Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net> (Marvin Kaye)
To: lml
Date: Sun, 02 Feb 2003 15:36:21 -0500
Message-ID: <redirect-2007060@logan.com>
From: AVIDWIZ@aol.com
Subject: NEW OWNER AT LANCAIR - An Open Letter to Mr. Bartel
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Gentlemen:  
I have been absent form the list for some time as I have been deep into a 
movie and little time to read emails.  So to catch up, I'll post some replys 
now to various topics:

CONGRATULATIONS to Joe Bartel.   I think that a business minded person is 
exactly what Lancair's Kit Division needs.   Better yet an Attorney will 
realize that things overlooked in the past could spell expensive litigation 
in the future.  Examples are:

a) Not recommedning very early on a retracting shoulder harness when everyone 
knows you can't reach the fuel selector wearing the "factory " harness.  This 
was corrected by Lancair but only after one of us died whose life could have 
been possibly saved if he had a shoulder harness on.  (See previous posts of 
N424E Crash)

b) Knowing that air bag units are available on passenger aircraft and yet 
none are available for our planes.  Face it guys, a sudden stop at 75 Kts is 
gonna be dangerous no matter what.   I understand Lancair is FINALLY looking 
into the AMSAFE air bags but in the case of two crashes I know of, these 
devices were available and yet never adapted to the Lancair line.  
Why....maybe the time it took to work out a deal would take them away from 
inventing two seat mexican airforce trainers?

c) If you check my post from 8 months ago you'll see some info I received 
from TKS saying that they had a dialog years ago with Lancair about this 
de-ice system for the IVP but Lancair was un-willing to help with the R&D 
costs.  Again developing new ideas were placed in front of refining existing 
ones.   I just received an email from Lancair stating that they were now 
offering a TKS system.   This came just days after Mr. Bartel took control of 
the company.   I would like to think we may have him to thank for this 
development and that this will set the tone for improvements to come.

For me I think some fresh blood, some new ideas and some real concerns for 
safety are in order.  Since the new owner flys a Lancair himself and was a 
former customer, I know we all expect things to improve.

Finally, Joe look at the people you now employ carefully.  Sort out the 
idiots and send them to work at Burger King.  Hang onto the gems.  Don't be 
fooled by a big smile and a lot of telling you what you want to hear.  CROSS 
EXAMINE them about what they do and how they have helped the company and its 
customers.   While you're at it, my humble suggestion is you give Vern in the 
parts dept. a gold watch.  He has done more for customer relations in my 
experience than anyone.  promote him, have him set the standard along with 
those in Bend who are truly devoted to the cause and to you and your companys 
success.   I don't know that many of your employees but the people behind the 
company ARE the company.

Good luck Joe and we are all pulling for you.

Dave Riggs