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

Reposted for :"Lance" <lancen@lancair.com>

     Here’s a short note to you all, and by the way, nobody is being “quiet” at the factory, just hard at work – simply ask and ye shall receive.  It’s also worth noting that we didn’t have upholstery in the PropJet either so there must have been some “upholstery problem” as well!  Actually, the new, revised version of the 601E that Walter agreed to build for us has a new bleed-air source that we much prefer.  That was the reason for not
installing pressurization until now – we got the new engine a few weeks ago. That engine is now installed and after preliminary flight tests, this new bleed air source only raises the ITT by 8 degrees and the “hot and High” mod to the engine actually drops the ITT by 20 – 30 degrees so it looks to be a great version.  Consequently, we’re quite a bit ahead of the power game with this greatly enhanced engine.  Pressurization is looking to be quite simple now, with no flow-pack required.  Standard new airframes should see 125 – 127 gallons total.  In a perfect world with a 45 min. IFR reserve, climbing to FL240, one could reach out 880 nm, if you slowed to an economy cruise, you’d go even farther but you don’t buy this plane planning to slow down! Interesting: The direct operating cost for an 800 mile trip is nearly identical between the piston and turbine, less than twelve dollars more for the PropJet.  How possible you say?  The overhaul cost / hr is actually less for the Walter, fuel cost/gallon is less, tires and brakes need less replacing (switching into beta on touchdown is very effective), and oil consumption is less (simply change every 300 hrs and there’s virtually no consumption). With a far lighter engine on one side and more fuel that’s heavier on the other, there is another interesting way to look at things: For any given long leg (say 800 nm) with all else equal, you’ll be taking off 125 lbs heavier in the PropJet – but you’ve got twice the available hp! I think that will get the classic “yippee” from good old Roy Lopresti!   But  the part I really like is knowing that everything is smoothly spinning in  the same direction inside this engine, a comforting thought to an old guy like me!  If you think we “at the factory” are jazzed with this new model Lancair … you’re right!
 Lance

LML website:   http://members.olsusa.com/mkaye/maillist.html
LML Builders' Bookstore:   http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair
Please remember that purchases from the Builders' Bookstore
assist with the management of the LML.

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