Posted for "Bill Kennedy" <bill_kennedy_3@hotmail.com>:

 I've never been certain that my zero flap position (aligned with the fuselage
strakes) was the proper one for best performance. Paul Lipp's email got me to
thinking about it.
 
 Here's what I did:
 
 1. I adjusted the flaps so that they would reflex well above the strakes.
 2. I decided not to get a digital level.
 3. I flew a constant power, steady altitude, at what I consider to be an
average gross weight and a typical high altitude indicated airspeed.
 4. I bumped the flaps up and down, letting the airplane stabilize before
making the next change. I noted the change in indicated airspeed at each flap
position.
 5. The result: Flaps aligned with the fuselage strakes (Lancair 320 Mk II)
gave me the best performance.
 
 Any comments? What did I miss by not using the level?
 
 Bill Kennedy
 N42BK