Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net> (Marvin Kaye)
To: lml
Date: Tue, 08 Apr 2003 21:21:21 -0400
Message-ID: <redirect-2110669@logan.com>
From: "Walter Dodson" <wdodson@bak.rr.com>
References: <list-2106520@logan.com>
Subject: Re: New Lancair Model  (FG?)
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Folks,
  I was there for the first flight just by chance.  The IV-P I built was in
Redmond for avionics work on the beautiful Sierra 2000 panel they built.
The pressurization seems to be inop.  That's another story 'cause we are
also having paint and upholstery done in Bend by Tom Connors and Jim
Griffin.
  Peter Stiles took the new machine up and I just happened to wander down to
the "stealth hangar" as he was ready to start.  Mark Mahnke, Tim Ong and the
rest of the small crew were doing the last minute things, conversing with
Peter about the coming flight and the systems.
  After start Peter taxied out for a high speed test, turned around and took
off.  It looked and sounded sweet.  There were no wheel pants or fairings on
the gear for the flight but Peter said the speeds were good.  I don't
remember his numbers.  They flew it again later and really didn't stop
flying right up to departure time for Sun & Fun.
  I was amazed at how fast they built the plane.  I was up there with Hal
Woodruff and Pat Bruenner only a month before and wondered how they were
going to make Florida in time for the show.  They did work alot of overtime
to get it finished and it does look good.
  I, too, believe it will sell many kits to those who know the RV spam can
series can be beat by a good margin.  In my mind the final finish of the
airplane will sell it.  There are no rivets!
Walter Dodson  IV-P  N990Y  in paint
ps:  On the earlier visit they (jokingly) asked us to sign non-disclosure
forms upon pain of who knows
       what penalty.  It is amazing what a little well placed pressure can
do...