Reply-To: Sky2high@aol.com
Reply-To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
From: "Scott Krueger" <sky2high@hotmail.com>
To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Cc: Sky2high@aol.com
Bcc: 
Subject: Little Lancairs - An Encouragement For Current Builders
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2001 14:39:51 -0500
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Message-ID: <F723zvYTEePFPpFa6DW0000a578@hotmail.com>

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Here it is, the 5th anniversary of the first flight of my 320. Reflecting on 
that, I say phooey to the EAA's reticent use of the word "experimental" and 
to claim that we do "sport" aviation for recreation or hobby.  Balderdash!

In 402 block-time hours (263 X-ctry) over 383 cycles during 255 
flights/trips, I have averaged 63 minutes per gear cycle (we don't do no 
stinking pattern work).  The first two years encompassed much 
experimentation (dickering), tuning, painting and interior, breaking a lot 
of stuff (pilot error, duh!) with only 22 of the 263 X-ctry hours recorded.  
Ever longer flights build confidence so that after a couple of hours behind 
the yoke on a trip covering half the country, there is a flash of pride as 
the thought "Gee, I built this in my garage" floods the mind.  This feeling 
gets much stronger as you overtake a Bonanza or Mooney during the trip.

Of the remaining 3 years of cross country time, over half (128 hours) 
represents 20 trips or trip legs greater than 4 hours with 45 landings of 
which 8 were instrument approaches (of the 10 in actual conditions).  Note 
some calculations:

1. The 20 trips (or legs) averaged 6.4 hours.

2. 45 landings in 128 hours is almost 3 hours per landing.  The plane's fuel 
limit of 3.5 hours and my personal limit coincide pretty well.

3. One out of 6 landing is an instrument approach - very reasonable when 
long cross countries send you thru at least one front.

4. Most of the flying is local with 6 or so major trips per year.  Probably 
more since I got rid of my Skymaster last year.

This is a serious machine and fun to boot!

Experimental? Hell yes!  In the last three years I have added a rudder trim 
system, changed radios to a Garmin 430, added GPS steering to the autopilot, 
added a traffic warning system, changed the main gear suspension, added an 
additional landing light, hung a dynamic dampener on my fly wheel and other 
safety improvements -- all without requiring consultation or permission of 
the FAA.  Gee, I even do my own condition checks each year, too.

Dang!  It just don't get much better than this.  I think I'll go work on my 
Legacy now.

Scott Krueger AKA Grayhawk
N92EX


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