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I'm a regular reader of LML, but a canard driver. A number of months
ago, after one of the incidents in CA or somewhere, I posted that I had
seriously considered a Lancair (buying, not building) but wasn't able to
get over the impression (which means its based on anecdotal information,
not facts), that the Lancairs weren't as stabile, when low-n-slow, that
my meager piloting skills required. The posting wasn't a rant but I did
note from time to time, there seemed to be a rash of incidents that
concerned me. A day or two later, Joe B. called me and quizzed me about
a local incident that I'd referenced in the posting (that was not
published or well-known in LML circles). He was curious about the
background, pilot history, et al, but in a non-aggressive,
non-adversarial manner.
Through the lengthy conversation, Joe B. was always very calm, level
headed and in no way confrontational and was interested in the
impressions of non-Lancair pilots and why those impressions existed. He
gave me some background and explained in a non-pushy way, that the
company was hopeful that better operator and transition training, which
they were encouraging, would help mitigate the situation. Admitting I
had never ridden in a Lancair, though I've admired them from afar, he
even volunteered to check if there were any Lancair owners in my area
and he would arrange a flight for me. I declined, not because of any
concern, but from the knowledge that such an offer required massive
efforts to arrange.
My first and last impression is that Joe B. seems to be a thoughtful,
well spoken and level headed person and that Lancair is very lucky to
have such a person at its head. To be sure, not all aviation businesses
are so fortunate. Whether being a decent person who seems genuinely
interested and concerned about what the aviation crowd thinks of his
product may not ensure success, but it's a good start. Lancair people
should consider themselves fortunate---you could do worse, much worse.
Chuck Jensen
Do Not Archive -----Original Message-----
From: Lancair Mailing List [mailto:lml@lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of Marvin Kaye
Sent: Friday, August 18, 2006 5:23 AM
To: Lancair Mailing List
Subject: [LML] Re: Respect of the owner
Posted for "Lancair" <lancair@USTEK.COM>:
We have all heard the adage that the most assured way to end up with a small fortune in aviation is to start with a large one. As much as I enjoy second guessing Joe B. there is no way in hell that I would change places with him.
I spent years in cutting edge technology where no lives were at stake. In this idiot litigious country a builder could ignore the building manual and violate every FAA regulation and still sue the ass off the kit supplier. Why would anyone take on that challenge and risk? How could anyone? The first requirement is an incredible belief in the product and the second is an equally incredible ego. They go together.
I am building an incomparable aircraft with no peer in the market and I have had great support from Lancair corporate and their associates. At this point I will do what I can to give support and exposure to the Lancair employees and their products. They deserve to succeed, and when they do we all will succeed as well. If that means that I must be willing to gloss over and minimize past miscommunications then so be it. And for my fellow builders who cannot "give it a rest", just grow up and move on. And if you move on without completing your kit, then eat my dust.
Robert M. Simon,
ES-P N301ES
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