Return-Path: Received: from [65.33.166.167] (account ) by logan.com (CommuniGate Pro WebUser 4.0b7) with HTTP id 1736085 for ; Wed, 18 Sep 2002 00:56:24 -0400 From: "Marvin Kaye" Subject: Re: [LML] Need Help - Which Lancair is capable of "safe" IFR? To: lml X-Mailer: CommuniGate Pro Web Mailer v.4.0b7 Date: Wed, 18 Sep 2002 00:56:24 -0400 Message-ID: In-Reply-To: <012d01c25ec7$ab6f5be0$6401a8c0@bendcable.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1"; format="flowed" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Posted for "Timothy Ong" : Bill, The carbon fiber is not what gives the Columbia it's lightning protection. It has a metal mesh built into the critical surfaces. Additionally everything is grounded to the engine. There are bonding straps to all bearing blocks of the control surfaces which are also grounded. The paint can be only certain thicknesses in certain areas; otherwise, you lose the protection of the mesh. BTW the columbia wing is e-glass. Only the spars contain carbon fiber...that is strickly for strength. Also, the ES does have carbon in the spars just like the Columbia. With all this protection, it does not guarantee the aircraft will survive a lightning strike, only give it a much better chance. Your better to buy a strike finder and stay away. Regards, Timothy Ong Lancair Tech (part time) >>> I spoke with the Lancair sales people today and found out that the ES does not have any carbon fiber in it. The Columbia 300, which is certified has carbon fiber in the wings because that is what the FAA required for IFR<<<<