Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net> (Marvin Kaye)
To: lml
Date: Sun, 02 Feb 2003 15:34:32 -0500
Message-ID: <redirect-2007053@logan.com>
From: Joseph Bartels <n427jb@bellsouth.net>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Subject: Response to Doug Pohl
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Mr. Pohl has brought forward comments about a conversation I had with an
potential Aero-Cool customer.  The customer began extolling the virtues
of the EngineAir engine.  He went on to tell about how much he trusted
the engine and how he planned to use his EngineAir powered aircraft for
night IFR use.  I explained that I had been a customer of EngineAir
earlier on in its program and that EngineAir could not deliver the
product on time.  I stated that Jim Rahm had refunded fully my deposit
and that we had left on favorable terms.  I further explained that
EngineAir's product did not have a positive history to date and that to
insure his ability to fly more than repair and engineer he should
perhaps obtain another engine such as the Continental or Walter
Turbine.  I asked the gentleman to contact Tom Zedeker for specifics as
to those problems Tom had experienced.  Information regarding how many
"dead sticks" Mr. Pohl experienced never came up.  The number of "dead
sticks" that Tom Zedeker experienced did come up, as well as other well
known failures.  While Mr. Pohl may be under the mistaken  impression
that my comments to his friend were made to so that Lancair may gain
financially from the sale of another engine, let me reassure him, his
friend and those reading these comments that our customers are more than
customers.  Our customers become our friends and family.  We do not wish
any of our friends and family members to fly IFR behind any engine which
does not have a substantial and well proven safety history.  While we
may not be "pleasingly perfect in every way," we endeavor to become so.
I believe that the vast majority of our Lancair IV customers wish to use
their aircraft for fun and reliable transportation.  My understanding of
the reliability, so far, of the EngineAir engine/gearbox combination
does not lead me to the belief that currently that combination can be
used with any great degree of reliability.

Finally, the code of conduct which Mr. Pohl espouses should not call for
hiding or misrepresenting facts.  When the EngineAir product reaches the
degree of reliability and safety that both the Continental, Lycoming and
Walter engines have, I will be the first to promote its use in Lancairs.

Joe Bartels