Extra EA 300L

What is the Extra EA 300L?

The Extra EA 300L is a two-seat, low-wing aerobatic aircraft built by Extra Flugzeugproduktions- und Vertriebs-GmbH at Hünxe, Germany. It is the Lycoming-powered version of the EA 300 family designed by German aerobatic pilot Walter Extra in 1987.

Its steel-tube fuselage and composite wings are built for sustained, high-g flying. The cockpit has two seats in tandem, and the rear seat is the pilot’s seat for solo flights.

The full specification table for the aircraft is on this page. The sections below explain what the main numbers mean in flight.

Design and development

The first two-seat Extra 300 flew in May 1988, and the 300L followed as a refined version with a Lycoming AEIO-540 engine and a lower-set wing. According to the manufacturer’s handbook, the original 300L handbook was issued in September 1994 and German LBA approval followed in January 1995.

The type is now certified under EASA, with FAA validation. More of the two-seat variants have been built than any other Extra 300 model, which is why the 300L is the version most pilots and spectators have met.

Improved ailerons give the aircraft a roll rate of 400 degrees per second, according to Wikipedia. That is the quality that makes it popular for competition and display flying.

Engine and performance

The 300L uses a single Lycoming AEIO-540-L1B5, a six-cylinder piston engine rated at 300 hp at 2,700 rpm. It is fuel injected and built for inverted flight.

The handbook sets the never-exceed speed at 220 kt (253 mph, 407 km/h). The speed that matters more in aerobatics is maneuvering speed, 158 knots in the acrobatic category, above which large or abrupt control inputs can overstress the airframe.

At 8,000 feet and 65 percent power, the handbook lists a true airspeed of 169 kt (194 mph, 313 km/h). That setting also gives a sample range of 415 nm (480 mi, 770 km) with a 45-minute reserve at a takeoff weight of 2,100 lb (950 kg).

The handbook’s sample takeoff problem, at a weight of 870 kg, gives a climb rate of 2,320 ft/min (12 m/s) at 2,000 feet. That is a handbook figure for a loaded two-seater, not a record claim.

Weights, g limits and fuel

The limits change with the category and the number of people on board. In normal category the aircraft is limited to +6 and -3 g at a maximum takeoff weight of 2,100 lb (950 kg).

In acrobatic category, the limit is +10 and -10 g with one seat occupied. With two seats occupied it drops to +8 and -8 g, and the maximum takeoff weight rises to 870 kg.

Total fuel capacity is 171 liters (45.1 US gallons), according to the handbook. For aerobatics the wing tanks must be empty, which leaves 51 liters (13.4 US gallons) in the center and aerobatic tanks, so a sortie is short by design.

How the 300L is used

Aviation Performance Solutions is the largest user of Extra 300Ls, with a fleet of eight used for upset prevention and recovery training from bases in Mesa, Arizona and Arlington, Texas. The Chilean Air Force’s Halcones aerobatic squadron has flown the 300L since 2003.

The handbook limits the aircraft to day VFR flying and prohibits flight in known icing. It is a specialist machine, so most 300Ls fly for aerobatic instruction, competition and airshows rather than for travel.

Extra 300L vs other Extra 300 variants

The 300L is the two-seat, low-wing member of the family. The 300LP is a reduced-weight version for competition and airshows, and the 330LC and 330LX are later developments with more carbon fiber and a more powerful engine.

The earlier 300 and the 300S have a different wing, so figures from those variants should not be read across to the 300L. The 300L’s own wing is covered in the specification table above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the top speed of the Extra 300L?

The never-exceed speed is 220 kt (253 mph, 407 km/h) according to the manufacturer’s handbook. Typical cruise at 65 percent power and 8,000 feet is a true airspeed of about 169 kt (194 mph, 313 km/h).

How much does an Extra 300L cost?

There is no single price, because the type is sold in small numbers and used examples vary by age, hours and equipment. Check current listings on aircraft marketplaces for the going rate.

Is the Extra 300L a two-seat aircraft?

Yes. It seats two in tandem, and solo flights are flown from the rear seat. With both seats occupied the g limit in acrobatic category is +8 and -8 g.

What engine does the Extra 300L use?

It uses a 300 hp Lycoming AEIO-540-L1B5 six-cylinder piston engine, rated at 2,700 rpm.

What is the range of the Extra 300L?

The handbook’s sample problem gives 415 nm (480 mi, 770 km) at 65 percent power and 8,000 feet, with a 45-minute reserve. Aerobatic sorties are far shorter because the wing tanks must be empty.