Over the Thankgiving holiday weekend, our local community learned of a fatal Malibu mishap in low fog on approach to Destin, Fla. Do not allow the pressure of holiday schedules and in-laws push any more of us into these situations. I know 3 families, here, whose Thanksgiving and Holiday season will never be the same again.

Few would consider flying with an instrument pilot, IMC-PIC, who had hired someone else to "fly-off" the 40 hours required for the rating. These 25 hour requirements for experimental categories are minima, prescribed for both the new pilot and the new airplane. The question becomes, what do you plan to do with yourself and the airplane at the 26th hour? A reasonable approach might require more time, depending on what the first 25 hours show. Just as we foster a sound attitude to avoid "get-there-itis" over the holidays, we might also work on the same attitude in flight test, initial training, and completion of performance charts in that 25+ hours.

 Perf Charts are often left incomplete, compared to other flight test ops and the performance depicted on those charts, is only as good as that specific  experimental airplane and pilot. This combination is unique, and not standardized like the certified versions. Lancairs' high end perf is truly awesome, but like everything, comes with trade offs: in handling qualities, wing loading, and low speed(TO and Landing) perf. These can really bite you when you are distracted or stressed, by the usual suspects.

 I wonder if we start asking each other for the takeoff performance chart, cruise graph, or the max crosswind data for our particular airplanes at airshows and other gatherings, if that might encourage self discipline and rigor? It could be a kind of community random ramp check, and a lot better than reading the mishap report. We could all learn from comparing notes and personal minima. Some may need an assist on constructing these math models and charts, but the experts are available here, often as volunteers.

There is no intent here to critique a particular comment or posting, but rather to constructively enhance the attitude towards "fly offs", training, and interpretations about minima.

Thanks and Merry Christmas,

Bill Miller

Naval Test Pilot, Flight Surgeon, USN(ret)