Extra Flugzeugbau Extra 400 Aircraft Parts, Equipment, and Tooling List

The Extra Flugzeugbau Extra 400 is unique because it is one of the few pressurized piston aircraft built with an all-composite airframe. Its sleek design reduces drag and improves efficiency compared to traditional aluminum construction. The EA-400 also offers a high cruising altitude for a piston aircraft, allowing it to fly above much of the weather. These innovations made it one of the most advanced piston-powered pressurized aircraft of its time.

The Extra Flugzeugbau Extra 400 incorporates several key safety features, including a fully pressurized cabin, which allows operations at higher altitudes without the need for supplemental oxygen. Its robust composite construction provides excellent strength-to-weight performance and resistance to corrosion. The aircraft is also equipped with modern avionics for improved situational awareness and IFR operations. Redundant systems and reliable engine performance further contribute to its safety profile.

The Extra Flugzeugbau Extra 400 delivers superior performance compared to many piston-powered competitors. With its turbocharged engine and aerodynamic composite airframe, it achieves higher cruising speeds and better fuel efficiency than most six-seat piston aircraft. Its ability to operate at altitudes over 20,000 feet sets it apart from unpressurized rivals. In many ways, it bridges the gap between piston and light turboprop performance.

The Extra Flugzeugbau Extra 400 is not suitable for beginner pilots because of its complexity. Operating a pressurized piston aircraft with advanced avionics and turbocharged power requires significant experience. Pilots typically need an instrument rating and substantial multi-engine or high-performance time before transitioning safely into the EA-400. It is best suited for experienced aviators seeking a high-performance personal or business aircraft.

The maintenance schedule for the Extra Flugzeugbau Extra 400 follows standard general aviation inspection intervals, including 50-hour and 100-hour checks, as well as an annual inspection. Because it is pressurized and utilizes advanced composite materials, specialized inspections are necessary to ensure its structural integrity. The turbocharged engine also demands careful monitoring and routine servicing. Staying on top of scheduled maintenance is critical to preserving reliability and safety.

The Extra Flugzeugbau Extra 400 can be customized in terms of avionics, interior finishes, and exterior paint. Many owners upgrade avionics to modern glass cockpit systems to improve navigation, communication, and situational awareness. Cabin interiors can be customized with various seating arrangements, upholstery options, and entertainment features. While the airframe itself is fixed, the EA-400 allows flexibility in creating a tailored flying experience.

The Extra Flugzeugbau Extra 400 is designed to handle a wide range of weather conditions thanks to its pressurization and IFR-capable avionics. It performs well at higher altitudes, allowing it to avoid turbulence and weather systems that lower-flying aircraft must endure. However, as a piston aircraft, it lacks the same weather penetration capabilities as turboprops or jets. Pilots are encouraged to use its performance to fly above adverse weather whenever possible.

The Extra Flugzeugbau Extra 400 has a typical range of approximately 1,500 nautical miles (2,778 km), depending on payload, weather conditions, and fuel settings. This makes it capable of nonstop trips between major cities, making it attractive for both business and personal travel. The range allows for flexible trip planning while still maintaining efficiency. It is one of the longest-range piston-powered pressurized aircraft of its class.

The Extra Flugzeugbau Extra 400 can typically carry one pilot and up to five passengers, making it a true six-seat aircraft. The spacious cabin provides more room than most piston aircraft, with ample headroom thanks to its composite design. This configuration makes it ideal for family travel or small business trips. The pressurization system also enhances passenger comfort on longer flights.

The Extra Flugzeugbau Extra 400 is powered by the liquid-cooled Teledyne Continental TSIOL-550C, producing 350 horsepower. This turbocharged, intercooled engine was specifically chosen to allow high-altitude pressurized flight. Its design emphasizes efficiency, reliability, and performance in a wide range of operating conditions. The engine’s combination of power and altitude capability is a key factor in the aircraft’s advanced performance.

The Extra Flugzeugbau Extra 400 offers a useful load of roughly 1,800 lbs (816 kg), depending on configuration. This load capacity includes passengers, fuel, and baggage, allowing for a balance between long range and carrying capability. With full fuel, the payload decreases, but it still provides excellent flexibility for a piston aircraft. This makes the EA-400 competitive with many light turboprops in terms of practicality.

The cruising speed of the Extra Flugzeugbau Extra 400 is approximately 235 knots (270 mph, or 434 km/h). This makes it faster than most piston-powered six-seat aircraft and competitive with some entry-level turboprops. Its speed, combined with efficiency, makes it an excellent choice for covering long distances quickly. The EA-400 was designed to maximize speed without sacrificing comfort.

The Extra Flugzeugbau Extra 400 is best suited for paved runways of moderate length and is not optimized for unpaved or rough surfaces. Its landing gear and airframe are designed for efficiency and performance rather than bush flying. While it can utilize shorter runways due to its power, pilots should prioritize well-maintained airports for safety and reliability. Its mission profile is clearly long-distance travel rather than rugged operations.

The cabin of the Extra Flugzeugbau Extra 400 is among the most comfortable in its class, boasting a spacious layout and a modern pressurization system. Its composite fuselage design provides generous headroom and cabin width. Noise levels are lower than those of many comparable piston aircraft, thereby enhancing the passenger experience. With climate control and pressurization, it offers a comfortable environment even on long trips.

The Extra Flugzeugbau Extra 400 was originally equipped with IFR-certified avionics typical of its era, including autopilot and advanced navigation systems. Many aircraft have since been upgraded with modern glass cockpit avionics, such as Garmin G-series displays, for enhanced situational awareness and improved safety. Avionics upgrades enable owners to tailor the aircraft to their specific flying style and mission requirements. This flexibility keeps the EA-400 competitive even today.

The Extra Flugzeugbau Extra 400 offers ample luggage space, typically accommodating between 200 and 250 lbs (91 to 113 kg) of baggage. Its baggage compartment is designed for convenience, making it easy to load and access during trips. The balance between passenger load and luggage capacity depends on fuel and range requirements. Overall, it offers more baggage space than many competing piston-powered aircraft.