From: marv@lancair.net
Subject: Re: [Fwd: Legacy Test Pilot Recommendation]
To: lml
Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2008 21:38:05 -0400
Message-ID: <web-2813788@logan.com>
In-Reply-To: <47E4647C.9050906@cox.net>
References: <47E4647C.9050906@cox.net>
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Posted for Mark Davis <marksdavis@cox.net>:

  
  I can very strongly recommend Josh Brungardt as a first flight Legacy test
pilot. I had the good luck to draw Josh as instructor for my insurance (and
good sense) required initial training at Lancair and was impressed with both
his ability with the Legacy (I believe he can fly it in his sleep) as well as
his thoroughness, knowledge and great attitude.  He subsequently agreed to do
my first flight last week and, as far I am concerned, earned every penny of
his fee. My Legacy is powered by a Lycoming IO-540 with dual electronic
ignition systems (seemed like a good idea at the time).  Josh's preflight
inspection and engine runup were very thorough and complete with a few
problems needing to be corrected before first flight.  Soon after takeoff and
after turning downwind somewhere between 1 and 2K feet, Josh experienced
fairly impressive engine surging (read definitely attention getting) and
successfully returned for an uneventful landing on the cross runway.  We then
downloaded the engine data from the engine monitor and after Josh massaged the
data and analyzed it overnight we found that the ignition was clearly the
source of the engine rapidly quiting and restarting.  He then helped with
pulling the prop to confirm the problem with the ignition trigger sensors.
  All in all,  a great job of flying a sick engine on a first flight and then
being a great resource in diagnosing the problem.  I am very grateful for all
of his help.
  As followup, although the problem with the ignitions was related to my
installation efforts, I'm uncomfortable that I could fix it with any long term
confidence it their reliability. They have already been removed and will be
replaced with magnetos before the second flight.
  
  Mark Davis
  Legacy #162