed Legacy/Starhawk cockpit also documents CWS controls and analog/glass choices. Flysimware and Aerobask have separately described implementations.
The selected implementation
Aerobask’s Legacy RG and Flysimware’s later Legacy/Starhawk are separately authored aircraft with different cockpit/system scope.
About the values
The gains are normalized profile settings. They describe the chosen effect balance; hand force depends on the device and its output limits. IAS references are tuning values rather than operating limits. Physical acceptance of this revision remains pending.
Documentary review and sources
These decisions describe the documentary basis and remaining gaps for this revision. Aircraft documentation and a starting setting describe different kinds of evidence.
Aircraft and variant
InheritedThis profile selects Aerobask Lancair Legacy RG for X-Plane 12.
Flight controls
InheritedThe Legacy RG uses retractable gear and stick-mounted pitch/roll trim. The reviewed Legacy/Starhawk cockpit also documents CWS controls and analog/glass choices. Flysimware and Aerobask have separately described implementations.
Trim
InheritedPitch and roll trim are independently documented cockpit functions. Pitch relief is off, with stored authority 0; roll authority is 0.
Autopilot and stability
InheritedAutopilot following is off; the configured spring and load retain the hardware feel.
Equipment
InheritedAerobask’s Legacy RG and Flysimware’s later Legacy/Starhawk are separately authored aircraft with different cockpit/system scope.
Speeds and limits
InheritedThe indicated-speed references set the profile response scale; they are separate from aircraft operating limits.
Simulator integration
InheritedThe profile targets xplane12. Add-on-specific controls use only the supported references configured by this profile.
Force-feedback settings
InheritedThe settings define the profile’s effect balance. Device output limits affect physical hand force.
Starting settings and their rationale
These configured values are starting estimates. The explanations describe what each setting controls; physical validation appears separately below.
| Setting | Starting value | What it controls and why |
|---|---|---|
| Spring strength | Starting value0.74 | What it controls and whyThe selected response supplies reversible stick loading. The baseline spring is 0.74. Its low-speed blend reaches baseline strength at 65 KIAS. |
| Master force gain | Starting value0.85 | What it controls and whyScales overall profile strength while preserving effect balance, subject to device and output limits. |
| Profile force gain | Starting value0.8 | What it controls and whyThe aerodynamic-load gain is 0.8 with an indicated-speed reference of 170 KIAS. This supplies speed-dependent loading alongside the spring. |
| Force tuning speed/reference | Starting value170 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS reference for aerodynamic loading. It is an estimate, not published cruise TAS or a flight limit. |
| Spring response reference speed | Starting value65 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS where the low-speed blend reaches baseline strength; high-speed stiffening also uses it. |
| Aileron force scale | Starting value0.72 | What it controls and whyRoll and pitch aerodynamic scales are 0.72 and 1, respectively. They set the aerodynamic axis balance. No custom spring-travel curve is enabled. |
| Elevator force scale | Starting value1 | What it controls and whyScales pitch aerodynamic loading; pitch spring travel and trim responses are separate settings. |
| Trim feel | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyRetained for compatibility and group membership. Trim relief, rather than this flag, controls centre movement. |
| Trim relief | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyAllows trim relief with supported control law and valid telemetry. Axis authorities set its amount. |
| Autopilot follow | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyAutopilot following is off; the configured spring and load retain the hardware feel. |
| Autopilot neutral hold | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyPermits centering hold during a supported AP state, separate from following a moving target. |
| Output force limit | Starting value0.55 | What it controls and whyCaps directed-force output. Native spring effects and device limits remain separate. |
All 44 starting settings and their rationale
The settings define the profile’s effect balance. Device output limits affect physical hand force.
| Setting | Starting value | What it controls and why |
|---|---|---|
| Spring strength | Starting value0.74 | What it controls and whyThe selected response supplies reversible stick loading. The baseline spring is 0.74. Its low-speed blend reaches baseline strength at 65 KIAS. |
| Spring deadband | Starting value0.045 | What it controls and whySets travel around the centre before the baseline spring resists. Smaller values engage it sooner. |
| Profile force gain | Starting value0.8 | What it controls and whyThe aerodynamic-load gain is 0.8 with an indicated-speed reference of 170 KIAS. This supplies speed-dependent loading alongside the spring. |
| Master force gain | Starting value0.85 | What it controls and whyScales overall profile strength while preserving effect balance, subject to device and output limits. |
| QBlend Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyAllows baseline spring strength to rise with indicated airspeed where the control law permits it. |
| QSpring Minimum Factor | Starting value0.5 | What it controls and whySets low-speed spring strength as a fraction of baseline when blending is enabled. One keeps full strength. |
| QSpring Start Knots | Starting value8 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS where the low-speed spring blend starts rising. This is a feel threshold, not a flight limit. |
| Spring response reference speed | Starting value65 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS where the low-speed blend reaches baseline strength; high-speed stiffening also uses it. |
| Force tuning speed/reference | Starting value170 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS reference for aerodynamic loading. It is an estimate, not published cruise TAS or a flight limit. |
| Airspeed spring stiffening gain | Starting value0.15 | What it controls and whyThe high-speed spring-stiffening gain is 0.15. It strengthens the permitted spring response above 65 KIAS, with the squared-speed ratio capped at 5. |
| Airspeed spring stiffening limit | Starting value5 | What it controls and whyLimits the squared airspeed ratio used for high-speed spring stiffening; it is not a device-force cap. |
| Aileron force scale | Starting value0.72 | What it controls and whyRoll and pitch aerodynamic scales are 0.72 and 1, respectively. They set the aerodynamic axis balance. No custom spring-travel curve is enabled. |
| Elevator force scale | Starting value1 | What it controls and whyScales pitch aerodynamic loading; pitch spring travel and trim responses are separate settings. |
