----- 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