Message-ID: <36AFDE1E.575AE600@atlantic.net>
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 1999 22:48:46 -0500
From: "Robert J. Stia" <rnr@atlantic.net>
To: "lancair.list@olsusa.com" <lancair.list@olsusa.com>
Subject: Re: ES manual mistakes
References: <001201be4a28$37fb0ea0$31371e26@u2kmz>
Mime-Version: 1.0

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Mark & the rest of you fine Lancair Builders,

Please remember that we are building an "Experimental" class of
airplane. Dan O'Brien pointed out a "mistake" ??? And it is good that
some of you found out before it was "too late" ??  Too late for what? To
crash and burn??   Hmmmm.... I don't think so!  Although that is good
that these little things are brought out about horizontal stabilizer
incidence etc. and we are at a point that we can make these
"adjustments", that is even better. But,let me tell you that in the end
product it doesn't really make that big a difference. Several ES's
including mine are out there flying and are an absolute joy.

The Lancair ES Manual doesn't tell you to add two fuel bays. In fact
they don't recommend that you do so. One bay? OK! two bays????  Welll,
that wing hasn't been tested for that load. You are on your own.
Experimental is the name of the game. So please don't get mad at them
for revisions you made.

I am not defending Lancair as I also found several "questionable" things
that put me on the telephone with them during my building experience. I
can tell you this though; they have always been helpful and ready to
work out a solution for you. There have been many revisions during the
time I built my airplane and I can tell you for a fact that many of them
were brought about through builder problems and suggestions. I used to
get telephone calls; Bob, How did you end up setting the flap attachment
brackets in the wing? We've been thinking that maybe we ought to
change..... etc. How much did your finished wings weigh ? (190 lbs. for
those who are interested) Your Manual today is a far cry from the early
manuals. Believe me when I tell you this.

By the time you receive your fuselage kit you will receive the 3rd or
fourth revision of various fairings. New revised parts! Mostly gear leg 
and nose wheel fairings. You will save far more than the 15 to 20 hours
you lost in not having to make the old fairings fit well. They don't
have to do that !! And you know what? If you call them up and say you
have a problem with a fit or a bolt length, or whatever, and they have
made a revision to that item? You get the new one! No charge!! Again,
they don't have to do that. My hat is off to them for builder support.

I really think that we should be thankful that as Lancair builders we
receive the support that we do. Talk to builders of other kit planes. I
am sure you will find major problems. It's kind of like when your child
brings home a "D" on his report card. We rant and rave and carry on. But
when that child produces an "A", man oh man, DO WE EVER FLYYYYYY.....

Keep on building guys. Don't get frustrated. It will be all forgotten
when you Baby flies for the first time.

Bob Stia   N96ES