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Concerning flipping the 360, I found it much more satisfying to work on the landing gear and doors when the plane was inverted.  Cutting the doors out of the belly pan was easy when inverted.  Then it needs to be upright when drilling the holes for the plate on the aft spar (to set zero toe in and to get the leg vertical).  Also for installing the flanges on the surface against which the gear doors close.  Then it's much easier to work on the rest of the gear system (floxing the groove, installing hydraulic lines in the wheel well, and other stuff) when inverted.  So you might want to add an extra flip cycle.  Also, putting the firewall flange on (against the forward deck) is best done inverted.  Also, mounting a Bob Archer nav antenna in the roof.

I'd rather spring for coffee and donuts for the EAA chapter (or beer, depending on your chapter) to come over for five minutes and flip it, rather than struggle with the plane in the wrong orientation for several months.  It's pretty easy to flip without an engine or tail.

Concerning the forward CG issue (should I switch to the extended mount, where should I put the gear pump ... ) -- I'm not an expert since I've only flown in two Lancairs.  The one with the more forward CG, specifically Orin's plane which was used to establish the new forward CG limit, is a delightful flying machine.  The other one had an aft CG and was downright scary to fly!

I'm doing everything possible to get my CG forward.  Everything.  The worst thing that could happen is that I overdo it and might have to add a pound of lead to the tailcone but I'd bet almost anything that it won't be necessary.

Don't take my word for it.  Fly in a couple of Lancairs and see for yourself.

- Rob Wolf

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