Lancair’s Kim Lorentzen Details the Company Growth to What It Is Today

As composite structures began to emerge in the late 1970s, Lance Neibauer’s aviation interest went from hobby to inspiration; having graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design, Neibauer believed he could develop a sleekly designed aircraft that optimized both performance and handling.

The resulting Lancair 200 made its aviation debut in 1984, premiering for Oshkosh attendees the following year. Achieving 167 knots speed and 2.5 mph per horsepower, the aircraft revolutionized the homebuilt market, offering pilots more performance, freedom, and value than anything previously seen.  The prototype exhibited such advancement that it is now displayed at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Museum in Oshkosh, WI.  Neibauer, inundated by market interest, quit his job as a graphic designer and started his first aircraft company. 

The Lancair team became synonymous with innovative aircraft, including the Lancair 320/360, whose unprecedented design and beauty earned a display place at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.  In 1993, Neibauer launched Pacific Aviation Composites USA (later renamed ‘Columbia Aircraft’), eventually developing the type-certificated, piston single-engine Columbia 300. 

In February of 2003, Neibauer announced the sale of his kit company to Joseph Bartels. Since the sale, Bartels has led the company forward with Neibauer’s legacy, developing the new Lancair Evolution.  Developed with the latest computer technology, the Evolution is designed to FAR part 23 compliancy.  Powered by the Pratt & Whitney PT6 engine, the Lancair Evolution can reach speeds of more than 385 miles per hour.  In addition, the aircraft includes numerous safety features such as the BRS Ballistic recovery parachute and AmSafe Aviation airbag seatbelts.

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