Reply-To: <DougWaddingham@worldnet.att.net>
From: "Doug Waddingham" <DougWaddingham@worldnet.att.net>
To: "Lancair List" <Lancair.list@olsusa.com>
Subject: Converting to a MKII tail
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 1998 22:13:57 -0700
Message-Id: <19981112051332.WWO9342@default>
Mime-Version: 1.0

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Posting for Bo Thisted who asked about converting to a MKII tail.

Bo - yes it is possible to convert from the small to the big tail. It's not
going to be easy though and I doubt it is something I would do myself. I
bought a kit in '96 and all they offered was the MKII tail so I didn't have
a choice. If I did though I think I may have opted for the smaller tail.
Friends of mine who are flying say it is just fine although I think getting
some dual from Don Goetz up in Redmond would prbably be a good thing to do.

Some considerations: (1) Are the antennae glassed into the existing H.
Stab? If so you'll need to find another location for them as the MKII is
made of carbon fiber and they won't work in that material. (2) The "saddle"
on which the stab sits is not large enough for the new stab with the result
that you will need to do major surgery to get it to fit. I think this will
also affect your vertical stab and rudder as well. 

I'm still in the first half of the building process myself but the
modification you propose seems to me to be about as complex as they get.  I
believe it would take a considerable amount of time although someone with
more experience than me might find it an interesting challenge.

Good luck and happy flying

Doug