From: VTAILJEFF@aol.com
Message-ID: <69.1335f52d.27f49fc1@aol.com>
Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2001 09:25:05 EST
Subject: Re: Learning to fly in a Lancair - Really stupid idea?
To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Reply-To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Mime-Version: 1.0

          <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
          <<  Lancair Builders' Mail List  >>
          <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>
Chris,

It sounds like you have thought out most of the ups and downs of purchasing a 
235 to complete your flight training. And there have been a few good 
responses. Here are a few thoughts from another flight instructor, designated 
pilot examiner, aircraft accident investigator, Lancair builder-- all rolled 
into one. 

You can learn to fly this aircraft and get a pilot's certificate in it IF you 
are willing to invest consiserably more time in it than you would in a Cessna 
150 getting a pilot's certificate. The military teaches new pilot candidates 
in high performance aircraft all the time-- but their system demands you 
train every day, 10-12 hours a day,  studying and flying until you get your 
wings. It is a "feed from the fire hose" system and most GA guys don't learn 
to fly that way.  

If you are flyinig every week then you are only a month away from a private 
pilot's license now. If you switch to a 235 your instructor is going to have 
to reteach a whole bunch of stuff because a 235 is different than a C-150. 
For example, pattern speed for a C-150 is 65 mph -- what is it for a 235? 
What is the difference in Vx, Vy, best glide etc. What are the procedures for 
"engine out" in a 235? All of these things you already know or should know 
for the C-150. You will have to relearn all that stuff for a check ride in 
the 235 and you are so close to taking one now it would probably be better to 
take the rest of your training in the C-150, pass your checkride, then do a 
transition in the 235 with your instructor without the checkride hanging over 
your head.

I'm not saying this is an impossible task, but you will spend more time 
getting proficient in the 235 in order to pass the checkride.  BTW, your 
flight instructor will probably want to spend a few hours with a 235 
owner/pilot getting checked out in it before he starts giving you instruction 
in it. It would be the wise thing to do. My recommendation would be to finish 
up in the C150 because that will be the fastest route to the private pilot 
certificate and then transistion to the 235.

The comments about insurance are correct. You will probably be uninsurable 
for the next 100-200 hours of flying, simply because of your limited flight 
time/ experience. 

Jeff Edwards
ATP/ CFII/ MEI/ DPE
Aircraft Accident Investigator
AvSafe.com

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
LML website:   http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
LML Builders' Bookstore:   http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair

Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>