Pazmany PL-9 Stork
Pazmany Aircraft · United States · first flew 1983 · light aircraft
The Pazmany PL-9 Stork is a two-seat high-wing STOL homebuilt designed by Ladislao Pazmany, known for his earlier PL-1 and PL-4 designs, specifically to excel at short unprepared strip operations. Its generous wing area and high-lift devices allow very slow approach speeds.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.4 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- High-wing STOL design with pronounced leading-edge slats
- Stalky fixed undercarriage with large tundra-style mainwheels
- Full-span flaperons for low-speed control authority
The broad straight high wing with leading-edge slats, wide-track undercarriage, and full-span control surfaces distinguish it from simpler high-wing trainers.
Specifications
- The Pazmany PL-9 Stork has a length of 7.4 m (24 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.97 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 187 km/h (116 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Pazmany, a prolific US designer of amateur-built aircraft, developed the PL-9 as a dedicated STOL design in the early 1980s, offering plans to builders worldwide. The aircraft builds on skills and construction methods established in his earlier designs.
Variants
No formal variants are documented; individual builders have fitted various Lycoming and Continental flat-four engines in the 100–115 hp range.
Where you'll see it
Strictly a homebuilt sporting and bush-flying aircraft with no military application; well regarded in the amateur construction community for its honest STOL capability.
Related aircraft
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