I have spent countless hours analyzing several aspects of our sport in Lancairs since 9/19, and one thing needs to be mentioned.

 

Just how do we intend to get out of our aircraft after a disaster if we are on our backs?

 

I looked over my Legacy carefully, and came to two conclusions:

 

1)  I will not let the interior “experts” talk me out of a cargo restraining net when I rebuild.  You should see what happened to my brief case and thermos, and I went relatively straight ahead and ended up fairly right side up!  I had planned a cargo restraining net for turbulence, etc, but got talked out of it………….not this time.

 

2)  The composite skin and canopy on my Legacy was extremely strong. I was not prepared to cut my way out, and would not have been able to….this “stuff” is tuff.  I am going to install an opening rear window this time around in order to have a way out.  Also, I am looking at a neat knife (www.buckknives.com) called the “Tiburon”.  I found a picture of it in the Sept copy of Sport Aviation, page 115 along with a good article on what it is capable of.

 

After I came to rest, the sound of fuel pouring from the ruptured left wing tank was an awesome sound as I thought of the hot engine under me.  My puny fire extinguisher was not much of a comfort considering the volume of fuel, but I had it ready.  Fortunately for me, my canopy opened normally, and there was no fire.

 

Maybe if I get prepared, I will never have to use my special features?  Once is quite enough for me, thank you very much, but I shall prepare better this time around!

 

Ron