PL-4

The PL‑4 is a light, two‑seat sport aircraft produced by Pazmany Aircraft Corporation, a small American firm founded by Hungarian‑born designer Ladislaus Pazmany. Development began in 1972 after the success of the earlier PL‑2 trainer, and the prototype first flew on 14 June 1974 at Addison Airport, Illinois. Built primarily from aluminum sheet with a semi‑monocoque fuselage, the PL‑4 features a low‑wing configuration, a 150 hp Lycoming O‑320 engine, and fixed tricycle landing gear, offering pilots a balance of simplicity and performance. Its 27‑foot wingspan and 90 in² flaps give a stall speed of 45 kt and a cruising speed of 130 kt, while the spacious side‑by‑side cockpit accommodates a range of instrumentation for both training and recreational flying. The aircraft’s modest construction cost and straightforward assembly made it popular among home‑builders, and by the early 1980s more than 250 kits had been sold worldwide. The PL‑4’s legacy lies in its contribution to the home‑built movement, demonstrating that a well‑engineered, affordable aircraft could safely deliver respectable handling and fuel efficiency, influencing later designs such as the Pazmany P‑4A and numerous amateur‑built projects. Today a few restored examples still appear at fly‑ins, inspiring new generations of builders.

Pazmany Aircraft Corporation

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification