After taking an airshow sabbatical during all of 2024, I was pleased to discover an aircraft at Sun ‘n Fun 2025 that I had never reviewed. Welcome to Saberwing, an affordable composite kit from Azalea Aviation, which distinguishes itself by also providing an engine to fit the aircraft. Oh, and it’s affordable! Let’s discover more. Saberwing and Spyder Based in Quitman, Georgia, Azalea’s Saberwing was designed for amateur builders seeking a speedy two seater in the LSA description. It has not qualified as a Special LSA but designer and company CEO Bill Clapp said he will consider meeting Mosaic LSA standards when released later this year. Introduced ten years ago at Sun ’n Fun 2015, this low-wing EAB is “designed to address challenges in the kit aircraft market, emphasizing a simplicity to the kit’s components with fast assembly (500-1,000 hours).” For comparison, RVs often take more than 3,000 hours.
Affordable and Speedy — Saberwing from Azalea plus Spyder Engine
Saberwing and Spyder
Based in Quitman, Georgia, Azalea's Saberwing was designed for amateur builders seeking a speedy two seater in the LSA description. It has not qualified as a Special LSA but designer and company CEO Bill Clapp said he will consider meeting Mosaic LSA standards when released later this year.What Do Owners Think?
Saberwing owners and builders are reported to appreciate the kit’s quick assembly, spacious cabin, smooth-running Corvair engine, and cost-effectiveness. They like the aircraft’s handling and performance.TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Azalea Aviation Saberwing with Spyder powerplant all information supplied by the manufacturer
- Cabin — 43 inches wide at shoulders; fits pilots up to 6'6"
- Empty Weight — 900 pounds
- Useful Load — 700 pounds
- Never-Exceed Speed — 200 miles per hour
- Maximum Speed — 180 miles per hour (195 miles an hour for 120 horsepower turbocharged engine)
- Cruise Speed — 150 mph
- Stall Speed — 55 mph (at 1,500 pounds)
- Powerplant — Spyder Corvair six cylinder
- Fuel Burn (100 horsepower) — 5.0 to 5.5 gallons per hour
Tragic End
After the video below was completed some readers wrote about these fatalities in Saberwing. One of these incidents took the life of the owner pictured below. While I am deeply sorrowful over any and all losses of life in LSA or Sport Pilot-eligible kits, blaming the airframe or engine may be premature.Darcy Freeman and his Saberwing… RIP.