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Hi Dick,

I think you'd find that there are lots of people out there who have built
these aircraft with no other outside source of information, their sole
guiding lights being the factory manuals and the good sense that God gave
them.  The LML is simply an opportunity for all of us curmudgeons to
improve on an already excellent product.  While there have been oversights
in the manuals and areas that could be handled differently, the number of
aircraft out there which are flying after being built solely according to
the instructions are many, so I wouldn't concern myself too much about not
being able to get the project done without the complete reinvention of the
wheel.  Besides, you've got the LML now, and as good a place as any to get
an answer to any question which might arise.  As to items like the brake
lines... there are plenty of airplanes out there using the factory
recommended components, the vast majority I would say.  Being an engineer
myself, I feel that there's a better way and that's what I'm going to do,
not because I have to or because the factory system doesn't work, but
because I want to.

As for your wanting to have the penultimate manual that tells you every
last step, I'm afraid there is no such animal.  Oh, there might be for a
much simpler aircraft, but when it comes to airplanes like the Lancairs,
there are just too many variables that are up to the builder for any one
book to be able to supply you with all the answers.  These are, after all,
complex experimental aircraft, and part of the deal is that they are
supposed to provide an educational experience... being an engineer you
should be able to appreciate the fact that there are no complex projects
which can be handled from start to finish with reference to only a single
road map.  This is no different, and you'll need to pull information
together from many places in order to complete the project.  There's
nothing wrong with that, though, and it should be expected rather than
disdained...

As for big design decisions, I wouldn't worry about that at all... if you
follow the factory recommendations as far as engine and systems are
concerned, you'll be travelling down a pretty well worn path.  And when it
comes to airframe, that's already cast in plastic, if you get my meaning.
While there are many details that are left up to the builder, it is
possible to farm out certain areas and provide yourself with completed
assemblies that you simply install into your airframe.  The panel is an
excellent example of that, as there are so many possibilities and
permutations of the various instruments and avionics out there, you might
be better off having a pro do that job and pass on that part of the design
work to someone who does it for a living.  Ditto for the interior and
paint.  That way all you'd need to do is decide on which configuration of
instruments suits your flying style and the mission you define for your
airplane, and let someone else do the nuts and bolts part which isn't laid
out step-by-step in the manual.

I hope this helps allay some of your concerns, and that you'll reconsider
your position on the manuals... they simply aren't as bad as you think they
might be.  If you're really serious about building one of these things I'd
recommend that you order the manuals for the model of your choice from the
factory and read through them... you'll be amazed at the detail which is
included.

   <Marv>