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Date: Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:14:27 -0400
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From: "Bob Smiley" <rsmiley2@centurytel.net>
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Subject: Re: [LML] Your best modification/upgrade etc.
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----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Roger Iverin" <roger@iverin.com>
To: <lml@lancaironline.net>
Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 5:30 AM
Subject: [LML] Your best modification/upgrade etc.

My best Mod, the one I most appreciated was the NACA air duct installed in 
the vertical stab together with an air plenum with a low end with a water 
drain in the vertical stab and rear tail cone area. I then installed a half 
tube formed from a split pvc pipe about 4 inches OD affixed on the top 
underside of the fuselage forward along the fuselage seam which was duct 
taped and a one bid fiberglass layup applied which became the permanent air 
tube forward.  I then constructed an air box just behind the fuselage 
rollover bar imediately behind the canopy and above the seat back.  This air 
box also contained two fans, two air vents, adjustable of course, cockpit 
lighting for each seat with a dimmer control and connetion points for two 
Bose headsets which were also hung from this unit when not in use.  I also 
attached the shoulder harnesses to this box.  Much more comfortable but in 
hindsight probably inneffective should the harnesses be put to the test. 
More reinforcement would be required.
Bottom line is I really appreciated that cool air in the hot days in the 
southwest and on the hot runways, holding for clearance.

Auto management fuel system is also a very nice addition. Really reduces 
fuel management worries.  Another important eature is a two axis auto pilot. 
For the life  of me, I do not know how you can comfortably manage your 
cockpit, flight planning, reading maps and control such a hot nimble 
aircraft  without at least a wing leveler.  Just a few seconds of 
inadvertant attention and you could be in a significant spiral.

On a later date I installed an ATD device to be alerted of nearby 
transponders.  I installed it in year four and it saved my bacon.  The Big 
Sky Theory does not work.

I was on flight following about 125 miles from Pendleton, OR on a popular 
VOR.  Very remote area when I got an audible "Traffi Alert" warning which 
means I am within 1/2 mile from another transponder..  Looking around I 
found nothing.  Called center, they said "I only see one blip".  I told 
center I would turn 90 degrees right and a slow 500 fpm descent for one 
minute then resume course.  I turned on course, looked to my left and high 
and there was a Cessna 210.  apparently I was on top of him and he below me 
and Center did not call me about the convergence.   Hmmmmmm.  That incident 
told me the $600 was worth it.

So the short list is:

Air ventilation on the back of your head,
Auto fuel management system,
At least a wing leveler but preferably a two axis auto pilot connected to a 
GPS.
Air Traffic Detector.  Do not rely on center to be your eyes.

Bob Smiley
N94RJ