<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
          <<  Lancair Builders' Mail List  >>
          <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>
I have flown both size of tails and the small tail airplane works fine
as long as the proper approach and take off speeds are observed.  There
is plenty of authority for flare and the airplanes need to be flown with
a very light touch.  Some of the problems people experience is c.g. and
trim related.  The airplanes get pitchy when loaded to the aft c.g. (or
beyond) but this has nothing to do with the tail - both versions do it!
I find that a lot of low time (and low performance) pilots don't trim
the airplane properly for approach and take off (some don't have very
good trim systems but thats a whole other subject).  If the airplane is
properly trimmed - it is MUCH easier to handle in areas of low speed.
The only area the large tail truely helps is in hands off stall recovery
- do you do this very often?  I tend to like having my hands on the
controls when stalling! -:!

Major surgery to change the tail, probably not needed (IMHO).