Posted for "Joe Bartels" <JoeB@lancair.com>:

Marv:

Please post the following:

Listers:

Lancair has been a passion of mine since I first saw the IV in 1992. I was
lucky enough to become its owner in 2003. I have had many problems to address
to bring Lancair into the 21st century. Some of you may not think well of
what changes I have instituted or how pricing may have to reflect the
realities of today's increasing costs associated with insurance, materials,
labor, regulations and litigation. The fact is I would love to sell for
cost.....but then you would not have Lancair around for very long. In order
to keep the 55+ employees working we have to make a profit.

I brought this attention to myself when I asked what Lancair could do to have
a better chance at getting our own customer's avionics business. I learned a
lot from those who were kind enough to share their thoughts with me. I am
working more closely with my avionics department to make sure that we are as
competitive as we can be while still maintaining enough profit to warrant
continuing in that portion of our business. Jeff Edwards said it best when he
commented as follows:

"I purchased a panel from Lancair Avionics in 2002. I got a bid from
Aerotronics that was comparable to Lancair. I chose Lancair for the following
reason: If Lancair is around for a long time I will have support for my
aircraft in the future. If Lancair does not survive in this competitive market
then support for the airframe goes away. Radio shops will not support your
airframe."

Jeff understands that profit keeps a company open. What Jeff did not say is
that other avionics shops aren't engineering new airframes nor are they
maintaining airframe inventory parts to keep your Lancairs operating. They
don't have tech personnel available to take your calls on airframe issues.
They have not developed programs that help you get insurance. Their overhead
is less and they require less profit to operate because they have but one area
of service to offer. Now, having said that, NOTHING THAT I HAVE SAID SHOULD
EXCUSE LANCAIR AVIONICS FROM PUTTING OUT SUB-STANDARD WORK, BEING OVERPRICED
OR NOT BEING RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF OUR CUSTOMERS. You see, I need your
input so that I can make sure that those employees who work for me will
conduct themselves in such a manner as to gain, and maintain, your respect and
confidence.

There are many of you who know I am an attorney. I am proud of that part of
my life. I have helped thousands of individuals who placed their personal
needs in my care, custody and control. The fact that my education and
training may offend some is truly unfortunate. It may be that I come across
in an aggressive manner and for that reason I sincerely apologize. I guess I
have to restrain my enthusiasm for finding a solution to each and every
problem that my customers may present and just accept their position whether
it financially benefits Lancair or not.

So please, should you have a problem with any aspect of Lancair, call me
(504-439-2901) anytime. I may or may not agree with you, but I will listen
and I will try to direct you to another at Lancair if I cannot help you. No
one should be so fraught with fear so as to hide their identity in any message
placed on the LML. Neither will anyone expressing their position in writing be
denied any service that Lancair offers. That is your right. I trust none of
you will feel the need to respond in such a fashion again.

Thanks for listening.

Joseph C. Bartels, CEO
Lancair International, Inc.