Sorry Guys, I got his test pilot wrong. It was Mike Larkin. Below is Stuart's words he asked me to post:


After 4 years 8 months of work, yesterday afternoon at around 1630 Lancair Legacy N54NE took off into a beautiful sunny California sky under the command of Mike Larkin.

As many of you know it is a very surreal feeling to finally transition from the owner of a kit to being the proud owner of an airplane.  And for those that are still building I can only say the rewards at the end are huge so don't despair - KEEP building.  It will get done!

Thanks to everyone that has been so helpful during the building process.

Enormous thanks to Mike Larkin (fellow Legacy builder & Performance Engine owner) for doing the first flight.

N54NE is powered by a Lycoming IO-580 (Angle Valve) by Performance Engines 400+ hp. (10:1 forged pistons, flow balanced, blueprinted, hot cam, dual electronic ignition, cold air induction, AirFlow Performance Fuel Servo) with an MT Propeller.  Needless to say she goes like hell!

All to the best & happy building/flying!

Stuart