Sequoia F-8L Falco Model Guide
Sequoia F-8L Falco · Model Guide
Overview
The Sequoia F-8L Falco is a two-seat, side-by-side, retractable-gear single-engine piston aircraft. Stelio Frati designed it, it first flew in 1955, and Sequoia Aircraft Corporation now supplies it as homebuilder kits. The flight manual example has a 180 hp Lycoming AEIO-360 B1E with a constant-speed propeller. Most examples are amateur-built, so condition and build quality vary by airframe.
- Two seats side by side. An optional third seat in the luggage compartment is limited to 90 pounds.
- The flight manual's example aircraft has a 180 hp Lycoming AEIO-360 B1E and is described as both fast on cross-country and fully aerobatic.
- Service Bulletin 93-1 on flap flutter is mandatory for all Falcos built from plans or kits. Check flap balance and free play.
- Family-level figures reach 165 kt cruise and 860 nm range. Verify actual performance for the specific airframe you are buying.
Summary written by AI from the source document. Check the original before relying on it. See which parts of Sprinkle are written by AI.
Reference only, not for flight. Use the current approved manual for your aircraft. See terms, section 5.
Document
Source
Copy found at sprinkle.com. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.
Document details
- Type ·
- Model Guide
- Year ·
- 2026
- File size ·
- 47 KB
- Copy found at ·
- sprinkle.com
Specifications & performance
Extracted from this document.
Specifications
- Engine power (hp) ·
- 180
- Third seat max load (lb) ·
- 90
Performance
- Family max range (nm) ·
- 860
- Family max cruise speed (kt) ·
- 165
- Family max service ceiling (ft) ·
- 19,000
How many people can the Sequoia F-8L Falco carry?
The Sequoia F-8L Falco has two side-by-side seats. A third seat can be added in the luggage compartment, limited to 90 pounds. The family registry lists up to 2 passengers.
What engine does the Sequoia F-8L Falco use?
The Sequoia F-8L Falco in the supplied flight manual has a 180 hp Lycoming AEIO-360 B1E with a constant-speed propeller. That example was later fitted with an MT three-bladed propeller.
Is the Sequoia F-8L Falco factory built?
The Sequoia F-8L Falco was built by three Italian companies in the 1950s and 1960s. Sequoia now supplies it as kits for homebuilders. Expect varying build quality and check the records and inspections.
What is the Sequoia F-8L Falco Model Guide?
The Sequoia F-8L Falco Model Guide is a model guide for the Sequoia F-8L Falco, dated 2026.
What year was the Sequoia F-8L Falco Model Guide published?
The Sequoia F-8L Falco Model Guide — the Sequoia F-8L Falco model guide on file — is dated 2026.
Common. More common than 77% of the aircraft models we track.
Most owners only have the POH. Here's the essential set for the Sequoia F-8L Falco.
- Pilot's Operating Handbook / AFM
- Checklist
- Maintenance Manual
- Parts Catalog (IPC)
- Systems & Wiring
- Service Bulletins on file
- Type Certificate (TCDS)
Free — save the F.8.L. to your watchlist and track it in one place.
More Sequoia F-8L Falcomanuals & documents
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- Service Bulletin No. 93-1Sequoia F-8L Falco · Service Bulletins
- MANUALE DI VOLO SF 25 C Rotax FalkeScheibe SF-25C Falke 2000 · Pilot's Operating Handbook
- F.8L Falco Flight Test GuideSequoia F-8L Falco · Checklist
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In this document
Flap flutter bulletin (mandatory)
Service Bulletin 93-1 followed a flap that departed a Falco at 205 mph indicated. Ask for proof of compliance: flap trailing-edge weight of 20-21 oz desired and not over 23 oz, free play ideally under 1/16 in and never over 1/8 in, close-tolerance bolts, and reinforcing straps.
Build quality and inspection
Sequoia's flight test guide stresses a systems-based final inspection and recommends an A&P mechanic. Check cotter pins and safety wire, control hookup direction, and aileron cable tension (45 lbs ± 2 lbs). Two of the first three homebuilt Falcos had governor controls hooked up backwards.
Landing gear and systems
The tricycle gear is retractable. A single electric motor drives screw-jacks to each leg, and an emergency hand crank sits under a cover between the seats. Sequoia lists a 7-second (Model A) and a 13-second (Model B) gear motor, both 12 volt, so confirm which is fitted and that spares are available.
Summary written by AI from the source document. Check the original before relying on it. See which parts of Sprinkle are written by AI.
Safety notes
- The flap flutter event happened in a slight dive toward Vne. Confirm bulletin 93-1 work is done before flying near high-speed limits.
- Fuel-system faults were the most common cause of homebuilt engine failures. Check for contamination, blocked vents and leaks.
- One homebuilt main gear collapsed because the side load strut was not checked over-center. Verify gear rigging and emergency crank operation.
Summary written by AI from the source document. Check the original before relying on it. See which parts of Sprinkle are written by AI.
Full document text
Sequoia F-8L Falco Model Guide The Sequoia F-8L Falco is a two-seat, side-by-side, retractable-gear single-engine piston aircraft. Stelio Frati designed it, it first flew in 1955, and Sequoia Aircraft Corporation now supplies it as homebuilder kits. The flight manual example has a 180 hp Lycoming AEIO-360 B1E with a constant-speed propeller. Most examples are amateur-built, so condition and build quality vary by airframe. • Two seats side by side. An optional third seat in the luggage compartment is limited to 90 pounds. • The flight manual's example aircraft has a 180 hp Lycoming AEIO-360 B1E and is described as both fast on cross-country and fully aerobatic. • Service Bulletin 93-1 on flap flutter is mandatory for all Falcos built from plans or kits. Check flap balance and free play. • Family-level figures reach 165 kt cruise and 860 nm range. Verify actual performance for the specific airframe you are buying. Flap flutter bulletin (mandatory) Service Bulletin 93-1 followed a flap that departed a Falco at 205 mph indicated. Ask for proof of compliance: flap trailing-edge weight of 20-21 oz desired and not over 23 oz, free play ideally under 1/16 in and never over 1/8 in, close-tolerance bolts, and reinforcing straps. Build quality and inspection Sequoia's flight test guide stresses a systems-based final inspection and recommends an A&P mechanic. Check cotter pins and safety wire, control hookup direction, and aileron cable tension (45 lbs ± 2 lbs). Two of the first three homebuilt Falcos had governor controls hooked up backwards. Landing gear and systems The tricycle gear is retractable. A single electric motor drives screw-jacks to each leg, and an emergency hand crank sits under a cover between the seats. Sequoia lists a 7-second (Model A) and a 13-second (Model B) gear motor, both 12 volt, so confirm which is fitted and that spares are available. Safety notes: • The flap flutter event happened in a slight dive toward Vne. Confirm bulletin 93-1 work is done before flying near high-speed limits. • Fuel-system faults were the most common cause of homebuilt engine failures. Check for contamination, blocked vents and leaks. • One homebuilt main gear collapsed because the side load strut was not checked over-center. Verify gear rigging and emergency crank operation.