There seems to be some concern regarding the availability of parts for some or all of our Lancair products.  While it is true that we will not provide all composite parts for the 235, 320 or 360 kits, most, if not all other parts are available and will remain available as long as there is adequate interest for those parts.  Likewise, all parts are available for the Legacy, IV, IV-P and ES series of kits.

 

The IV(P) product remains the fastest single engine piston aircraft available.  Anyone wishing a kit can order one today.  I cannot see how Lancair would ever wish to eliminate parts availability for its current line of kits.  Let's face it, parts sales do contribute to the bottom line and to eliminate parts for a significant kit population would speak ill to Lancair's business model.

 

BTW, yes, a new Evolution kit with a new P&W PT6A-135A, with some degree of builder assist can approach 1 mil, it is still significantly less expensive to initially acquire, insure and operate than an Epic.

 

OK..now let's discuss insurance.....This has been a very bad year for accidents.  Despite the programs that Lancair has put into place to maximize training, pilots are still using very poor judgment when exercising their piloting activities.  Weather has always been the greatest killer.  We all need to do extensive pre-flight weather planning.  Use AOPA or some other weather service.  Buy and use a Garmin 496 or some other product which provides downloadable real time weather information.  And for the sake of our families and our industry, know when to stay on the ground!  Get-home-i-tis will get you killed.  I spent 3 days in Salt Lake City last year during a winter storm.  I had a lot of good company.  There were many corporate jets sitting there as well.  Other than weather, mechanical failures seem to be next as to causal events preceding a crash.  Most recently a Lancair went down when his number 6 jug departed in flight.  Our own 199L had a catastrophic engine failure only miles from Bend, Oregon.  Our pilot maintained control all the way down and landed 50 feet short of the Bend airport.  Others haven't been so lucky.  Their lack of training or understandable fear in such an emergency has caused them to disregard their training and to try to return to the field via a 180 rather than land straight ahead.  While given sufficient altitude this might be possible, it is generally far better to land straight ahead then turn back to the field.  These events are causing us all to experience higher insurance rates.  AIG has informed me that it is its intent to continue providing insurance.  Many of you may have received notices that appear to say that you will not be renewed.  Actually, it was meant to suggest that you will not be renewed under the current policy.  I understand that new policies will be available at a $10,000.00 deductible and a 25% increase in premium.  Pete Zaccagnino, Jeff Edwards and myself will be meeting with AIG at Oshkosh.  All I can ask is that you get as much training as possible, maintain proficiency and fly as you have been trained.

 

That's enough for today.

 

Joe