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I Add my voice to the choir. There is no
better expert to test fly a new plane than from one who has gone before.
Builders are just that, builders first and flyers and test pilots later.
Ask yourself, would you intentionally crash your plane to save your bacon or try
to save the plane and ultimately lose your life? This question during the
pucker factor experience may cost you your life.
I personally have a friend who built an immaculate
Lionheart biplane, was not practiced in taildraggers and biplanes, a former
airline pilot. He flew the maiden voyageof this some $400,000
jewel(uninsured), 45 minutes in an amazing aircraft, made his approach to
landing, touched down and entered into a classic ground loop. He is lucky
to be alive because the right landing gear failed, right lower fuel tank caught
on fire which allowed him to escape out the only exit out the left rear door
with the fuselage protecting him from the flames. Injury, a scratched
finger, lost the total airplane as it melted down to nothing on 01 at PWT
Bremerton, WA, and his pride. Had the left wheel collapsed the story would
have a different ending. His wife is also grateful.
These machines are not toys and can bite you
hard. Don't play invincible. This macho talk about a wedding
night and all that jazz is nonsense. You have wives, children, probably
grandchildren and have given birth to a new baby, your new airplane.
Doctors deliver babies. Have Drs. Goetz, Morss, Weeldryer and others who
have direct experience in lancairs do the delivery. You will be pleased
with the results and the experience.
Been there, done that and much wiser.
Bob Smiley
N94RJ
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