From: Larry Henney <LHenney@charter.net>
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Sent: Wed, May 26, 2010 10:41:35 AM
Subject: [LML] 320/360 tail mod
Danny,
I've flown a lot in both big and small tails and hardly notice a difference anymore, but I do prefer the large tail. One practical consideration I've seen with students in the small tail is the need for a little more precise airspeed control on final. If one is 10 kts fast in the large tail it seems less sensitive in the flare than the same error in the small tail. This should not matter however, I'm only suggesting flying a precise 1.3 Vso on final. When airspeed is properly scanned the small tail flares and lands nicely. I've seen a lot of PIO while waiting for the airspeed to arrive at 1.3Vso or less in the flare. It's highly self critiquing and highly entertaining for the instructor.
Retrofit? Hmmm. I've not known of a single small tail driver who actually did it after flying. I'd guess it would not be too much pain to do for an experienced builder. Does Lancair still stock/ sell retrofit tails? If they sell the carbon MK II tail in a fast build version I expect it could be done in less than a month but it would be a huge undertaking for a novice builder (imho).
Good Luck with your decision.
Larry Henney
N360LH (big tail)
930 hrs