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The service ceiling limit as quoted by Neico has nothing to do with the
technical definition for service ceiling.   I have talked to several LC-20
guys who have gotten their light craft up to FL240 and still climbing and
Neico knows that the aircraft will go much higher than FL180.

As I recall, (check with Neico)  the 18,000 foot ceiling is due mostly to
the flutter analysis test limits.  As you go higher there is less flutter
dampening and thus a lower critical flutter speed.  Since the Lancair
320/360 is flutter limited, there is a maximum altitude airspeed
combination at which this aircraft should be flown.  Neico picked 18,000'
and Vne.  In other words, when flying above FL180, Neico does not make
any claims.  Sounds reasonable to me.

And don't forget, if you fly at FL180 here in the USA  it is only usable
when the local barometric pressure is 29.92 or greater.  So cruising IFR
at FL180 is only available about half of the time.  

Jim Frantz
Lancair Network News