| Output force limit | Starting value0.55 | What it controls and whyCaps directed-force output. Native spring effects and device limits remain separate. |
| Trim feel | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyRetained for compatibility and group membership. Trim relief, rather than this flag, controls centre movement. |
| Trim relief | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyAllows trim relief with supported control law and valid telemetry. Axis authorities set its amount. |
| Elevator Authority | Starting value0 | What it controls and whyPitch and roll trim are independently documented cockpit functions. Pitch relief is off, with stored authority 0; roll authority is 0. |
| Aileron Authority | Starting value0 | What it controls and whyScales supported roll-trim relief and permitted centre movement. Zero removes roll response. |
| Force Trim Enabled | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyEnables local force trim, separate from aircraft-owned trim and add-on integration qualification. |
| GLoad Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyAllows load-factor changes to modify permitted spring laws. Passive fly-by-wire feel can suppress it. |
| Rate Damping Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables rate damping with the configured coefficients and control law. |
| Autopilot follow | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyAutopilot following is off; the configured spring and load retain the hardware feel. |
| Autopilot follow authority | Starting value0.1 | What it controls and whySets admitted AP-follow gain, not a percentage of travel. Runtime ownership and input limits still apply. |
| Autopilot neutral hold | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyPermits centering hold during a supported AP state, separate from following a moving target. |
| Autopilot neutral hold strength | Starting value0.6 | What it controls and whySets admitted AP neutral-hold strength; inactive while neutral hold is disabled. |
| Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables aerodynamic cues; each still needs nonzero strength and its simulator conditions. |
| Gain | Starting value0.35 | What it controls and whySets stall-buffet strength. Zero removes the cue without changing simulator stalls or warnings. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets high-Mach buffet strength; onset and full-strength thresholds are separate. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets flap buffet at the configured position and speed gates. Flap movement texture is separate. |
| Maximum flap index | Starting value3 | What it controls and whySets the final flap index for detent normalization. UP plus three detents uses maximum index3. |
| Minimum flap index | Starting value2 | What it controls and whySets the first flap detent that admits buffet; this is a handle index, not degrees. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets gear aerodynamic buffet; movement and ground-contact cues are separate. |
| Shaker Enabled | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyPermits shaker at supported warning conditions; the switch does not establish aircraft equipment. |
| Stick shaker amplitude | Starting value0.5 | What it controls and whySets triggered shaker strength; inactive while the shaker feature is disabled. |
| Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables ground effects; each still needs its own strength and contact or motion telemetry. |
| Gain | Starting value0.4 | What it controls and whySets rolling texture strength, modified by speed, surface and undercarriage configuration. |
| Gain | Starting value0.25 | What it controls and whySets gear-bump texture during ground motion, separate from touchdown impact. |
| Gain | Starting value0.65 | What it controls and whySets landing-impact strength; landing telemetry and response shape determine the pulse. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets reverse-thrust vibration with valid reverser and engine conditions. Zero removes the cue. |
| Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables engine cues with nonzero settings and valid running-engine telemetry. |
| Gain | Starting value0.12 | What it controls and whySets estimated engine vibration using configured telemetry and response, not measured cockpit vibration. |
| Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables accessory cues with configured strengths and observed accessory movement. |
| Gain | Starting value0.12 | What it controls and whySets texture from observed flap movement; a command without movement does not establish the cue. |
| Gain | Starting value0.12 | What it controls and whySets texture from observed gear movement, separate from aerodynamic and touchdown effects. |
Limits and open questions
- Aerobask Lancair Legacy RG; xplane12. Previously observed titles and implementation identifiers are retained; installed matching remains deferred.
- This profile uses a conventional manual-control engineering approximation. Published product features establish configuration, but do not supply a measured linkage/force curve; FADEC and avionics are not evidence of FBW.
- Published product source does not specify the complete add-on trim-to-inceptor relationship. Automatic neutral shift is disabled pending that relationship; no false roll tab or cross-developer trim coefficient is added.
- Legacy-specific avionics remain aircraft-owned; no cross-developer AP mapping. AP servo-follow and neutral hold remain disabled; engagement indicators are not force-demand signals.
- Lancair Legacy RG with retractable gear; the Flysimware Starhawk manual is not evidence of Aerobask runtime behavior.
- 170 KIAS is an estimated feel reference, not cruise TAS or a certified limit. No invented Mach, VNE or weight scheduling.
- Read-only native telemetry for aircraft motion and accessory positions. Custom switches, display animations and mode lamps are not calibrated servo targets. No unverified LVars/datarefs or simulator writes.
- Spring 0.74; lateral scale 0.72; trim authorities 0/0; per-axis output cap 0.55. Editable engineering estimates, not measured hand forces. No body-rate torque, surface following or fabricated hydraulic-failure loads.
- New physical and installed-product checks deferred by owner. Existing separately recorded acceptance retains its original device, simulator, add-on and version limits. Source review does not broaden custom telemetry acceptance.
- Only actual accessory position changes drive movement texture; static drag and command-triggered kicks are disabled. Select and save an aircraft default when telemetry lacks a discriminating developer/configuration identity.
Physical validation
No physical force validation is recorded in this public catalogue for this revision. Documentary review and software checks do not establish how a particular device feels.
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