Posted for "Johs, Robert (RW)" <johsrw@dow.com>:

After 20+ hours of flight testing, I am compelled to comment on the
performance of LNC2 N233L.  N 233L is powered by a IO-320 Lyc with 10:1
compression and most of the other typical performance mods.  Cross country
speeds have been consistently in the 200-220 mph range depending on altitude
with a 24 square power setting.  The envelope has been opened to 235 mph
IAS, and while the ailerons are stiff, the airplane is very comfortable at
this speed.  I plan to further explore this end of the envelope up to Vne.
The aircraft has been slowed to 80 mph IAS during landing and is stable at
this speed in ground effect. The lower end of the envelope will be explored
after the engine is completely broken in.  Low speed handling was improved
by closing the gap between the wing stubs and the wing.  The aircraft is
comfortable in the pattern down to 100-110 mph IAS.  Flaps and power make
approaches easy to control.  Landings seem to be too easy for an airplane
with approach speeds this high, but are a welcome surprise considering some
of the postings to this newsletter.  Elevator input is light and responsive,
but not well balanced with the ailerons.  This balance was somewhat improved
by adding two inches of length to the control stick.  The factory elevator
trim mechanism was totally inadequate and required substantial re-work to
achieve satisfactory performance.  The CG envelope has been explored to near
rear limits with no adverse handling problems.  My only negative comments
include less than confidence building low speed handling, less than exciting
roll axis performance, and a attention demanding fuel management system
(header tank with transfer pumps from the wing tanks).     Over all, I am very pleased with the aircraft.  It is relatively fast, fuel
efficient (or maybe it just seems fuel efficient after feeding the 540's in
my last two Harmon Rockets), responsive, beautiful to look at, and fun to
fly.  Now, how can I make it go faster??????????
  
Rocket Man/LNC2 N233L  Robert Robert W. Johs

Dow Chemical Co. Seadrift LHC-2 ISB Leader/ODMS Coordinator 361/553-3508