On average (if there is such a thing), how many man hours does it take to complete the construction of a Lancair IV-P?

 

 Well, as my mother in law used to say, this is a deep subject... but I can't resist opening the bidding. When I started my IV-P in 1999, the marketing words were "... 3000 hours or so," but most "real" builders at the time were saying this was well less than required for the "average" builder. At 5000+ hours and some to go, I would say twice that (6,000 hours) is probably closer to to the mark. I consider myself an average builder, and should come in somewhere around 6,000 hours. My partner and I built two together and we realized some savings and efficiencies that were negated in part by the "re-do's" to improve various parts, and the addition of air conditioning, etc.

 

Looking back (and forward), I believe that one of these beauties could be built in 3,000 hours, but to do this, you'd need some significant experience in composite construction, wiring and basic aircraft systems; and a couple of Lancair building projects under your belt. And if you are building for the first time, and to the standards of some of our friends, 6,000 hours is probably not enough!

 

So this is an opening gambit. The standard deviation on the "average" you seek, due to differences in experience and objectives---and other intangibles-- is huge. I solicit the views of others!

 

Bob Pastusek