In a message dated 8/17/2007 2:33:48 P.M. Central Daylight Time, marv@lancair.net writes:

Bought a 360 . Long story, Price was good. Now the bad. I can't seem to
keep my right foot off the brake on landing and takeoff, Size 10 shoe ,
shouldn't be the problem! Also very squirly on both. POH seems not to have
all the answers. If any of you could help me out with number and flap postions
that work best for you. I would be appreciative. POH and previous owner
doesn't seem to help.. If no input from you guy I think I'll check the
rigging against the book. Not enough rudder, seems to be one of the big
problems. No news there I guess. I have over 750 of high performance time
in half dozen aircraft. And 25 hours in a 4P and this is a bigger handfull
than all of them so far....... JP

JP,

Where are you at? Some local 320/360 pilots could give you pointers......

1. Apply power slowly as the overpowered 360 series demonstrates very strong left turning tendencies at quick power applications. Does nice torque rolls, too (not like breakfast rolls).

2. Yes, the rudder is not, uh, effective at slow forward speeds - like below 40 Kts. That is not a problem -- some of us call it a feature.

3. Glad to hear that you have recognized that the joy of flying 320/360 series aircraft requires that you pay a price when forced to step outside of your personal comfort zone - she ain't no STC'd speed slug that was designed to fix problems created by mentally lazy pilots.

4. "Squirly!" Squirreliness suppression is an art form. Eventually your hands and feet realize that quick, forceful movements are behind the response curve of a Lancair, creating pilot induced oscillation (PIO), and your extremities will learn that small, thoughtful pre-planned stick and rudder movements will be rewarded by the squirrels leaving you alone.

5. Number and flaps positions are obtained from that other POH, the Kama Sutra. There are as many combinations as there are Lancair pilots assuming the position. Some like to land with 2/3 flaps, others like full flaps. Many faulty landings occur because too much power and/or speed are in play. Everything changes depending on whether or not you have the original main wheel donuts or a shock absorbing device like the TK5's or Spry dampened springs. Those thing affect skittishness, attitude and attitude. Some pilots like to reduce power all the way to touchdown, some like to retract the flaps at touchdown. Some like to achieve the Nirvana of a full stall landing (ex C152 trainees) only to find that the precision of applying corrections to all of the variables vary from day to day, moment to moment.

6. The 4P is a big airplane with mass and momentum allowing the mind to drift a little on landing. The 320 series goes where the mind goes - if there is drift, the plane will drift. Near the runway, the fancy HUD is looking out the window.

I know that this doesn't help you one bit. But, there is no joy greater than the speed and responsiveness of these wee Lancairs whilst flitting about the sky. It is only the kiss of Mother Earth that disrupts the caress of the atmosphere.

If you can't find happiness in a Lancair, there are institutions ..... well, need I say more?

Grayhawk

Look before you leap.

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