The Extra “Flugzeugbau” 300 is considered by many aviation experts to be the premiere airplane for serious pilots who compete in unlimited category aerobatic competitions. Designed and engineered by aerobatic pilot Walter Extra, the Extra 300 and its variations have helped several pilots win in competitions all over the world.

During the 1988 World Aerobatic Championship, three pilots flew the Extra 300 tail dragger prototype prior to it entering full production. Four years later, Extra introduced the Extra 300S, a single seat version based on the 300 aircraft, but with a shorter wingspan, larger ailerons, and a steel tube fuselage. The wings, control surfaces, and tail are made of carbon fiber which is stronger, but lighter, than metal.

Extra began offering a two-seat version of the 300 in 1993, with the designation 300L. As with the 300S, the wingspan of the 300L is smaller than the 300. The 300L can perform 400 degrees per second roll rate because of its improved ailerons. The 300L is FAA-approved to perform plus or minus 10 G’s.

In July of 2005, the EA-300LP made its debut during the annual EAA AirVenture event at Oshkosh. The 300LP’s cowling is made from a lightweight carbon fiber honeycomb composite. Engineers reduced the overall weight of the 300LP by 30 pounds as compared to the original 300. When flying in unlimited aerobatic competitions, the weight saving offers a considerable improvement for performance and safety.

In January of 2006, Extra produced the first EA-300SP, a high-performance, single seat version of the 300. It was originally custom built for an aerobatic pilot who was competing in the Red Bull Air Races. Based on the EA-300LP model, the 300SP comes installed with a carbon fiber instrument panel, Teflon hose kit, lightweight avionics, and a lightweight oil cooling system.

Maximum speed: 220 kts Maneuvering Speed: 158 kts Stall Speed: 55 kts FAA Certified Load Factor: Plus or minus 10 Gs Range: 414 nm Ceiling: 16,000′ Length: 22′ 10″ Wingspan: 26′ 3″ Height: 8′ 7″ Maximum weight: 2,095 lbs Empty weight: 1,470 lbs Engine(s): Lycoming 300 HP 6 Cylinder AEIO – 540 L1B5 Rate of climb: 3,200′ per minute Crew: 300-one pilot and up to one passenger, 300S-one pilot, no passengers