Great article. I remember Dave Roach's plane under construction in
the first video that was made about Lancair. Not a company video.
Still have it; VHS.
Actually, I believe Don Goetz, a long time past
employee, installed the first 320 engine in the 235 airframe. He
tried several innovations to the 235 airframe including Cleveland brakes.
The Cleveland's were subsequently not utilized as a replacement to the Matco's,
as they were too thick and too many mods. were required to get the mains into
the gear wells. He built it as a proof of concept for the subsequent 320
airframe. It included the first bottom hinged flaps (235 airframes utilize
top hinged flaps unless modified by the builder).
Also, it was Don that 'splashed' the mold for the 235 cowls with the round
inlet holes. Since the 235 airframe is narrower than the 320
airframe, 320 cowls are not a direct replacement without extensive
mods. As a result a mold was made from the 235 airframe cowls
utilizing round air inlets and more bottom room for the deeper 320 engine.
They were a bit difficult to fit as they were just a 'smidge' too short, and
some builders had to add material to the cowls at the firewall end to get
the proper length.
I had the chance to get the last set of round inlet 235 airframe cowls from
Don at one of the 1990's Redmond Fly-ins. Took a look at them at his
house. I ended up utilizing my original flat inlet opening cowls and had
to make extensive mods to them for the 320 engine. With all the changes
and mods along the building process, it was just another of many.
Gary Edwards
LNC2
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2011 3:52
PM
Subject: [LML] Re: High Time 235/320
Story in EAA Experimenter
http://lancaironline.net/lists/lml/Message/57576.html
http://www.eaa.org/experimenter/issues/1103.html
The
article is about Dave Roach and his 235/O-320.
When I was buying my
235/O-320, I was fortunate to find Dave to teach me to
fly a Lancair, and
to help check out the purchased aircraft. It turns out that
my airplane
(s/n 30) was effectively that twin of Dave's. Mike Dehate was
first with
the O-320 installation and also pioneered the flap fence,
and prop
selection. Both aircraft later adapted the round inlet cowl,
oleo nose
strut, debongers, flexible fuel-transfer options, and other
details as
described in the article. Both aircraft are continuing to
improve year by
year as we make modifications.
In buying that particular airplane, I
met and gained two friends
in Dave Roach and Mike Dehate. It has truly been
a great pleasure
to get to know, learn from, and fly with those two
gentlemen.
-bob