Wolfgang,

I think you're missing the answer between the lines.

The change in handling is not dramatic.  Nor is the change in airspeed.  Like everything in the Aviation world, every change is a compromise.

What you get is a little more stability at the price of a little speed.  Some folks think it matters, others think it doesn't.

If you are that concerned about it, that is the answer to your question - you should either get the Mk II tail, or more likely you should opt for a Vans RV 6 instead of a Lancair 360.  There is no shame in that - different people have different skill sets - but the key is to know your own limitations.

If you fly a 320/360 small tail and you ARE NOT COMFORTABLE in all phases of flight - buy a more stable airplane.

I have talked over a half dozen people out of even considering a Lancair 235 after flying with them.  With most, I only had to ask the question:  Did you feel comfortable flying that?  All but one that I suspected were not the sort to fly that plane said something like:  "It's too much airplane for me."  Good - I'd rather not read about them in this column as another statistic.  The last one had a bit more trouble giving up emotionally - saying, "I think I could grow into it with practice."  Well, maybe he could - attitude is 90% of the battle.  But after I told him he could get 90% of the speed plus grass strips and aerobatics for less money in an RV6 he decided that paying a bit more for gas without having the stress of more challenging handling was not for him.

Lesson:  Don't mess with this.  Fly the airplane you intend to buy.  If you are not comfortable, DO NOT BUY THE AIRPLANE.  Your life, and my insurance premiums, are not worth your ego.

Cheers,

Bill



On 14:59, Wolfgang wrote:

Most of these comments, most in favor of the small tail, fail to quantify the difference in any meaningful way . . . which is quite aggravating.
I get the sense that "It's been that way for 50 years so why change now ?" attitude is the rule of the land.

I don't see how that is supposed to help others that know nothing of the difference understand the difference.
. . . Isn't that what this list is for ?

Wolfgang

----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill N5ZQ" <n5zq@verizon.net>
To: <lml@lancaironline.net>
Sent: Monday, July 05, 2010 9:04 PM
Subject: RE: [LML] Re: MK II Tail

And a good plan it is too, Angier.
I really like the small tail much better myself.

Bill Harrelson
N5ZQ 320 1,800 hrs with a small tail
N6ZQ  IV under construction


-----Original Message-----


Hmmm, my kit came with the large tail and I've flown a handful of
320s, all with the small tail.
I'm considering cutting off the large tail and installing a small one...

Angier Ames
N4ZQ