From: BOBPAS26@aol.com
Message-ID: <a2.13d99936.2826f617@aol.com>
Date: Sun, 6 May 2001 14:46:47 EDT
Subject: Re: Upcoming Factory Visit-Component Order
To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
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In a message dated 5/6/01 12:38:14 AM Eastern Daylight Time, 
Adam Molny writes:
 
...I will be visiting the factory the week after
 next to finalize my order (i.e. write a BIG check) and pick out the
 options. My question is, which optional items should I get through
 Lancair? ..

Adam,

Jim White and I are building two IV-P's as a team. We have bought a number of 
components with the kit, and many more since, from Lancair. Almost all of it 
has been absolutely first quality for the price, IMHO. In two cases where we 
received defective parts, they were cheerfully exchanged at no cost. The 
service, reliability and timeliness have been excellent, and the stuff 
Lancair sends works/can be used as intended. You'll almost certainly need to 
use Aircraft Spruce and several other reliable outfits for some parts. 
Biggest issue for me has been making sure what I order is what I need and 
will work as intended. It is possible to buy better and/or cheaper equivalent 
components in some cases, but the cost savings is usually negligable and I 
haven't been able to justify it in most cases where I did an analysis.

Having said that, consider the "shelf life" of things you're considering 
buying now, and when you will need the part during the building cycle. I 
realize you Legacy builders measure building time in half-days, but for the 
rest of us who work on the regular calendar, this is a biggie, and it may be 
so for you as well. Specifically, lots of airplane stuff deteriorates with 
time, even on the shelf. Other things are easily damaged by laying around the 
shop. Buy these things when you need them unless you are concerned about 
future availability. (I put anything that is uniquely required to complete 
the airplane that has a single source in this category--buy these things with 
your kit, and stay after Lancair/the supplier if they are backordered on 
initial delivery) Additionally, many large/complex components are being 
upgraded all the time--especially engines and avionics. In addition to 
allowing you to use your money for other things in the near term, delaying 
the purchase will give you the latest/best equipment in most cases--although 
sometimes at a higher price as well.

Last consideration is financing. You might want to buy the big components 
together to simplify financing, and accept that you'll have valuable stuff 
sitting around gathering dust while you build. 

Last thing--be sure to make a list and wrap/secure/store stuff where you can 
find it again whenever you receive it--or perhaps I'm the only one to have 
ordered something I already have, only to discover the original hidden away 
for future use in a "secure" spot. (Fortunately not the engine)

This isn't the detailed list you probably hoped for, but perhaps it will help 
you get through the Lancair candy store--you'll enjoy the trip no matter how 
big a basket you push out.

Good luck on your Legacy!

Bob Pastusek
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LML website:   http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
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Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
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