Bryan asks, “what does that mean for Lancair’s future?” if the IV series becomes uninsurable.

More germane to me is the question of owning a $500k asset that is uninsurable.   And if I don’t want it because it is uninsurable, then who would?

Right now, I’m happy to have the privilege of paying almost $10k per year to insure N413AJ.  I hope it stays insurable and the rate doesn’t continue to increase.

As we discuss safety and slow flight and spins and knowing the characteristics of an individual planes and etc., I flashed back to my time in the USAF.

I logged about 1,000 hours as an F4 back-seater.  We practiced the ejection sequence on a mechanical trainer.  One would pull the handle and then launch up a rail for maybe 25 feet.  It was nothing at all like the bone crushing ejection sequence of a real Martin-Baker ejection seat.  We parasailed behind jeeps and practiced Parachute Landing Falls (PLFs).  We parasailed behind speed boats and cut loose and landed in the water where we inflated life rafts then got “rescued” by helicopters.  

But they never let us jump out of a real plane.  It was too risky.  Some of us (not me) went to Fort Benning and got jump wings.  The Air Force didn’t really condone it.  Too risky.

We did not spin the F4.  Once a guy got into a flat spin in an F4, you would just bail out.  First you would follow the checklist: “Stick Forward, Ailerons and Rudder Neutral.  If not recovered, maintain full forward stick and deploy drag chute.”  Then you would get out because the F4 just plain would not recover from a flat spin.

So we simply avoided spins.

Everyone I knew who used the Martin Baker ejection seat, with its explosive zero zero ejection capability, got injured.  But they survived.  They might have a couple of limbs in casts for a while or a bad back for the rest of their lives, but at least they survived.  (Whatever you do, do not look down to make sure your seat belt is tight just before your back seater pulls the ejection handle.)

So, for me personally, knowing that stalling my IV may result in an unrecoverable spin, especially if I’m in uncoordinated flight at the entrance, makes me a little more inclined to not poke imprudently at the edge of the envelope.  Even if you could get out of the plane (I don’t believe you can) you don’t have an ejection seat.   And a parachute won’t help if you stall in your base to final leg, or anywhere close to the ground.

So I’ll continue to fly fast, even in the pattern, so I can go home and see the Farmer’s Daughter after I fly.
   
John Hafen
IVP N413AJ  Only 75 hours

On 8/31/08 4:49 AM, "Bryan Wullner" <vonjet@gmail.com> wrote:

If the IV is or becomes un-insurable what does that mean for Lancair's future?  I would think insurance companies would just start adding other Lancair models to the list of un-insurables too.  

Whats wrong with mandatory initial training?

Bryan



On Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 4:11 PM,  <vtailjeff@aol.com> wrote:

John, Bryan & other like minded individuals,

In case you have been living on another planet these last few months you may not be aware of the crisis our deceased Lancair brethren have created.

1. If you own a Lancair IV series aircraft you have been informed by AIG that they will not renew your insurance policy due to the Lancair losses this past year (and not all Lancair losses are IV's). Although I was paying over $7000/ year for hull and liability-- I may not be able to get it at all. Thank you very much.

2. The FAA is seriously considering making mandatory initial training by an approved CFI prior to acting as PIC. Thank you very, very much.

These aircraft are not toys. Please fly responsibly. We do not need any more accidents. If you post your stuff on youtube.com--do not be shocked that someone thinks negatively of you actions.


Best Regards,

Jeff



-----Original Message-----
From: marv@lancair.net
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Sent: Thu, 28 Aug 2008 1:53 pm
Subject: [LML] Legacy video

Posted for "Jon Socolof" <jsocolof@ershire.com>:

 Hi,
 
 
 
 I've never posted on the LML before but I'd like to respond to those unhappy
 with the Legacy videos.
 
 
 
 I posted a video of my Legacy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htM9K3BwXbU and
 what you see is a "low approach" directly over the runway a maneuver that is
 perfectly legal and safe. Everybody I have met that has seen the video has
 enjoyed it.  I'm sorry that some feel it demonstrates reckless behavior, I
 simply disagree. I built my airplane to enjoy and I'm proud of the video we
 shot.  For those that may be unhappy with my video I'd rather you just
 appreciate it for what it is and go on your way without comment.
 
 
 
 Jon Socolof
 
 Legacy 212XP
 
--

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