The Glasflügel 401 is a German single seat FAI Open Class sailplane developed for high performance soaring. Discover Glasflügel 401 aircraft for sale worldwide on AvPay. Browse active Glasflügel 401 listings and find available aircraft across the USA, North America, UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and South America. Connect directly with aircraft brokers, private sellers, flying clubs, flight schools and manufacturers. Explore the full inventory of aircraft for sale on AvPay here!
Finding a Glasflügel 401 for Sale on AvPay
AvPay offers a global marketplace for Glasflügel 401 gliders and sailplanes, connecting buyers and sellers across the USA, North America, UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America, and beyond. If you are looking for a classic single seat Open Class sailplane with strong performance and real competition heritage, the Glasflügel 401 Kestrel is a model worth exploring in depth.
Refine your Glasflügel 401 search on AvPay with our easy-to-use filters. Quickly find your perfect aircraft by condition, year, total time, location, price, and seller.
As a leading aviation marketplace, AvPay features a diverse range of aircraft for sale, including the Glasflügel 401. Explore our full Glasflügel selection here, or browse all aircraft from various manufacturers here.
Found your ideal Glasflügel 401? Connect directly with sellers on AvPay via WhatsApp, private message, or phone to confirm wing configuration, trailer details, and the full instrument fit for the Glasflügel 401 Aircraft For Sale.
Interesting facts about the Glasflügel 401
✈ The Glasflügel 401 is widely known as the Kestrel 17, a single seat Open Class glider designed for high performance soaring with a 17 metre wingspan.
✈ The prototype first flew in August 1968 and production followed soon after, which makes build year and modification history especially important when comparing used examples.
✈ The 401 uses camber changing flaps, giving pilots a wider performance envelope across thermalling, cruise, and approach, which is why control rigging condition matters on inspections.
✈ Glasflügel built the Kestrel with a retractable monowheel, so buyers should pay close attention to gear mechanism wear, brake condition, and belly protection on older airframes.
✈ Published performance figures include a maximum glide ratio of 43:1, which remains a strong benchmark for a classic era sailplane when flown in clean condition.
✈ The design includes provision for water ballast, which can change wing loading and speed range, so listings often highlight ballast capacity and tank integrity.
✈ Slingsby built the Kestrel under license in the UK as the T.59 series, which means some aircraft you see advertised may share a similar profile while differing in detail and span.
✈ Long distance flights in Kestrels have been recorded in wave and strong soaring conditions, reinforcing why many buyers still consider the 401 for serious cross country use today.
Model Variants for buyers to consider when purchasing a Glasflügel 401
The Glasflügel 401 is most commonly identified as the Kestrel 17, which is the original 17 metre Open Class sailplane configuration. A closely related set of variants came from licensed production in the UK under the Slingsby T.59 Kestrel name, including versions developed with a longer wingspan, often referenced as the Kestrel 19. These differences matter to buyers because wingspan influences handling feel, climb in weaker lift, and cruise efficiency, while licensed builds can differ in detail, equipment fit, and parts support. When comparing listings, confirm whether you are looking at an original Glasflügel 401 or a Slingsby built Kestrel variant, then match that to how you plan to fly and store the aircraft.
Glasflügel 401 Specifications
Information provided here is as a guide only. This information should not be used for flight planning or other aircraft operations. Aircraft model variations, custom specifications, modifications, upgrades and age will have a considerable impact on the details listed below. Please check with the seller, manufacturer or aviation authority for the precise aircraft specifications.
Length: 6.72 m (22 ft 1 in)
Wingspan: 17.00 m (55 ft 9 in)
Wing Area: 11.6 m² (125 sq ft)
Empty Weight: 260 kg (570 lb)
Max Take Off Weight (MTOW): 400 kg (880 lb)
Maximum Glide Ratio: 43:1
FAQs About the Glasflügel 401
Is the Glasflügel 401 the same aircraft as the Kestrel 17?
Yes, the Glasflügel 401 is commonly known as the Kestrel 17. Many adverts use both names, so it helps to confirm serial number, build year, and paperwork rather than relying only on the title line.
Is the Glasflügel 401 an Open Class glider or a Standard Class sailplane?
The 401 was designed as an Open Class sailplane. Its 17 metre span and flapped wing place it outside Standard Class rules, which is why buyers usually compare it with other classic Open Class types.
Does the Glasflügel 401 carry water ballast?
Many Kestrel 17 aircraft include water ballast provision. When you are buying, ask the seller to confirm the installed system, tank condition, and dump function because these details affect how the glider performs in stronger conditions.
What should I check during a pre purchase inspection for a Glasflügel 401?
Start with wing structure condition, flap and aileron linkage free play, and airbrake sealing. Confirm landing gear function and brake performance, then review any repair history, repaint work, and control connection updates.
How should I compare a Glasflügel 401 with a Slingsby T.59 Kestrel?
Treat them as closely related but not identical. Confirm span, control system detail, equipment fit, and available parts support, then factor in trailer quality and rigging aids because practical ownership often drives the buying decision.
Get help buying a Glasflügel 401
Can’t find the Glasflügel 401 aircraft you’re looking for? Get in touch with an Aircraft Broker to help you buy an aircraft via the Aircraft Broker Directory. Alternatively you can browse Aircraft Brokerage and Aircraft Acquisition Services through the aviation marketplace to help you with the purchase of a Glasflügel 401 glider or sailplane.
Sell your Glasflügel 401 on AvPay
Do you have a Glasflügel 401 Aircraft for Sale? Get your glider listed on AvPay and get in front of buyers searching for a Glasflügel 401 sailplane around the world. AvPay is a Zero Workload Website so you’ll never have to make your own updates and each aircraft listing will be featured on our Social Media Pages, giving you extra visibility in front of our 170,000+ followers. With AvPay you won’t just generate enquiries on your Aircraft Listings. You’ll also generate enquiries through your Aircraft Broker Profile and through each of the Service Listings you include on our Aviation Marketplace Pages. Let AvPay promote your Glasflügel 401 for sale.
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Find Finance for buying a Glasflügel 401
Need financing to purchase your Glasflügel 401? Share the exact airframe identity and documentation early because classic sailplanes can vary widely by modification history and condition. Provide a clear inventory of what comes with the sale, including trailer, rigging equipment, and avionics, since these items often influence value for lenders. If the aircraft will move across borders, ask how escrow, export paperwork, and inspection timing affect payment milestones. Agree inspection steps up front so your finance provider can align funding release with the pre purchase assessment and final handover.
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Find Insurance for a Glasflügel 401
Purchasing a Glasflügel 401 is an exciting step and the right insurance setup protects hull value and third party liability from day one. Confirm that the policy reflects how you will operate the glider, including cross country flying, competition use, and the launch methods used at your airfield. Make sure cover extends to the risks that matter for sailplanes, including trailering, rigging, storage, and hangar movement. If the aircraft carries water ballast or higher value instruments, declare it clearly so the insured value and cover terms match how the sailplane will be used.
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Glasflügel Aircraft Models for Sale on AvPay
The Glasflügel 401 is a German single seat FAI Open Class sailplane developed for high performance soaring. Discover Glasflügel 401 aircraft for sale worldwide on AvPay. Browse active Glasflügel 401 listings and find available aircraft across the USA, North America, UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and South America. Connect directly with aircraft brokers, private sellers, flying clubs, flight schools and manufacturers. Explore the full inventory of aircraft for sale on AvPay here!