Posted for "David Allen" <daveandjj@hotmail.com>:

Hi Skip,
First fo all I am not denegrading the airplanes. I'm trying to let operators know what my flight testing showed. I told the builder/owner to fly it as if it's a small airliner and it would serve him well and long.

When I say it's "my belief" it just that, a working thesis. I draw that conclusion based on trend analysis. The stall/spin characteristics got dramatically worse as the CG moved aft off of the forward limit. I would expect that trend to continue. It was beyond the willingness of this owner (wisely) to test further. We didn't have a spin recovery chute installed.

I also understand that all airplanes are slightly different, especially the aging and abused T-2/T-34/T-37 trainer fleet. But the experience is generally similiar enough to draw some conclusions.
When the Lancair factory went to certify this airframe they could never get it to recover to the part 23 standards and in fact certified it as spin "resistant".

I assure you I moved the stick straight forward and used full opposite rudder. Remember, the stick is canted inboard so straight, when looking across the cockpit, doesn't really look straight. I had to reajust my grip as my eyes widened so I could really PUSH on the stick. I suppose I might have tried standing on it with my left leg had it lasted any longer....

I'm simply concluding that these aircraft do not the have stall/spin characteristics of a Citabria/152 that most of the general aviation pilot group has experienced, if at all.

I have several theories and ideas for fixes. I'm not sure I'll find a volunteer of airplane and funding to test? You can call me at 843 274 3811 if you want to discuss.  Dave