lml@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 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 LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/mkaye/maillist.html LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.